1861
Fred Lau Documented as a Cleveland Locksmith
Fredrick John Lau is documented as a locksmith in Cleveland, establishing the earliest known roots of the business.
About
Serving Cleveland SinceEst. 1869
Serving Northeast Ohio for Generations
A historic Cleveland locksmith and safe company built on craftsmanship, inventory, and the kind of practical service that only comes from a real working shop.
Company Story
Local Roots, Practical Expertise
Cleveland Key & Security stands in the tradition of the old full-service locksmith shop: local ownership, real inventory, technical skill, and long-term customer relationships built over years of service.
That history matters because locksmithing is a trade shaped by trust. Customers rely on experienced professionals who understand hardware, key systems, safes, and the service standards expected by homes, businesses, institutions, and industrial facilities.
Our story is Cleveland's story as well: steady work, craftsmanship, and a practical commitment to helping customers protect what matters.
Timeline
Cleveland Key Timeline
1870s
Tool Manufacturing and Metalworking
Lau expands beyond locksmithing into tool manufacturing and metalworking, serving Cleveland during its rapid industrial growth.
1883
Listed Among Cleveland Locksmiths
Fred Lau is listed among Cleveland's professional locksmiths, operating on Broadway and helping build the city's early security trade.
1923
Cleveland Key Co. Advertised Downtown
Newspaper advertisements document Cleveland Key Co. offering lock repair and key-making services in downtown Cleveland.
1931
Cleveland Key Shop on Public Square
Cleveland Key Shop appears in Cleveland city directories at Public Square, firmly establishing the company under the Cleveland Key name.
1950s-1970s
East 12th Street Era
Under the leadership of Harry Rohn, Cleveland Key Shop operates from East 12th Street, providing locksmith services, hardware, lock repair, and key duplication throughout Greater Cleveland.
1990s-2000s
Cleveland Key and Cleveland Safe
Cleveland Key and Cleveland Safe continue serving Northeast Ohio, with company leadership featured in Plain Dealer articles discussing lock security, safes, and physical security solutions.
Today
Serving Northeast Ohio
More than 165 years after Fred Lau first appeared in Cleveland city directories, Cleveland Key continues serving Northeast Ohio from its 2801 Hamilton Avenue location.
Why Choose Us
Reasons Customers Still Seek Out a Traditional Shop
Local Business
Rooted in Cleveland and focused on long-term local trust.
Real Showroom
A physical shop where customers can see inventory and discuss solutions in person.
Commercial Experience
Practical support for facilities, businesses, and institutional hardware needs.
Large Inventory
Thousands of key blanks, cylinders, hardware components, and locksmith tools.
Safe Specialists
Safe sales and service backed by local knowledge and follow-through.
Trusted Service
Craftsmanship, accountability, and service that reflects the trade's standards.
From the Archive
Cleveland Key in The Plain Dealer
Archive articles trace how Cleveland Key and Cleveland Safe have been part of local conversations about locks, safes, fire protection, and practical home security across multiple decades.
Cleveland Key Shop discusses deadbolts, key control, electronic locks, and the importance of matching good hardware with a strong door and frame.
Safe at homeCleveland Safe Co. weighs in on fire protection, burglary ratings, basement placement, and why homeowners started taking safes more seriously.
A rare 1950 ad showing Cleveland Key Shop and Locksmith listed among the contractors and suppliers for a major St. Clair Avenue recreation project.