Chains and Padlocks

Chains and padlocks have been around for centuries.

Chains and padlocks are an old technology for securing valuables, from livestock to jewels. Both simple and practical in design, chains and padlocks are useful tools that are used to this day. Both types of devices have many uses, come in several different forms and are typically used for security purposes.

Description

Chain is made up of rounded or triangular links. chain image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com

A padlock is a flat, circular or rectangular lock that hangs by itself from the shackle. Padlocks are typically made of metal and require a key to open the rounded shackle. The top has two holes, one which has one side of a rounded shackle permanently attached inside of it. The other hole is open. When the open end of the rounded shackle is pushed into the empty hole, it locks into place. Chain is a series of metal links that form a strong, multi-use cable. Although linked chain goes by many names, most are usually comprised of circular or triangular links that are attached together to form one long unit.

History

Padlocks came in many shapes, including hearts. heart shaped padlock in a ring box image by Alex Dascalu from Fotolia.com

The word “padlock” is a modernization of the Middle English word “padlok.” The padlock has been around since the early Egyptian period. Padlocks originally had many different shapes, including religious symbols, animals and hearts. Chain was used to make jewelry as early as 75,000 years ago, although the links were usually made of natural material, such as shell. By 2500 B.C., the Egyptians began making chain jewelry out of gold. The word “chain” is also a unit of length measuring about 66 feet. Surveyors measured land in chains during the 18th Century, using surveyor’s, or Gunter’s, chain. The Chinese were using iron anchor chains on ships as early as 2200 B.C., while cast steel anchor chains were not fully developed until World War I.

Purpose

The padlock shackle can be attached to chain links. padlock image by JCVStock from Fotolia.com

Initially, padlocks were used as “travel” locks to protect precious goods from bandits along early trade routes and waterways. Padlocks can be used to secure safety deposit boxes, doors, cash registers, and cabinets. Chains have been used for many years as jewelry as noted above. They are also used in prisons to secure criminals and in construction as lifting devices. Chains serve many purposes and can be seen on boats, pulley systems, handcuffs and even simple items, such as door chains. Padlocks can be used with chains by slipping their shackles through chain links and snapping them into place.

Types

There are many different types of linked chain. chain 2 image by Stanislovas Kairys from Fotolia.com

Padlocks are available in several different shapes, but are typically rectangular or circular for practical uses. These locks usually open with keys, but combination padlocks are also available. Padlock shackles come in many forms, including the standard rounded as well as a straight shackle that makes cutting it with bolt cutters difficult. There are several types of linked chains, including a standard chain with rounded links as well as diamond-linked chain. Diamond links are triangular in shape, which makes using bolt cutters tricky. Modern chain is typically steel and comes in many lengths, thicknesses and colors.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Metal fittings are needed to use a door padlock. padlock image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com

Using padlocks is much cheaper and more convenient than a door lock that needs to be installed. However, padlocks need to have a coordinating set of metal fittings attached to the door, which makes them less aesthetically appealing. Because chains are so sturdy, they can be used to haul heavy items. Welded industrial chain is nearly impossible to break, making it perfect for security uses. However, round-link chain can be easily cut with bolt cutters.

References

• Historical Locks: The History of Padlocks
• Locks: Schlage's History of Locks
• Chains Jewelry: The History of Chain Necklaces
• Caswell County Historical Association: History of Chain
• Baldt: History and Development of Anchor Chain