A pin tumbler is a component within a cylinder lock that, along with others, prevents movement unless the correct key is used. Locks themselves are mechanical devices designed to secure doors or receptacles, requiring a key or specific manipulations to open. The pin tumbler lock, a modern adaptation of an ancient Egyptian principle, uses pins of varying lengths that must be lifted to precise heights by the key's serrations to allow the cylinder to turn. This mechanism, evolved by Linus Yale Jr., is now widely used for its security and numerous combinations. --Britannica

Locks, in various rudimentary forms, have been used for millennia, but the ancient Egyptians elevated this essential security tool to an art form. The earliest evidence of locks in Egypt dates back to around 2000 BCE, during the Middle Kingdom period. These locks were simple but effective devices made of wood and operated with a wooden key.

Design and Construction

Ancient Egyptian locks were crafted with remarkable precision and attention to detail. Typically made of wood or bronze, these locks were designed to withstand the test of time. The lock mechanism itself often comprised a series of pins or tumblers that had to be aligned in a specific way to allow the bolt to be withdrawn...

Ancient Egyptian Locks: A Journey into Millennia-old Security:
https://cronolock.ca/the-lock-blog/unveiling-the-secrets-of-ancient-egyptian-locks-a-journey-into-millennia-old-security

"This is the Lockpicking Lawyer and today we're going to draw the wrath of Anubis upon our sorry souls."

Oh man, I would love it if someone sent him this link and he did a little "locks through time" video!

𓊿. 𓉛. 𓈬. 𓀃. is binding

Deviant Ollam did a historic locks talk a month or so ago, but I don't think this was mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g1jfCFvpLw

This is more interesting than any artifact behind the lock

Saving that link for when the assholes fine, helpful workers drilling & sanding my apartment building this season finally get done.

(part of the reason I rushed this post out the door is because I'm low on sleep, going mad with the drilling, needed something to do!)