I had a lockout at 3:30 am and he said he would be able to arrive within 1 hr and quoted prices ranging $30 apart. Sure enough 1 he later he was able to assess the situation and help open my door within 1 hour. I was charged a fair price, ETA to my house was correct (4/5 in my books). Because he was able to do this at 3-5 AM, while another locksmith asked me to wait for them to open, bumping this to 5/5. I got charged at a higher end of the quoted range for reference. read more

After a terrible few experiences at Rockridge Key Cut & Shoe Repair, I finally took my sad, un-copy-able keys to Keyosk Golden Gate Locksmith on Broadway. Customer service was warm and welcoming from the get-go. I warned the owner that I'd been told the key was "bad" and that previous attempts to make copies hadn't worked. He grinned reassuringly and said, "But we *guarantee* it'll work!" I believed him. The keys were cut and ready within minutes. I anticipated that none would work in my lock, since the last few copied sets didn't function. But hey!! All three keys turned the deadbolt, no problem! Now when I go for a run and lock myself out - which I manage to do at least monthly - I can rescue my spare key from my neighbors' and still shower in time for work. Huzzah for friendly key-makers!!! read more

New address! 3620 San Pablo Avenue in Emeryville. Super friendly and highly knowledgeable. And a family business ;) well deserved to be supported. read more

Key Osk Golden Gate Locksmith - 70 years in business - Keys & Locksmiths Near Me - Lynwood, California

What can I say about this family owned and operated (historically black family who have done business in Oakland when the Harlem of the West was in full swing). I came here to procure their services when I lost the key to my are shed. They came back to the house with me and took care of the issue in no time. The bonus I received is a history of historical black Oakland and how long they've been here supporting our community with hard working safety and security services. When I spoke to another relative who is a neighbor and ironically a locksmith (which I learned because the cousin who worked on my project informed me of that, having seen a more notably advertised services here in Oakland at my home, He shared they had trained this more notably locksmith's folks. That's what history helps uncover but Advertising makes it seem not so. . In short, excellent, affordable and attentive service. Wouldn't use Anyone else moving forward. While we need a directory to support black-owned businesses in Oakland, YELP helps until that becomes easily accessible. read more

Come here for several different needs ranging from house door locks to several different services for vehicle, from new key fob, to the new ignition, to entire rekey for a vehicle. Fair prices and absolutely fantastic customer service, always a pleasure coming here, look forward to it every time. Highly Recommend read more

Ralph *almost* brought tears to my eyes when he gifted me a ($12) key as a housewarming present. He had known me for all of ten minutes (which is the amount of time it took me to find my perfect key). What a thoughtful and kind gesture, and such a gentleman too, allowing me to come behind the counter to pore over his various keys as he patiently showed me which ones I could choose from to match mine. Come here to be reminded of the sweetness of life. Thank you so much, Ralph!! read more

I had a key almost snap in half, I went to several places who couldn't fix it or make a copy, so finally after a recommendation from a friend, I walked in to golden gate lock shop on university, they looked at it and made a copy in less than 5mins. Fast service and very friendly staff. read more

I recently bought a 72" locking cabinet online and then promptly lost the keys. I searched all over the internet to see if I could find a replacement lock - all to no avail. The core of the original lock had no identifying numbers or manufacturer ID. I thought I was going to have to replace the entire cabinet. That's when I discovered Keyosk-Golden Gate Locksmith. I LOVE this place! Keyosk-Golden Gate Locksmith is a 4th-generation black-owned family business that's been operating in Oakland for 75 years. The store itself kind of reminds you of Olivander's Wand shop in the Harry Potter movies: small and old-school with hundreds (if not thousands) of key blanks hanging on the walls and all kinds of lock parts and hard to find locks in bins and boxes and display cases. You'll also see that locks aren't the only things they fix. While I was there, I saw a couple of old-style slot machines and what I think was a small safe. But here's the thing you really need to know: Keyosk-Golden Gate Locksmith can repair or provide replacement parts for any locking device. They also do custom work. (I'll take more about that in a minute.) Mr. Ralph runs the store. When I brought him my nondescript lock core, he looked at it carefully and then called his daughter, April. As April set about the task of finding a replacement lock, Mr. Ralph told me how his parents started Keyosk-Golden Gate in the mid-1940's. Today he and April and his grandson keep in the business thriving and ready to pass down to yet another generation. After a few minutes, April had found a lock that seemed like it could work as a replacement - almost. It turns out that the replacement lock itself needed some additional modification. No problem. April simply whipped out a metal file and some kind of special lock messing tools, and before I knew it, I had a working customized lock with the keys provided in my hands. I was AMAZED. The kind of friendly, personalized customer service that I encountered at Keyosk-Golden Gate Locksmith is really hard to find anymore. From the moment you walk in, they make you feel like they've known you forever. Even more amazing is the level of professional skill and customized service that this store - that this whole family - provides. THEY. KNOW. LOCKS. But here's another important thing: The price I paid at Keyosk-Golden Gate Locksmith was WAY LESS than what I would have paid at a big box hardware store. (They absolutely saved me a couple of hundred dollars from needing to replace my entire locking cabinet, that's for sure!) If you need lock repair or keys made and you don't mind enjoying some good conversation while the magic happens, they go to Keyosk-Golden Gate Locksmith. I promise they will become your only locksmith resource. read more

I work across the street so it's super convenient for me to run over here. This place has safes, door handles, locks and key copying. I don't have enough important things to safeguard so I didn't really take a look at the locks and safes, but I'm sure they're fine and will keep unwanted hands off your things. I just needed some keys copied. The friendly guy did it while I waited, kept the keys in separate sets and gave me some key rings. Super easy. Super fast. Way better than Ace Hardware who copied keys that didn't even work. Yay! read more

I came in here one time to buy a GE lock-box, they run about $30, first they did not have any in stock, then the owner tried to hustle me, had me wait around for 5 min so he could buy it from somewhere else and sell it to me for $50. I laughed and told him "no thanks." Their services are limited to lockouts and key copying. read more

I never thought I could really enjoy my time while getting my keys copied. They were so friendly! We had a genuine conversation and they just brought me so much joy. I recommend this place to everyone and I hope they remain a successful Oakland business. I wish nothing but the best in life for this family! read more

I went to Golden Gate Locksmith needing 17 copies of an obscure key for my workplace. Ralph and his partner were able to make the keys quite quickly. The customer service provided was excellent, and it surprised me the short time it took to make that many keys, and they all work! (I tested each one out just to be sure, the previous set we got from the contractor who installed the lock had only about 1 out of every 4 keys working.) I will definitely go back for any keys or lock repair I need in the future. I'm so glad they are only two blocks from my home! read more

Ok, this review has been a long time coming and I still need to go back here. I feel like I should bring Ralph and his crew some cookies after how great the customer service was. 1) I called this place at their lake Merritt location to get a key copied on Presidents' Day and the owner, Ralph, directed me to their broadway location as they were at that shop, although their store wasn't even open. He patiently gave me directions to the place and offered to copy the keys although they were technically closed. 2) I went there and got a few keys made, bringing my total to a few dollars. Unfortunately, they don't take cards for purchases under $20 and I only had a dollar on me. Instead of making me buy a bunch of random locksmith crap, he just told me to come back there next time I was in the neighborhood and pay him back. That has pretty much never happened to me! In my experience, business owners who do things like that run an honest business and will provide good quality of work. read more

This guy made my day. I'm new to the area, staying with friends, and needed to get a key copied so I could, you know, let myself in at night. First tried a hardware store on Park St. The key they made me looked alright, but did not work. Kind of worked with two of the four locks I needed access too...but only kind of, and no go on the other two. The proprietor at Key Osk was friendly, straightforward, and generous with his time and his rates. He carefully measured my two keys as well as the third he made me, making an effort to adjust his work where he could. And the key works! On all four locks!! Thank you, sir. read more

Have been dealing with these guys for a good while. Besides the fact that they work extremely slow and have to call to make a payment with credit card, the owner is very unprofessional and ill tempered. I would avoid working with them once again read more

Such kind and quick people! Took about thirty seconds in total--No hassle, affordable, and personable business. Plus Black-owned in Oakland, which I'll always support. New lifelong customer. read more

Key osk is a wonderful neighborhood locksmith. Customer service is tops at this establishment. They will make your keys until they are right. The guy even ce with me to my apartment to see if there was a problem with my lock. He is super nice. Always willing to help and always smiles!!! This is the place to go for keys!!! Quick, hard to find keys, and friendly service. read more

I cannot say enough good things about the owner of this business! Because I missed the driveway into the Enterprise parking lot that they share... I thought I could park out front with my 4-way flashers on. The owner was kind enough to stop what he was doing and warn me that I was parked in a bus lane and that it was a $600. ticket! After moving my car, I came back and was given platinum customer care at a very modest price. I will gladly return to this business again! read more

I prefer to support black-owned, long-standing businesses in my neighborhood, cuz you can't beat the knowledge and personalized customer service. Ralph made me a replacement key from my damaged Yamaha motorcycle key. I was worried I'd just have to get the whole thing re-keyed, but luckily for $4 I am all good. read more

Friendly, efficient and super easy to work with! The lock/key to my mailbox was open before he even knocked on the door - awesome :)

My car was broken into and was recommended to Golden Gate by a local mechanic. Apparently locksmiths can fix damaged ignition locks and not car mechanics. I got my car towed to their store and explained to Ralph, April and John my problem. We probably talked for like half an hour afterwards about non-car related stuff, something rare nowadays to have a down-to-earth conversation with strangers. They've been in business since forever and have that small business local vibe you can't find elsewhere. They gave me an estimate which was reasonably priced and even fixed my door lock on the side. I'll be back for sure! read more

I can't say good things about this business. They kept my car and then charged me a very large amount of money for something that should not have taken more than a couple of hours to complete. read more

i came by here during my lunch hour today to get some keys copied, and the proprietor had my keys done within 15 minutes! on top of that, his computer was down, so he said the keys were on the house. (don't worry, i'll be sure to pay him once his computer is running again!) so, if you need keys, safes, or door handles, come patronize this little place. the service was quick, guaranteed, friendly, and inexpensive and as jaime k said, it's much better than dealing with ace hardware down the street! read more

This place is so committed to customer service! It was 5:00 pm on a Saturday and I called to see if they were open. They usually close early but they sent someone to open just for me since they are closed in Sundays and could hear the desperation in my voice. I had three keys made for $6 and took less than 5 minutes. How many places will stay open to make just a couple bucks?! I was so grateful and will definitely recommend them for anyone needing keys made :) read more

Friendly locksmith but taking forever. Lots of visitors/non-customers, possible employees. Now he's on the phone again buying personal items w/ his credit card. I'm the only customer waiting over 30+ mins. He reassured me the key is in stock but I'm not convinced. He just sent a guy to pick up something?! I gotta go dude! read more

I was very impressed with the service that I received from Keyosk Golden Gate Locksmith. Although the actual locks on my home door seemed to work fine, the door was not shutting and locking properly, how to fix this was beyond me. I was set up for an appointment the morning after my initial call and (although about 30 minutes late from our scheduled time) was greeted by a professional and helpful young man who fixed my door. I felt his work was thorough, professional and he was kind. Turns out I didn't need new locks at all, but my door needed to be re-sized and the fittings to my lock were on incorrectly. I felt he worked with integrity and honesty and when it came time to pay for his services, I was happy and secure knowing that I was treated fairly (ie: not ripped off). Would definitely call them again for future locksmith needs. read more

Someone else messed up on a key and Ralph completely honored their policy of guaranteeing not only their own keys, but other competitors as well. He cut a better key copy & won me over as a customer! read more

Do not sign up for this school. It's a rip off and a waste of money. This is the worst school. Complete waste of time. Please don't fall for their bs about basic locksmith classes. You won't learn anything relevant to the trade. The locksmith industry is changing as technology advances. This school teaches outdated approaches to obsolete and discontinued locks, and charges alot for the information. You can youtube everything you will pay them for. My advice save your time and money. Most locksmiths will take on apprenticeships free of charge. read more

Came in on a Thursday morning, around 10:10am, because this other locksmith place claimed to be open at 10am wasn't and I had to be at work at 10:30am! Without asking for the service to be rushed , I handed him my key, and literally 40 seconds later he was done. Magic. And. The key works. Coming back for sure! Great service. read more

I come here every time I need any locksmithing or key cutting done. The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable, and can cut keys from codes if you provide the blank. I've never had a key cut here that did not work. read more

The owner was extremely kind and was able to accommodate my needs. Please support local businesses even for the most simplest things such as getting your keys copied! read more

Fair prices, nice guy. He was very helpful and he's able to simply walk to jack London homes to get people back in their homes.

I needed an emergency repair of my front gate and this business had been recommended on a local neighbors' board. I felt the bid was exorbitant but was desperate. They insisted to be paid in advance and in full. The owners daughter took a credit card through her phone app. Something I expect from a food truck or start up but not an established business. They gave me a two-hour window for the next day. Did not show up and when I called at the end of the promised time they said they were on their way. Two hours after that (half my day wasted) I called to say I could not wait any longer. When I got home now six hours after their promised time, their subcontractor was there. He grumbled that he could not work with the gate that was both wood and metal when he expected a metal gate. He had an electrical box in his hand acting like that would have worked in a gate. I told him to cancel the order. The next day I was able to reach the store and canceled the job they had failed to perform on. They said there would be a 25% restocking fee. At this point I was willing to pay the almost $200 fee to be done with this them! After returning to the store several times to try to catch the woman with the credit card phone app I finally got there when she was. I had to hang around almost 30 min while she chatted with other customers and the owner gave the run around to several people who came in with issues. Making the same excuses and giving the same run arounds I had been subjected to. Now I had a very bad impression on how they did business and began to fume. I did not say anything, but I suspect there was smoke coming out of my ears. I was seething. The owner saw this and when the woman finally got to me, the owner told her to give me a full refund. I could tell from her reaction (as well as the electrical box and lock he had planned to use as props to support his "restocking fee" charge) that she was surprised. I got my full refund but will not get back the time wasted and had to get the job done by someone else. I like doing business locally as it improves the community. I am a landlord and would like to have a local locksmith I could depend on. Unfortunately, this company does not qualify. read more

We just moved into the area and called them up to get our unit lock changed. They came over within an hour, checked out the lock, went back and grabbed the right tools and got the job done. I didn't have to step out of the apartment at all! Fantastic customer service. read more

They were friendly and fast!!! It took less than a minute for them to make my key. I haven't been home to try it yet but so far so good!

i was referred to this company and So Glad I was! I explained the problem I was having with the car door, and they took care of it immediately! They truly give customer service with smile! read more

These guys are great. Very knowledgeable. Always get the keys made quickly and well.

Went in today to copy a mail key. Was in and out in less than 5 minutes. Recommended!

I did go by there on Nov 21st, but even though their hours are 10-5, they were closed with a note that said they had to make a run.

12/23/2013 I called and came to the 3950 Broadway store, which stayed open late after 6pm, when I needed some keys made. The guy there was extremely helpful and friendly, and said that even if people came in with their non-working keys that were copied somewhere else, they would fix them anyway for free, and that they would take care of them. They charge $1.99/regular key ~ so nice~ They've been in business in that location for 6 years. It's definitely the place to go! read more