I used them for years. But the past few years they are just a pain in the neck. It's like dealing with the Soviets or a bad government office. Every time. It's all about them and not about you. I stopped using them. And they are way overpriced compared to others. Way. read more

Especially in these covid times, I try not to have high expectations of any business that is managing to stay open, I'm thinking everyone is trying their best even if that best isn't great right now. When a business is actually a delight to deal with, they deserve an immediate yelp review! I just needed some keys copied, which seems simple, but I had been to a couple of different hardware stores in the past few years that struggled to get these keys right for some reason. At Don's, the guy at the counter (in their doorway) was cheerful, and there are all these interesting locks and door handles to check out while you wait (maybe this is recent so customers can look at options and still be outside rather than inside). When I happened to notice the DPT parking enforcement checking out my car and zipped out for a minute, the guy who had been making the new keys ran out with my finished set to try and help me leave in a hurry! Luckily, the DPT officer mercifully let me correct the problem, but I so appreciated that extra assistance in my efforts to avoid a ticket. And the keys were all perfect on the first try, what a relief. I will not go anywhere else from now on, for keys or locksmith needs! read more

Ok. I won't name names (though I guess I really *should*, over on the pages for those other businesses).. but I've had quite a few keys made over the years at various places, and it seems like always one or two don't work at all or don't work well. But I had 12 keys made here and *every single one of them worked perfectly*. Not even any difficult jiggling. I'd possibly give 5 stars, but I too experienced a bit of the brusque side of Don. I didn't really think he was rude.. I think it's just his manner. I showed him my key, immediately explaining that I'd just gotten a new apartment and the leasing agency gave me this "Do Not Duplicate" key for the front door, and told me it was ok, to go to Don's Key & Lock for the duplicates. I had the lease with me, and figured - this building has had about 50 people move into it in the last couple of months (brand new) and he's probably done a lot of these for this building and knows what I'm talking about. Well, immediately he says "This says Do Not Duplicate". I'm like "Uh, yeah (HELLO ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME? I JUST EXPLAINED THAT AND THE SITUATION). So I had to explain again, and again offer the lease. Don had an assistant call the leasing office for my building to verify that it was OK to make copies. Now, I *do* appreciate the security and taking the "Do Not Duplicate" seriously. It'd be a real shame if locksmiths didn't! And once it was all straightened out he was great. The description another reviewer gives of "Grumpy Guy" is probably right.. And I like the word brusque to describe it. Really seems to be a good guy though. I didn't take it personally and I did get good service. If I need keys again, I *will* go back here. Only place that's ever made a bunch of keys for me and they all work. read more

Don's staff, especially the woman who is usually at the desk and answers the phone, could use a few lessons in customer service. They are probably the most rude people running a business I have encountered in SF. I live in a condo building that uses Don's as our locksmith. Any time you need a key for anything, we're stuck with Don's. They apparently don't bother to make your keys until you show up because they claim that the end up with drawers full of unclaimed keys. That's not my problem. It's theirs. That's akin to a dry cleaner saying we won't clean your clothes until you come in to pick them up. In fact, yesterday I even called ahead. I was assured the key would be made within an hour. When I went to pick it up this morning, it was not ready as promised. I had to wait more than 20 minutes to get a key. I STRONGLY do not recommend them if you're a property manager or owner of a multi-unit building. Poor customer service and they don't fulfill orders as promised. read more

They gave me a four hour window and said they would give me 30 minutes notice. When they called to say they were close by, I said I would need the full 30 minutes to get there. She said her guy was ready to go sooner than that, but that she would call me back with a new time. I called her two hours later to see what was up. She said she'd call me back in 30 minutes. I called her two hours after that and she told me that her guy was stuck on a long job and asked if I wanted to try again tomorrow. Since I don't have four hours of empty time tomorrow, I called the next locksmith on my list (Cassidy) who (lo and behold) offered a set appointment time. I think this shop is just too busy to be bothered to offer good customer service. Indifference is the best way to describe their attitude. I deserve better. Wish I'd read the reviews BEFORE I called them! read more

Been trying to buy a product from here for approx three months. I liked the person and therefore will leave out specifically what it was. Called, stopped by, emailed, emailed again, stopped by and was told to instead email... Really a shame and a big waste of my time. read more

The shop is clean and bright. They seem friendly however once they talk business it's just overpriced services. I came in to copy my truck key and they quoted me $100+ saying that I could try and program the key myself, though it would take over 30 minutes per key. He was quite adamant about how much time it would take to self program, and how I would be waiting at my vehicle the whole time. I needed 4 keys for my work vehicle, so I couldn't justify the price when I have previously made transponder keys for much less. Amazon was selling the key blanks for $13 and most local locksmiths will charge around $5 a key to cut it. He told me his cost on the blank was $75! In the end I went to Home Depot, bought the key there for $40. I programmed the key in 5 seconds. FYI his 30 minute process done in under 5 seconds: 1. Insert original key 2. Turn key to on 3. Remove key, within 10 seconds insert new key, turn to on. 4. The dashboard security light will light up for 2 seconds indicating successful program. 5. Done (GM vehicle) If you want a solid shop, look for the one in SOMA. I normally go to them but was in the area so tried this spot. read more

I've never put too much thought into getting keys copied, because where I come from (Baltimore) there's only a few options: a couple of local hardware stores or Home Depot. None of these places ever, ever gets it right. I can't think of a time that I've gotten a key made that has actually worked the first time, at least without some major jiggling. But my friend Ben mentioned this place, and even described going out of his way to get 'important' keys made here. So I went, and I got some car keys copied here, and they turned smoothly and opened my car doors. Plus they have a lot of high-tech key-making machines behind the counter that I picture could copy just about any type of key you could possibly have. So, I guess you should get your keys made here. read more

Really bad attitude and they do not have a lot of capabilities I asked for two simple request and they said they did not have the abilities these were two basic keys read more

The condo developer for the building I live in used these guys for all their keying needs. I have a Medeco lock on my door so I had to go in to get copies. There was some snaffu with the deed to my Medeco lock and they insisted that I get everything in order to make sure I wasn't a fraud. At the time, it was such a hassle but in hindsight, I'm glad they exercised so much professional skepticism to ensure that they're making a copy for an authorized person only. Recently, I locked myself out of my condo too and it was after hours. Someone came within 15 minutes and let me back into my house right away. It was so easy. I would highly recommend these guys. read more

I could not find a key duplicator who could handle my tricky, front door key. The guy behind the counter laughed at me when I asked, "Do you guarantee your keys to work?" "Yeah" he said, "This is what I do all day, every day. Your keys will work." He was right. Perfect fit. Extremely fast service. A+ all around. read more

Comments on Yelp seem to be always polarized with 5 star and 1 star. Before giving this 4 start review, I have actually read some of the 1 star comments and found it hard to believe personally. Here I just hope to share my personal experience with them. Don seems to be a grumpy guy described in many negative comments. I am entirely not sure whether the one I came across was the owner Don or not, but he was really nice and helpful to me. I appreciate his help sincerely. I was kinda frustrating for having no places to duplicate my motorcycle key since most of the places don't have some sort of computerized machine. I was introduced to Don's locksmith. I arrived at 9:10 am of a morning and found the door was closed. After 20 seconds I saw a man rushing over from a distance. He opened the shop and explained by the way of apology: "The bus was late." Afterwards he made a copy of my key in 10 seconds. He insisted on charging me nothing because he kept me waiting. I was actually just waited for less than 1 min. read more

Had an appt. scheduled for 11 but when I called they said they didn't plan on having anyone come until 5 or 6!!! No one told me that there was a "window" between 11 and 5 that I was supposed to be waiting for when I made the appointment, but they made it clear when I called to cancel that they have been doing business like this since 1986 and are still in business so there.... I gave them one star because I have used their in-store business to order knobs and some other equipement and felt that they did a good job keeping the store well stocked. 4/27/2011 update: Service is still bad! My wife ordered 3 knobs that were needed for our cabinets for a total of $14. The store gladly ordered them, took our card, etc., then failed to mention that they would be tacking on a $12 shipping charge. This was not shipped to our house, mind you, it was shipped to Don's Lock and Key where we then had to go pick it up. The person who gave us the order claimed that they always tell customers that there is a shipping charge, but they did not. Don still stinks. Knocking off my 2nd star. read more

I had used Don's Key & Lock for my key and lock needs on my two unit building for over 20 years (first time I used Don's was on 5/9/1989). The last time I used them (2/13/2006) they refused to stamp (with one letter indicating key function) the keys they had made at my building. Instead, they insisted that I bring them in to have all of the keys stamped at Don's shop on Mission Street, where I was confronted from behind the counter by several smirking staff who were obviously not pleased about having to do this extra work. What's more, they would not even stamp the keys while I waited. Instead, I had to make another trip back to face the rude and surly staff. For this reason, when I needed to have my entire building re-keyed again, I decided to go with one of the locksmiths recommended by Yelpers. I had an excellent experience with Mike's Locksmith (see my review of Mike's). read more

Ferris and Donnie have been a huge help! I've had 2 buildings fully re-keyed this year, and they're we're quick and efficient through everything. They worked with me on everything and would make extra copies of keys if I needed any. I even needed them to come back out for a small issue, and they did so quickly. They are very knowledgeable and I'd recommend them to anyone in need of a keying/lock service. read more

These dudes kick some major broken key ass. I had a truck with a key twisted and then then broken in the door and Don, yes the DON, came out and had that key out in no time. It is important to remember to bring the broken key with you as you will need it to get the other half of the stuck key out of the lock. Yeah I had to go back and get it. They also have a huge selection of locks, key boxes and mobile lock service. A+ But maybe its because I got the owner to help me seems like other folks working there might not be as nice. I say give it a shot and ask for DON. read more

Our front gate latch was failing and it stressed me out that we could be locked out of the house. Mark came right on time and fixed it! Thank you so much! read more

Not one to write reviews, but I had to... Don's was highly recommended by our porperty management company. I called on Monday, spoke with a younger gentleman who gave me pricing. It all sounded too good, until I called yesterday to see if I can get someone to come out. I wanted to double check the pricing and well let's just say, the prices were a few dollars more... or so I thought? Got this approved by my boss for the original pricing, and since it was a mandatory lock change, we scheduled an appointment for the work to be done today. Technician came out (standard charge of $125) and told me that the locks that need to be changed are $5 more than quoted and each key to be made will cost $9.25 instead of $3.00 - $4.25, well because I didn't tell anyone I had a STUART something key? What does that even mean for someone who just needed to get the locks changed for her saftey? Turns out you have to come in for "special pricing" from them, referrels don't really mean much. Let's just say, my boss now has a triple cost job that was "highly recommended" for their "great prices". Technician is just doing his job, so nothing against him, but you have 3 different people with 3 different prices and never once did they ask the right questions. Update: Now my "pull" handle is broken. Been here for 5 years, never had that issue before. read more

This place is great! I needed a few keys copied for a new apartment - it was very quick and all the keys worked like a charm! Will be back soon to get some old car and motorcycle keys copied, which many other places haven't been able to do. read more

I've used Don's locks as long as I've lived in Bernal 15+ years and they've always had great service. Yesterday, called at 1:00 because I needed to get three doors re-keyed. Said they could do it that afternoon and would call with a specific time. Called at 3 to say they were on their way. By 4:30 all three doors re-keyed at a really reasonable price. Person who did the work was competent, friendly, and didn't even laugh at me for being in my pajamas in the afternoon. And -- he remembered to keep the doors closed so our cats would't get out. read more

**Update*** There was some sort of key lock similarity in my building, which I was unfortunate enough to stumble upon, but which probably didn't really involve me, but being the worrier that I am, I went to Don's Key & Lock to check and hearing my concern, Don scheduled a re-key at no charge! That is true Customer Service! Thanks again guys, you're the best! ******** So my mom and her guy took me out for a walk last night and NEITHER of them managed to take any keys! Hey, don't look to me, I don't have pockets. Since our building is serviced by Don's Key and Lock they are always (yeah, it's happened before!) who she calls and they are always fast, friendly and efficient, but last night Dave answered the call sometime after 9pm and even though he was already on his way home and past SFO he turned around to get us back into the loft in no time flat because all the other guys were busy and going to be awhile. Talk about service! Usually, I would have hoped for a long wait and the ability to be outside longer, but my walkers had made some sort of strange bet involving me (which my mom won!) and my every action was being scrutinized, so bed started sounding good. Thanks Dave and thanks to Don's Key and Lock, we will be calling you again soon, I'm sure! Lulu read more

Called after locking myself out when my roommate was out of town, and getting the name from my property management company. They came and let me in in under 30 minutes- Donny was super professional and friendly, and got me back in! Payment was easy and super fair. Would recommend! read more

I bought a car and had to change the ignition lock as it was defective .I tossed the old key away not thinking that this key also locks my door and opens my trunk! UGH! So I went to Don's key a about my problem. He said his guy is in the field and about back in fifteen minutes. I was lucky and found a parking spot right in front of the shop. After a while Don came out check for key numbers but could not find any code numbers he then went about to create a fitting key set. Yes it cost me 75 bucks but it was done in an hour and worthwhile! He did a great job and the keys work like OEM manufactured keys for my vehicle! Thank you Don! Great Job! read more

The guys at Don's Key and Lock sells locksets that are compatible with older security gates. What we were looking for was something very particular: a deadbolt that could be rekeyed to a Schlage lockset, had a narrower tube latch to work on older gates, AND was in a particular finish. I called all over the Bay Area and Don's was the only place that knew what I was looking for. We are completely satisfied and have one less key to deal with. :-) read more

Just used these guys today. Were at my house within three hours and changed my keys in 15 minutes. And showed me how to take out the key mechanism so that I can take it in to their shop next time and save the $65 house call fee. In any event, it was $90, which feels like a bargain to me. Guy was very professional and personal. I called one of the higher rated locksmiths and never heard back from them. read more

I like these guys! I use them in my line of work (real estate) as well as personal usage. Always nice, helpful and well priced.

I've used these guys multiple times and have had a great experience. So I'm abit surprised by some of the negative reviews. but I'm guessing it relates to which person you deal with when in the store, and the guy i dealt with was awesome. plus, over the phone, they are probably less helpful given i usually need to show photos of what I'm trying to do when talking to them, definitely go to the store if you want to get the best service. Background: they set up all the locks in my small 3 unit condo building when it was built in 2006. at that point i didnt deal with them since I moved in after the developer had completed everything. all the equipment was Cal-royal which seems to be pretty high quality to secure city condo buildings in SOMA. I've been to the store twice in need of replacing locks and adding new locks. both times, they have been extremely helpful in: -taking time to understand my project and needs -offering multiple options at different cost levels, especially creative ways to save money -instructing me on how to do installations myself (vs hiring them to do a building visit) Helping me on DIY was most valuable since it saved me a lot of money and I'm not very experienced in lock installations, especially the industrial strength stuff they sell which is more work (and way more secure) than some of the cheapo locks at Home Depot that I've used at past homes. I trust their lock expertise - they know way more about locks and security than people I've talked to at Lowes, Ace or Home Depot. and they want to give you the right solution vs. just making money off of you. You can probably find slightly cheaper prices for equipment and parts online, but bc of their service and expertise, I'm a loyal customer for life with this store. read more

Went to Cole's to get keys made and the very nice guy working the counter told me they were out of the Postal key I needed duped, so he told me to go to Don's--which I did. The guy at Don's dropped what he was doing and knocked out my two sets of three keys in minutes. Paid about a buck fifty a key, went home and they all worked. Viola. read more

They installed new locks in our bld. Went to get keys made & even though they were closed they made them for us ( Sat). Then we had problems with one lock & they came over quickly & replaced it. read more

The selection and service here is top notch! The staff here went above and beyond to help me not only install a new door handle and lock on my newly renovated home, but also helped me solve a major problem with the door being obstructed and not opening/closing properly. Huge shout out and thank you to Donnie who's helped me order several handles along with other lock/key various projects. He was extremely knowledgeable about the best items to order for my home, offered a range of affordable items (with great quality), and did an awesome job installing/following up on all the tedious extra tasks--with a super friendly attitude. I have a few more projects left that will need handle / lock installations and I won't think twice about going anywhere else! read more

Frequent curt and terse phone calls to Don's, when invariably there is no one around who can provide the information I need, have not resulted in any of the promised returned calls. Employees appeared fed up and tired when they do show up to provide a service, which isn't often, and the quality of the work leaves much to be desired, with badly fitted hardware and repairs left incomplete. Worst of all, perhaps, is the lack of imagination or interest in new work or in improving the security of our building: A dentist approach to gift horses. Don's appear tired of being in business. read more

Prompt, efficient, courteous/polite ... needed a new strike latch on our security gate. They gave me an arrival window (OK, a 2:00 - 6:00 window, a big window). Technician called at 3:00 to arrive by 3:30 ... arrived early. Done by 3:50. Less $$ than projected or than competitor estimates. Excellent! read more

My contractor referred me to Don's for door knobs for a large remodel project. Donnie walked me through everything I needed to know and was very knowledgeable about a number of different brands. Found a product and price I was super happy with, they did the install, it all went really smoothly. I will definitely use them again in the future for all my knob and lock needs. read more

Our condo building had a lock on our front gate fail. I called Don's at 4pm, and 90 minutes later Jon showed up and fixed the problem in about fifteen minutes. The price was very fair. Beware "bargain" locksmiths who say they will come out for $25. Google "locksmith scam" and you'll quickly see there are a lot of bad guys out there who say they are locksmiths but really just want to swindle you. I would use Don's again. Professional, solid, courteous. read more

Don's key has a memory loss he for gets so if you do business with him make sure you get it written down good luck . The case was a key for 91 Chevy Vette which he said he could do then he said he didn't said that. He is unreliable for two days I could not get a hold off. Good luck any way I went some where else. No star read more

Don's came highly recommended. To my disappointment, I spent countless calls trying to get someone to make an appointment to provide an estimate. After scheduling an appointment 3 weeks from the initial call I tried to confirm the appointment two days before and each time I was told they would get back to me. After 8 calls I finally reached someone the day of the scheduled appointment 2 hours before they were meant to come to my home that they couldn't help me. I would say highly unprofessional and not responsive. read more

Customer Service here is TOP NOTCH! Mark was at my door a mere 20 mins after my initial call to the shop on a Monday morning and it wasn't an emergency. The door into my place was permanently locked from the inside, leaving me locked out if I had to run out into my hallway without my keys. He took the lock apart, lubricated it, fixed the catch (that was always troublesome) and explained what happened as he reset it. Perfect and quick. He was even gracious while dealing with my over protective barky little dog and nosey cat. I feel so lucky knowing that these folks are right around the corner from me. Thanks Don's Key & Lock! read more

I just had these guys re key about 12 locks and they did a great job; one of the locks was a Schlage that had one of those auto re keys and it was giving me a problem because i was missing the master Key blank. I am Real Estate Agent and do this a lot. They helped me out and didnt charge me; they spent 10-15 minutes doing it. You can trust these guys. If you have any problem, talk to Don he is very knowledgeable. Brad Jaeb Jeab Real Estate read more

I just used Don's Key lock for the 4th time. The gentleman who came out today had a great attitude and was in and out, which was great because I needed to get to a meeting. One time Don came out himself. He said he appreciated me being a past client and all his guys were busy on other jobs. Note: I got locked out, it wasn't a big job, but believe me, when you get locked out, you don't care about anything other then getting in ASAP. I have also referred Don to clients of mine and I have never heard a bad word. Good luck. Dave Tapper read more

needed a duplicate made. i gave him the key. i turned around, stared at a hidakey for a quick second, turned around and the guy behind the counter said, 1.79 please. whoa. if you blink, youll miss it. read more