Every year, we celebrate Lock Check Day on June 18. As a homeowner, there are so many home maintenance tasks to do, it’s impossible to remember them all. That’s why we love Lock Check Day, it’s a holiday to remind you to do a small but important home maintenance task. This day is all about checking your door and window locks to make sure they’re all in working order.
Lock Check Day timeline
The earliest locks can be found in Ancient Egypt and consisted of a pin tumbler, a key, and a bolt.
He patented this new type of lock while living in London.
An adaptation of the Egyptian lock, this is the type of lock we still see today.
The Norwegian invented the first recodable keycard lock for hotel rooms.
Lock Check Day FAQs
Which lock is best for the main door?
It’s recommended that main entrances or doors have a lock with a deadbolt. Deadbolts are a great way to secure a door.
How do I know what type of lock is on my door?
There should be a brand and standard marks. Brands include manufacturers such as Yale, Master Lock, or Chubb. Standards are ANSI (American National Standards Institute), British Standards (BS), and European Norms (EN). These also include a grading.
What are the different types of window locks?
There are various types of window locks including folding locks, keyed locks, window pin locks, chain locks, hinged wedge locks, ventilating locks, and swivel action locks.
Lock Check Day Activities
Check all your door and window locks
This is the day to check that all your doors have keys and that the locks work. You should also check all your window locks too, to make sure they are in working order.
Lubricate any stiff locks
To keep your locks working in tip-top shape, it’s a good idea to lubricate them. This prevents friction and corrosion, and helps your lock operate smoother.
Replace faulty or broken locks
While you’re checking all your locks, be sure to note any that are completely broken or too faulty to repair. Go ahead and replace these – there’s no point having a lock if it doesn't work.
Facts About Unpickable Locks
Chubb Detector Lock
Invented in 1818 by Jeremiah Chubb, this lock was picked during the Great Exhibition in 1851 by Alfred Charles Hobbs, a locksmith.
Bramah Lock
This lock was invented by Joseph Bramah in 1784 and was only picked 67 later by Alfred Hobbs at the Great Exhibition in 1851.
EVVA MCS
This is a magnetic lock and has been picked with specialised tools but never with traditional lockpicking tools.
Abloy Protec2
Released around 2012, it has not been picked by many, only by professional lockpicker hobbyists.
MIWA U9
A Japanese lock, released in 1991, is a notoriously difficult lever lock to pick.
Why We Love Lock Check Day
It improves home security
Doing something so simple can yield big rewards. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your door and window lock’s work.
Can save you money on repairs
Doing regular maintenance saves you money, so don't skip it. Keeping your things in good working order helps them last longer.
Encourages good maintenance habits
This annual holiday could help you create a new habit. Soon, you’ll be reminding yourself to do the maintenance.
Lock Check Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 18 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | June 18 | Thursday |
| 2027 | June 18 | Friday |
| 2028 | June 18 | Sunday |
| 2029 | June 18 | Monday |
