subject: What Does A Lock Do? [print this page] A lock is something that is designed to attach things together so that only the person or people who hold the key can unattach them. This way the individual who owns the lock can shut it and then hand out the key only to trusted individuals (or should they choose, keep it just for themselves). This way they are able to ensure that no unauthorised person can open their lock without their permission. A lock smith can attach the lock permanently to doors and drawers and other items and then make copies of the key for the individual who commissioned the lock. At the same time an individual can carry a lock around loosely as something to add to items as they find them. For example someone can use a padlock to lock any number of items or devices that have latches or hooks that lend themselves to this purpose with no previous work done by a locksmith.
It might sound like an odd turn of phrase to say that a lock attaches two things together, and many of us think of a lock as 'closing' something. However it is not the lock that closes and many roles for a lock do not involve closing at all. For example you would call a bike lock a lock and call a locksmith in the case of trouble, however you would not say it closes anything - rather it attaches the bike to the bike rack or lamp post. Similarly a door lock does not lock a door - it attaches the door to the door frame which has the by-product of meaning it can't be opened.
A lock then serves many purposes around the home. Of course it first of all gives us safety. This way we know that we are locked inside and that no one else can get in. This is highly reassuring in a world with high crime rates where it would be no stretch of the imagination to suppose that someone might come and break into your house and then cause threat to your health. At the same time it also means that your family are safely locked inside - something that we often overlook. This is important for the parents of young children as it means they know that they're not going to go running out on the street - or that someone might accidentally come in and leave the door open for someone who owns dogs. You might also ask a locksmith to put a lock in a drawer or cupboard to keep young children out - this is a great way to protect them from guns and sharp knives that you don't want them to get their hands on.
Of course by keeping intruders out this also means it protects your belongings when youre sleeping or on holiday, or otherwise not around to protect them. This can save you a lot of expense in replacing stolen goods, and can also give you something far more invaluable - peace of mind. This is particularly useful when you're going on holiday - allowing you to kick back and enjoy the sun, sea and sand without worrying about your home.
A locksmith also installs locks for another reason - to provide privacy. This is the primary reason that locks are installed in the bathroom or bedroom - so that you can get changed or have a shower without worrying that someone will walk in on you.
