lock

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References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Figure 1: Ancient Egyptian lock

Figure 2: Contemporary version of the Yale lock (Left) All pins lifted to proper height by correct key, which can be turned to open lock, and (right) pins lifted to incorrect height by wrong key, lock will not open

Figure 3: Warded lock and key

Figure 4: Barron tumbler lock, 1778

Figure 5: Bramah lock, 1784

Figure 6: Combination safe lock The lock cannot be opened until the slots on the three wheels are in line; movement of the dial is transmitted to each wheel by a system of pins (in practice much shorter than shown), arms, and studs

For Students

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Illustration for Demystified "How Dangerous is Quicksand"

How Deadly Is Quicksand?

King Cobra snake in Malaysia. (reptile)

9 of the World’s Deadliest Snakes

Fish. Lionfish. Lion-fish. Turkey fish. Fire-fish. Red lionfish. Pterois volitans. Venomous fin spines. Coral reefs. Underwater. Ocean. Red lionfish swims by seaweed.

10 of the World’s Most Dangerous Fish

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12 Novels Considered the “Greatest Book Ever Written”

Titanic infographic. The 30th anniversary of its discovery is September 1, 2015. SPOTLIGHT VERSION.

Timeline of the Titanic’s Final Hours

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What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

July, 2006, Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-121. See attached for full caption information.

Will Light-Speed Space Travel Ever Be Possible?

lock: Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

Figure 1: Ancient Egyptian lock

Figure 2: Contemporary version of the Yale lock (Left) All pins lifted to proper height by correct key, which can be turned to open lock, and (right) pins lifted to incorrect height by wrong key, lock will not open

Figure 3: Warded lock and key

Figure 4: Barron tumbler lock, 1778

Figure 5: Bramah lock, 1784

Figure 6: Combination safe lock The lock cannot be opened until the slots on the three wheels are in line; movement of the dial is transmitted to each wheel by a system of pins (in practice much shorter than shown), arms, and studs

See All Images →

Topics

Barron lock key time lock tumbler ward Bramah lock combination lock Newell lock padlock pin tumbler fire prevention and control computer security fence doorstop

Key People

Charles Chubb

British inventor