Hidden Georgia Tech: The Lockshop

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Hidden Georgia Tech: The Lockshop

key in lock

Hidden Georgia Tech: The Lockshop

By Victor Rogers May 29, 2018

Across the Georgia Tech campus, hidden spaces and forgotten places await rediscovery. Some are relics of an earlier time, difficult to find and explore. Others are very much in view but often overlooked. Hidden Georgia Tech is a photo-essay series highlighting places on campus that are hidden in plain sight.

The Lockshop

If you are not a building manager or a construction contractor with Georgia Tech, you probably haven't been to the Lockshop, located in the O'Keefe Building on Sixth Street. The Lockshop, with a team of four people led by foreperson Sonny Cody, holds the keys to all Georgia Tech facilities, excluding Housing.

Let's go inside.

The Lockshop

Photos by Rob Felt

Hand-stampers are used for stamping keys and lock cores.

Hand-stampers are used for stamping keys and lock cores.

Locksmith Kelly Belton prepares to cut a key.

Locksmith Kelly Belton prepares to cut a key.

This machine stamps letters and sequential numbers on keys.

This machine stamps letters and sequential numbers on keys.

This is an electric key and core stamping machine.

This is an electric key and core stamping machine.

Locksmith Jason Heib is electronically stamping a key with a code and a sequential number.

Locksmith Jason Heib is electronically stamping a key with a code and a sequential number.

Close-up of inscription of a key code and sequential number.

Close-up of inscription of a key code and sequential number.

A storage cabinet houses keys that are checked out by employees and contractors on a daily basis.

A storage cabinet houses keys that are checked out by employees and contractors on a daily basis.

The Lockshop stores extra lock cores for each campus building.

The Lockshop stores extra lock cores for each campus building.

Close-up of reusable cores and extra keys for each building.

Close-up of reusable cores and extra keys for each building.

Pin segments, used in lock cores, are stored in small bins.

Pin segments, used in lock cores, are stored in small bins.

These small springs are a must-have in each lock barrel.

These small springs are a must-have in each lock barrel.

Capping a lock core after inserting the spring.

Capping a lock core after inserting the spring.

Locksmith Salam Ali puts pins into a lock so the user’s key will work.

Locksmith Salam Ali puts pins into a lock so the user’s key will work.

Pulling the lock core from a door to install a new lock.

Pulling the lock core from a door to install a new lock.

Wall of key blanks for cabinets and desks.

Wall of key blanks for cabinets and desks.

Years ago, the Lockshop used index cards to keep track of keys. All records are now kept electronically.

Years ago, the Lockshop used index cards to keep track of keys. All records are now kept electronically.

Some of these discarded locks will be used for parts; the rest will be recycled.

Some of these discarded locks will be used for parts; the rest will be recycled.

View of the Lockshop through the security bars of the service window.

View of the Lockshop through the security bars of the service window.

The Lockshop is located in the O’Keefe Building on Sixth Street.

The Lockshop is located in the O’Keefe Building on Sixth Street.

Do you know a hidden place on campus that should be featured?
Email us at editor@comm.gatech.edu

Writer: Victor Rogers
Photographer: Rob Felt

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