Ingersoll Locks: Cylinder Locks

Ingersoll is a historic British high-security lock brand, best known for its distinctive rim nightlatches and the long-running SC71—a “signature” product whose chunky look and unique key profile are basically part of the brand’s identity. Ingersoll Locks Limited states it was founded in 1949 and has focused on security-led lock design ever since. 

A key part of the origin story centers on inventor Jack W. Taylor, who (according to a detailed brand history) conceived the idea for a ten-lever cylinder in 1944, and the Ingersoll range grew from that high-security cylinder concept. 

In today’s market, “Ingersoll” is still used as shorthand for serious, mechanical, front-door security—the kind of lock people pick when they want something robust, familiar to locksmiths, and not dependent on batteries, apps, or vibes.

Ownership-wise, the Ingersoll trademark/manufacturer is described as being owned by the ASSA ABLOY Group (noting this is stated by a specialist distributor/reseller who explicitly separates themselves from the trademark owner).