Is there a way to 'number lock', the keyboard

Try this:

When entering numbers from the numbers keyboard, and you wish to insert a space, simply press the ABC key, and SLIDE your finger onto the space bar. When you lift your finger, a space will have been inserted, and you will remain in the numerical keyboard.

I am referring to the iPad and on the iPhone it is the 123 key on the bottom left hand

I am referring to the iPad and on the iPhone it is the 123 key on the bottom left hand corner of the keyboard. And no it's not a jail broken phone. Just press for a second and it will work

Nope. It does not lock in number mode when you enter numbers followed by a space.

There is no "?123" key. There is a "123" key which does NOT lock the numeric keyboard when "pressed for a few seconds." Jailbroken, eh?

That does not work at all. I have an iPad with 5.1.1 and there is no such locking feature as you described.

as soon as you press space it reverts back to letters. the ONLY time it doesnt revert back is when you are filling out certain fields on a website that require only numbers, such as a telephone field or zip code.

Is there a way to number lock the keyboard to stop this happening?

No

it may be a consideration for a future update.

http://www.apple.com/feedback

To lock the number keyboard, hold the .?123 key for a few seconds. To return to the alphabetic keyboard tap the ABC key.

It works on mine ☺ are you using iOS 5.1.1 and in settings,general,keyboard are all the options ie enable caps lock, switched to on?

Thanks this is very helpful as a work around 🙂

Wasely: Great tip; works really well and just what I needed.

THANK YOU!!