Three generations. One address.
Harold Lockwood opened this shop on Charlotte Avenue in 1962 with a key duplicator, a lockpick set, and a belief that Nashville deserved an honest locksmith.
Our story
Harold Lockwood opened this shop on Charlotte Avenue in 1962 with a key duplicator, a lockpick set, and a belief that Nashville deserved an honest locksmith. His son Ray joined in 1988 and modernized the operation, adding the first mobile van in 1995.
Today, Ray's son Ethan runs the day-to-day with Ray still coming in a few days a week. Three generations, same values, same address. We've watched Charlotte Avenue change around us — and we're proud to still be here.
When Ethan took over, he brought something Harold and Ray didn't have: smart lock certifications and mobile key programming equipment. But he kept everything else: the upfront pricing, the marked vans, the in-shop key cutting, and the phone number that real people answer around the clock.
If you've been a Lockwood customer since Harold's day, welcome back. If you're new here, we hope to earn your trust the same way we earned theirs.
62 years of service
Harold Lockwood opens the shop on Charlotte Ave with one key machine and a philosophy: be honest, be fast, be local. Nashville had three locksmiths. Now it has one you can trust.
Several downtown Nashville hotels become regulars, marking Lockwood's first foray into commercial locksmith work. The reputation for reliability spreads through the hospitality industry.
Ray Lockwood joins full-time after completing his locksmith apprenticeship. He also purchases the building at 2847 Charlotte Ave, cementing the shop's permanent home.
"House calls" become a major part of the business. The first Lockwood van — white with the logo on the side — hits Nashville streets. Now customers don't have to come to us.
Ray's son Ethan joins the family business, bringing electronic and smart lock expertise alongside traditional skills. He immediately starts expanding the automotive key division.
Access control, panic hardware, and safe service become major offerings. Lockwood is now equipped for full commercial security buildouts, not just residential service.
Ethan leads the day-to-day. Ray still comes in a few days a week. Smart lock certified installer status achieved for August, Schlage, Yale, and Level. Harold's legacy continues.
The team
Real people you'll actually meet.
Third-generation locksmith. Grew up in the shop but also grew up with smartphones. Leads all field operations, commercial projects, and smart lock installations. TN Licensed #LL-4428.
Second-generation. Ran the shop from 1988 to 2019. Still comes in three days a week because he says he gets bored at home. Knows more about lock mechanisms than anyone in Nashville.
With Lockwood & Sons for 11 years. Handles residential and automotive service across East Nashville and Germantown. ALOA certified. Known for being the calmest person at a lockout.
Credentials & Certifications
License verification: Tennessee Locksmith License #LL-4428 can be verified at the TN Secretary of State website. All our technicians work under this license and carry photo ID. Please ask to see it — a legitimate locksmith is always happy to show credentials.
Ready to work with Nashville's most trusted locksmith?
Come see us at the shop on Charlotte Ave, or give us a call.