This place is the real deal. Katy knows her trade inside and out, gave me great advice, and is a throw back from a time when folks lived their word, did what they promised, and didn't try to sell you crap you don't need. If she can't do what you need, she'll tell you straight up. Warning to clueless internet consumers: this is a real business run by actual humans. If they don't kiss your B**t, maybe that's actually YOUR problem, not theirs... street level retail will be gone soon, no mall kiosk or key copying app will ever replace the depth of knowledge and experience you'll get face to face. I'd give Katy 11 stars, if I could...just for being a straight shooter. Support the small businesses that make your neighborhood a great place to live and work and give it character. read more

If you need some high security duplicates and weird keys, you can rely on abc locksmith !

Best Value. Friendly and Reliable. All of these years all of my keys made have worked the first time. I'm a Property Mgr and they are my favorite key master. read more

I went in to get my keys copied - I didn't want to go to one of those self-serve booths that are sprinkled around SF, I wanted to deal with a real person who is practiced at duplicating keys. This store wasn't listed on Google Maps but it was here on Yelp, so I walked over during my lunch hour. They were super fast making the duplicates, and cheaper than the kiosks would have been. (Probably faster, too, since I didn't have to figure out how to make it work.) Very friendly. I'll go back here for any keys I need copied in the future. read more

got duplicates for my keys that are hard to make but abc locksmith made it happen. so get your keys made here.. good customer service....

ABC Locksmith has been truly wonderful for several of my concierge clients. Katy always works to squeeze you in even though every call must be an emergency .... and Jenny has been an absolute lifesaver on site, plus a real gem of a human to talk and relate to. I've dealt with other locksmiths in the city, and they're decent enough ... but until I found ABC I never had peace of mind that I wasn't getting taken for a ride on price and quality of service. I'm 100% loyal now -- they're the women to call! read more

So I took my key and blank to Cliff's on Castro. No stupid garbage about "we don't cut blanks not purchased here". $2.16 - the key worked perfect. Am pretty sure the owner of ABC does not care about Yelp reviews but lady... ABC locksmith is not long to stay in business. read more

Katy the owner was incredibly helpful and knowledgable with two jobs - first was fixing the lock in our front gate that was sticking (she lubricated and adjusted the tumblers) and the second was making a key to fit an old lock in our house. She was also quick and reasonably priced, and very pleasant to talk with. I will be going back to ABC Locksmith for all my key needs from now on! read more

I'm seriously underwhelmed with my experience at this locksmith. I had bought a used metal cabinet which needed a lock. I had the cabinet in a pickup truck and was lucky to find a parking spot straight across the street from this locksmith's business location. I walked in and saw a man and a woman inside; they both seemed to work there, no other customers. After I said hi, 20 seconds of awkward silence ensued until the man finally asked if I needed help. I guess I was expecting a hi in return and stunned that my presence didn't seem to get acknowledged for 20 seconds in an otherwise empty shop. I explained that I had a cabinet in the truck across the street and I asked if someone could take a look. They actually asked me to pull the truck across the street so that they didn't have to walk the 10 feet to cross the street! I was desperate enough to comply. Mind you, 18th street is narrow and busy, it has a bus line on it, and people were waiting at the bus stop, that I had to illegally stop at. The whole ordeal just to maneuver the car took 10 useless minutes. Useless, because the woman took only a brief glance at the situation before she proclaimed that she didn't have anything that would fit. I asked what to do, and the best she could come up with was to contact the manufacturer and ask them for a lock. I cannot recommend this operation. I found a locksmith just a few blocks south, West Cost Emergency Locksmith, on 21st and Mission, which solved my problem without attitude and for only $35. Don't waste your time with ABC. read more

I went in to ABC with a car key and my own blank. I asked the guy working there if he could copy it, to which he replied he could. He noted that I wouldn't be able to start the car with the copied key, since the key is chipped (aka transponder key). "No problem," I replied. "I know how to program it myself." He refers to his price sheet, and tells me it'll cost $35 (!!!) Though it's been going on since the late 90s, I think it's official that the Mission has undergone full-blown gentrification. Being the denialist I am, I ask why it costs so much to simply cut a key, and he says that's what his price sheet says to charge. I point out that the key is a simple, symmetrical car key, not a laser-cut internal key or a 4-sided key or anything fancy like that. He stands by his quote, and suggests it's probably because the key is chipped. Obviously, the physical act of cutting a key has absolutely nothing to do with the presence of a transponder chip, but I don't bother arguing with him. He's just doing his job, after all, and following a price sheet that is not at all based in reality. The guy was nice enough, perhaps a victim himself of the trust-fund hipsters who are continuing to dominate this neighborhood. Luckily for me, a few blocks down Mission St lies Workingmans Headquarters, a dusty old shop that's looked like it's been there since before Dick Whitman stole Donald Draper's identity. I got my key cut there for a whopping $4.00. read more

Did anyone mention KNIFE SHARPENING? Yes, the lovely folks at ABC will take your knives and if you drop them off before 2pm they will have them back to you between 4:30 - 5pm on THE SAME DAY. I turned in four knives, one was a Henckel with a broken tip and another had a divoted, warped blade. Just what in the chicken bones are we doing to our knives? Well, you know, room mates - opening a can and sawing through plastic are all reasonable, right? I mean, it's not MY knife. ANYWAY. I got back all four knives in excellent, SHARP condition. Their guy (they send the knives out for sharpening) reshaped the Henckel and recreated a tip, and how they got the blade straight on the other knife was a wonder and a delight. Cost? $24 for all four - CASH ONLY. I can really recommend this service, well done, quick and above and beyond. YAY! read more

Story of my life: I go to open the door to our store and lo and behold, my copied key that usually works, doesn't. Yay. I yelp a key place in the area while i'm waiting to be rescued and find ABC locksmith right in our 'hood. I bring the original store key to her (and by her, I mean magic key maker, holder of all key knowledge) and ask her for two copies of the key that I needed cut. I give her the key and she tells me that whoever cut the original didn't know what they were doing (AHEM HOME DEPOT) and told me that I'd be lucky if the copy she was making me would work. SO, she only let's me buy one. Out the door with my new fancy gold key for $2.14. Can't beat it. She's friendly, honest, knowledgeable, and efficient. read more

Came in here looking for help copying my ultra-security keys for my apartment. The guy behind the counter took one look at them and told me the same refrain I had heard three times already - "sorry I can't copy that". The four stars are for the in depth explanation he gave me about why this was, and the lengthy discussion about who might be able to actually get the job done. Props to this place for helping a customer out even when there was no chance I was actually going to pay them money. Awesome service. read more

ABC Locksmith is fantastic! I have lived in SF almost 40 years and the last 25 in the Mission. Having a competent locksmith is a must! And as old-time locksmiths with fantastic knowledge of Victoriana and weird door lock assemblies from times gone by start to retire or fade away, it is delightful to find a locksmith who is young and may be around a few years. I went this morning to discover that they were broken into early in the morning (boo-hoo!) and lost money and equipment. Ray, the proprietor, was out - probably filing insurance claims and police reports. Amidst the broken glass, his equally polite and informed and communicative partner Ramon helped me with my problem (worn lock) but supplied new parts free of charge as they had no access to the cash register. Use ABC Locksmith and help them get past this nasty property crime and continue to serve the residents of San Francisco and the Mission in particular. read more

This is the best locksmith I have ever had the pleasure to utilize! The staff was helpful, courteous and super friendly, They handled my request instantly and were very economically priced compared with the other locksmiths I had called around for pricing. Two enthusiastic thumbs up! read more

Not the the best locksmith shop in San Francisco, but frankly the U.S. Katy, the proprietor, is a masterful key maker and locksmith. I live in Oregon and I will most likely order keys from ABC and have them shipped. Fantastic customer service as well. read more

Immediate, courteous, expert help for your key-duplicating needs. My experience: Another locksmith did a poor job of duplicating our new apartment's finicky gate key, locking us out in the first week. I brought the original and its copy into the locksmith(e!) at ABC, who immediately identified that the original key was a poor duplicate in itself, and thus the root of the problem. In a matter of seconds, she created an improved original key which she said would work perfectly or not at all. Instead of giving me five duplicates of that key (as requested), she had me go home to test her improvement to be sure it worked first. True to form, ABC's replacement key was a better fit than our "original" from the landlord, and its copies work perfectly as well! Fast, smart, efficient core service, and all from a woman-run business. Highly recommended, with bells and whistles also (i.e. colored/patterned keys, fancy keyrings, etc.) for those who require them! read more

Highly recommended. They cut a 1960's era car key for me after I took in the ignition barrel for a vehicle I bought where the previous owner had lost the keys. Only locksmith in San Francisco I use, not just another Ace hardware style duplication service. Only open Monday thru Friday not weekends read more

Katy is the best! ABC is great! I had a toothpick in my car door lock. Someone vandalized my car and Katy fished it out. Very fair and very nice and very easy. ABC is a local small business and you should support them. Around since the 60s and taken over by Katy in 1986. Check it if you have any locksmith needs! read more

I really believe in small business - and this shop has all of the charm and prompt, personal service you could want. I lost my keys to my workshop and needed a new copies made. She was fast and friendly - bought a new keychain too. It is nearly identical to this "hip" one I have from Azalea Boutique and it was $20 less expensive. Also - a lot of times, I find that new keys stick in the lock. However - I actually find this new set to be less sticky than the old set. Needless to say, I am very pleased. read more

I copied 6 keys and got 3 key rings. The bill was over $20, I have never paid that much to copy keys. I know rents are high, but I'll be going somewhere else next time. Ask for the price before you copy. Great fast service. But I have never ever paid that much for a basic key copy. read more

Our family has lived in this neighborhood for 40 years and this place has been a go to favorites for generations for us because they are small good service and we've had time zone other companies keys didn't work in the old locks in this company has been consistent read more

Keys that work in 2 minutes? Done! After countless trips to big box hardware stores I'll happily pay $4.98 per key. They work flawlessly. read more

Like others said - quick, efficient, and the keys work! Not expensive either. I know where I'm going if I need keys copied next time. read more

Friendly, but when I went to make a key copy, the locksmith said it wasn't possible without me bringing the lock. However, when I stopped by Cliff's Variety, which is not a specialized locksmith store, they had no problems. I don't know what the issue was. read more

Stopped by late Friday afternoon just before closing and got my keys copied in mere moments (they work great! I inherited some not so great copies from another place). And you can use ApplePay! read more

You mysterious,' we only work 4 days out of the week from 10-5pm locksmith' that only translates to = they know their shit. Went to 4 hardware stores to get some keys made and all failed. They either didnt carry the type of keys i needed or was made then to realize it doesn't work.. Then this place is suggested by everyone. And Voila, my keys are perfect, smooth, no jiggle and wiggle to get it to work. Perfect set of keys. Worth perhaps missing couple of hours at work for. read more

They make keys for motorcycles and scooters. I was recommended this place by Scuderia down the street since Scuderia did not make duplicate keys. They measured the original key to find the match then made 2 duplicates for me. They both worked great when I tried them at home. The lady that helped me with really nice, too. read more

I've used ABC twice -- in mid 2014 & then once again recently to get keys duplicated. Responsive on the phone, fast & efficient. Definitely a better experience than most service industries like this (and not super high priced either.) Note that they're only open Tue-Fri (and at 10 am to 5 pm.) read more

Cannot say enough!! She has helped us out numerous times, is always friendly and has REALLY COOL locks to play with. Love, love, love ABC! read more

I had some Schlage keys that were copies of copies of copies that worked, kinda. Had ABC make new ones cut to code, like originals, perfect.

The hours listed on Yelp need to be updated. I've visited the store twice now during posted open hours but found it closed with the metal gates locked. read more

Fast and very kind, affordable service! They responded within hours after we were taken by a fraud locksmith who had promoted service, using another business name. That person has been reported to the BBB. Katy and Jenny are a pleasure. Lesson learned, always ask for locksmith license up front and verify employees and the business listing is legit. read more

These folks were true professionals. They helped me open a fairly unusual cargo box lock and didn't even make me remove the box from my car. Excellent customer service + some serious lock magic. I'll be back! read more

Felt a bit let down. I've taken my key-making work here a few times and overall been very pleased in the past. More recently, I had a set of keys that were made incorrectly at the shop. Ended up paying full price a second time to get them remade correctly. The store didn't seem interested or recognize that a mistake might have been made on my first visit when I tried to bring it up. C'est la vie. read more

The lady behind the counter was very friendly and pleasant. She took my key and had it copied in about a minute! Great service, fast and reasonably priced! read more

I doubt anyone who uses this place reads yelp, but I need to vent. A few years ago I brought a key and the lock from my car to see if they could re-key it, since it was starting to stick. Instead of helping, they treated me with suspicion and refused to help because they thought I was doing something shady. Like I'd have both the key and the lock if I was stealing the car. I had to go all the way out to the richmond to get toyota to do it for me. Then yesterday, I went back because I'd sort of forgotten how much attitude they had. I needed a new mailbox key, a really simple key I could make with a blank and a file if I needed too. They want 20 dollars for it! I asked why, and the woman said "because I don't like making them." Against my better judgement, I went ahead and got it. I got all the way home, and it didn't work. I went back, and asked for my money back, but she wouldn't do that. She was only willing to re do it. So she did, and I went all the way home and it still didn't work. Argh. I held the two keys up and they were obviously different. I ended up doing it myself with a jeweler's file, and I wasted 20 dollars and got a bad attitude. Never going back. read more

Needed Vespa keys cut. Purchased OEM blanks from a Vespa dealer so I would have original keys. Bring them in here, willing to pay to have them cut. Nope. Lady says they won't cut keys they don't sell. Asked if I could return the keys and buy through her. I don't get it, why wouldn't a business want easy money? I'm letting you charge me for labor, and you don't want to do the work because I didn't let you make money off me on the blank too?? Are you kidding me? This place is a joke. Go elsewhere read more

I needed a key cut for my car, so I ordered one online thinking no one would actually carry the exact computerized key that i needed. I took it to ABC to get it cut. I was curtly greeted by the woman that worked there who immediately asked me why I would ever buy a key online. She said she would have charged me only $35 for it if i had bought it there. Inwardly i'm thinking maybe I wasn't such an idiot because online it was only $19. So I had her cut my key, and thought maybe I heard her wrong when she said charged me $25. $25????!! I asked her if it was seriously $25 to cut the key (mind you this is after she already cut it). She said yes of course, but that she gave me a $10 discount. WHAT? it took her all of 30 seconds to cut the key! So I did some research after thinking maybe it's just that those keys cost more to cut. Called ACE, and they said they would have done it for $2 (yes they knew what kind of key it was). I called ABC back to see if maybe there was some misunderstanding. She was not apologetic, and said she'd have to eat the cost of the key if it didn't work right. But for that price, I would have taken my chances with ACE screwing it up. I told her she made me feel like an idiot for buying it online after which she replied that I should feel like an idiot. I didn't wait for the end of the sentence, and hung up on her. I'm sure she does fine work, but I do NOT appreciate not being told how much I'm being charged, OR being told I'm an idiot. I will not be going here again. read more

I've read the mixed reviews and was a bit aprehensive about when they were open. So called to inquire about their hours and they seemed pretty clear and straight forward to me. I asked if they could duplicate my Yamaha scooter key, which I was having difficulty obtaining from Yamaha. She indicated that there were many versions of blanks and that I should send her a picture so she could verify or stop by. I ended up going there and for less than $5 I had two keys that worked fine. For me she provided great customer service and value. ( What's more important to me is that she had the key blank I needed that I couldn't easily find anywhere else). It's a bit of an old school place with thousands of key blanks in a small space with limited staff. I'd like to encourage folks to go there and keep places like this open. read more