About Yale - A history of lockmaking

Since 1840 we have protected homes and enabled peace of mind

Our story started in a small lockshop in US when Linus Yale created his first lock innovation. We have evolved from a mechanical innovator to driving the evolution of connected, smart locks and homes. Our brand stands on trust, knowledge and heritage; making durable, quality products. That is why we still exist today and in more than 120 countries.

Linus Yale

Everything Yale is today, we owe to the ingenuity of Linus Yale. He opened his first shop for handmade banklocks around 1840 and soon after, a lock factory in Newport, USA to manufacture the unique pin-tumbler lock developed by him. His mechanical innovation is still the core of our locks in most markets today.

Yale’s best known lock design is the cylinder pin-tumbler lock.

This lock is similar to the ancient Egyptian lock, but with a sliding, rather than rotating mechanism (US patent 18,169). This mechanism prevents the lock from opening without the correct key and is widely popular today.

Our history

Yale shines bright
A brand new day for Yale as it launches its new brand identity, vision, values & purpose globally in over 125 countries.
Expanded our Smart range
In 2016 we extended our smart security devices such as alarms and cameras that allow you to protect your home and loved ones from almost anywhere in the world through intuitive user-friendly apps.
ASSA ABLOY
In August 2000 Yale was purchased by the ASSA ABLOY Group - the world’s leading lock group.
Partnerships
Linus Yale Junior and his colleague, Henry Towne, established the Yale & Towne Company in Stanford, Connecticut, at the time employing 35 people.
World wide expansion
By the early 20th century, they employed more than 12,000 staff and had expanded into the wider world.
Our first showroom
In the 1930s, Yale established an exclusive showroom for products in the Chrysler Building, a legendary skyscraper in midtown Manhattan in New York City.
The Pin-Tumbler invention
Yale’s best-known lock design is the cylinder pin-tumbler lock. This lock is similar to the ancient Egyptian lock, but with a sliding, rather than rotating mechanism (US patent 18,169).
Our first factory
Linus Yale Sr. built a small lock factory in Newport, USA.
First lock design
Linus Yale Sr. started working on his designs for the combination locks.