"Expertise" is the one word that describes the service offered at Locksmith Essentials. I could not find my normal set of car keys and used a key for my car that was made years ago by hardware store - and it got stuck and would not come out of the ignition lock! Michael of Locksmith Essentials came to the rescue and did this very skillful work quickly and with no damage to car: He momentarily closed he store and went around the corner to remove the stuck key. Great value, courteous, and very knowledgeable. read more

Locksmith Central is THE Auto lock place to contact -- My ignition was jammed up -Mike was able to put together all aspects of the problem -bottom line -he unjammed the ignition with specific tools-and made recommendations to avoid the issue again-- Thumbs up for for these folks~~ read more

Short story: I had my pants stolen at Kezar! Not like, you know, off of my body. But while I was running around the track. For whatever reason I had my phone and wallet in my jacket, but my keys were in my pants. The spare key to my motorcycle required 10 minutes worth of jiggling so I needed a new key made. I took the bike to this locksmith just from a google search and was very happy with the service I was provided. They had very reasonable rates and even didn't charge me for a few things they did. I highly recommend them to anybody, from getting a simple key made to more in-depth problems. read more

Mike and Kelly are as good as it gets! This is the third time I've used them. Twice they've replaced locks or put in security features for our condo association and today they replaced the locks on my front door. Not only is their work great, Mike is incredibly knowledgable about how to keep the bad guys out. All of his suggestions work and his prices are reasonable. They're my go-to locksmiths. read more

I can't say enough good things about Mike and his cousin Kelly. I first met Mike 5 years ago when I accidentally locked myself out of my office. I called both him and another locksmith to help me because I had a client waiting and I needed the fastest response. The other guy arrived 10 min. before (unfortunately) and charged me twice what Mike would have charged. Mike warned me about these "fly by night" locksmiths that swoop in and hold you ransom for exorbitant prices. Later on when I needed a rekey he was the one I called and he was right - he was reasonable compared to that first guy. I came to them again 3 yrs later when I bought a mid-century desk off craigslist with key holes in the drawers, but no keys. They rekeyed the locks on the desk for me to new beautiful skeleton keys that I love. A year after that my office keys were stolen from my car. He came right away and rekeyed my commercial lock at my business so I could have piece of mind. Very professional and reasonable. NOW, fast forward to last night, when I was the victim of a "hot prowl" at home. Imagine my surprise to wake up to a man entering my bedroom while my husband was out of town. I was very lucky that nothing was stolen and I was not hurt. However, I lost all confidence in the safety of the locks in my home. I called them first thing in the morning and they set up an appointment for that very day to come help me. I called two times just to make sure they were coming because I was nervous at home with a perp out there with my keys. Each time they answered the phone promptly and assured me they would come after completing their next job. They had great recommendations and even fixed small things on other doors/locks in the home so they worked more smoothly. They gave me discounts on the locks and on the service. They are also the only providers of the latest High Security Multi-Lock. I really enjoyed chatting with them and meeting Kelly's dog Penny,who stayed in the truck, but I would have gladly had the cutie in my home. I will call them time and time again. The only thing that would ever lower my stars for them would be if they moved to Hawaii!!! Never leave us Mike and Kelly! read more

Total, complete rip-off. Shame on me for not having a better understanding of market price, but Michael Young came to our apartment to simply grease and tighten 3 door handles that were loose. He replaced NO parts: just removed the lock from the front door, greased it and tightened the screws...and for the 2 other doors (which don't even have locks) he simply tightened the mechanics so that they fit tighter on the door. He was here for a total of maybe 15-20 minutes, and charged $155. FOR NO PARTS! I then (belatedly) called around to 4 other locksmiths and described precisely what michael had done (as he wrote himself on the service order), and I got 4 quotes ranging from $60-80 total. He refused to give a refund...his $65 service call charge is a joke, since this wasn't even an emergency call...buyer beware, I suppose, but I cannot bash this guy enough...don't use him. read more

Took my motorcycle ignition here after losing my keys. The guy couldn't have been more pessimistic about whether he could make a key that would work. He told me that it was a gamble and that for certain that even if the key worked the ignition, it wouldn't fit the gas cap like the original did. What's worse was his demeanor. His entire attitude to me the whole time had an accusatory vibe, like I was a motorcycle thief trying to get a key made for a bike that wasn't mine. "I'm just saying this looks like it's been tampered with so I'm uncomfortable here." It HADN'T been tampered with. So after realizing that his can't do attitude wasn't likely to result in a working key, I took the ignition to Katy at ABC Locksmith instead and had a working key in 20 hours that ALSO worked the gas cap and was 20 dollars less than his "gamble" quote he gave me. read more

This review is in regards to "Emergency Lockout" services. Please be advised that the rates charged by this company are exorbitant ($165) compared to other companies in the area. I was in a pinch to get back into my apartment so I agreed to the price but found out later that the market rate for "Emergency Lockout" around 7pm should be between $75-$100. Please do your research before going with this company as their prices are a rip-off and take advantage of a customer in a dire situation. read more

Quick, efficient and convenient. They accept cash only but with so many ATMS nearby it's not too much of an issue.

My steering wheel lock wouldn't release, and I couldn't get to work. They said 24/7 service, but when I called at 6:30am, the guy I spoke with told me to call back at 9:30, and that the guy who could help me wouldn't be there until 10. I asked about the 24/7 service and he said my situation didn't qualify as an emergency. I can certainly imagine worse emergencies, like being stranded away from home instead of stuck at home, but still. I called Castro Locksmiths next, and the guy was great! Very experienced. He had two other calls scheduled, but came out in-between to get me going. Rather than cut the lock of he picked it! And only charged $85, while these guys wanted $125 too! And was very friendly and got me going quickly. And he brings his dog Ausker (Oscar). :) read more

Shut the front door!!! Well I did, and my door knob came off in my hand!!! SHUT UP! I know!! Right? Thank God I still had the dead bolt intact. Well I flew to Google, and hence, Yelp, which led me to my new best friends Mike and Kelly. I called at about 5;00pm, they were here by 6:15ish..even called to let me know they were 5 minutes away. Not only did they fix the problem, but gave me a more secure lock...in a nice brushed stainless..like all the cool kids have. They were so efficient, professional and personable...like really nice next door neighbors...made all the keys I needed. Would totally recommend them, but hopefully won't need their services again. But then, I know myself, so got his card. A funny aside, I ordered pizza, and when the delivery guy came, the door had latched and I had no knob to open the door! It happens people! Locked inside with pizza on the outside!! YIKES!! Super human Nancy Drew ingenuity got the door open...So call Mike and Kelly before you are locked away from your dinner!! New locks, increased security and pizza safely delivered...just in time for the Giants game! Life is good! read more

Good work * Trustworthy * but PAINFULLY EXPENSIVE. Over Over OVERLY priced and i am over them. Looking for a reasonably priced locksmith and the name Rhinoceros comes to mind. read more

great, fast, friendly service. he even gave me some valuable advice for out of town travel! my crappy ford egnition crapped out on me and he had the part ready to go. got a car lock problem? mike is your man! read more

Time to get backup ignition keys for my '67 Mustang. Mike made quality copies and gave me some great tips on classic car vendors in the city. Friendly, honest and quality work. read more

Never knew that key quality could vary so much. We've always gotten our back-up keys made at a hardware store, and we've wound up with quite a few that either didn't work at all or required a great deal of finesse to operate. Went here and got a new set of keys that work like buttah. read more

Not that they need another 5 star review, BUT...I have to add my 5 stars to the lot already listed here. I called them on a Friday, to get my locks replaced urgently. They were able to come out that weekend. Very professional, friendly, honest and thorough. They started with a walk-through and discussion of what I needed done. Michael recommended lots of better ways to achieve the same goals, often at a lower price. He also did a review of all my doors and windows and recommended several simple actions that made perfect sense from the security point of view. The entire crew was also VERY considerate, taking pains to avoid waking up my baby. And when they were done, the only thing they left behind is new locks, keys and peace of mind (no cleanup needed!). Money well spent. Highly recommended. read more

Got locked out of our apartment, and they were able to come out ASAP and we got in within the hour. Fast and friendly service! Their "emergency lock out" service is open after hours as well. read more

Thank you so much to Michael Young Locksmith Central! I was locked out of my garage and had to get to work. Every locksmith I called was busy (apparently there are a number of people who were in my shoes on Friday morning- TGIF). Michael kindly worked around his schedule to make sure I could open up my garage, brought me a new lock, and I was on my way to work! I would call him first again in a heartbeat.... hopefully I won't need to anytime soon :) read more

Completely love Mike and Kelly. They have pulled me out of several pickles - most recently when our front door lock failed as we were leaving for the airport. They are fast, courteous, and they really know their locks. We have had them work on several projects involving door locks, opening a safe, and installing a keypad for our garage door. They are honest and just really fabulous locksmiths. read more

Mike has helped us a few times. He's very professional, efficient, easy to work with, prepared and does good work. There was a situation that we didn't expect, but Mike had the correct parts and was able to still get the job done. Thank you Mike and Kelly. read more

I was nervous because I lost my keys , I call central and they came out in about 1/2 hour they re key my locks and I could go to work. keep up the good work........... read more

Michael has been a locksmith for decades. Great customer service. Expert at repairing locks and doors.

Highly recommend the friendly and knowledgeable service provided by Locksmith Central!! In addition to being able to duplicate a key for one of my vintage cars, Michael helped me to figure out how to open a broken glovebox lock. He took the time to explain all of the options and pros and cons before proceeding with any work. On top of being straight up and trustworthy, the people at Locksmith Central are excellent problem-solvers. Garden variety hardware stores pale in comparison to the expertise and range of service Michael and his team have to offer. read more

Michael Young did a very professional job at my house, fixing my front door lock and installing a new stronger deadbolt. He also gave me other ideas for improving security around my house. read more

I like these guys. I used their service a few months ago to replace a lock, and recently called them again because I was having problems with, what I thought, was the lock but was really my key and door. I was frustrated at first and possibly even a little unreasonable, but they stayed calm, were helpful, answered my questions, and made sure that my door/lock/key was working perfectly when they left. Basically, these are nice people and they stand by their work. They care about their customers and their own reputation. They are smart, responsive, and work hard to make their customers happy. They deserved my 5 stars today. I hope the best for them in the future. read more

Nothing but positive things to say about Mike and Kelly. I agree with other reviewers when they say that they are fast, courteous, and know their locks. I would add that they do excellent work. The lock to my front door broke leaving me locked out. After talking to Mike on the phone and texting him a picture of the broken lock, he gave me both best and worst case scenarios. Fortunately, he was able to get in without having to destroy the lock and we were going to be closer to the best case scenario. I was impressed with his responsiveness, speed, and the quality of his work. Hopefully, I will not need his services again. But if I ever do need a locksmith, he will be my first call. read more

Mike was a total pro and a very nice guy. You can tell he's been in the business a long time and he was one of the few businesses that was able to change out my car ignition with only 30 minutes notice. I'm definitely keeping his contact info on file in case I need a locksmith in the future. read more

Love them! Best security keys in the city! Very dependable.

What a find. Knowledgeable, friendly, well-stocked. More than just key copies -- full service locksmith as well as supplies for the do it yourselfer. read more

We recently moved into the neighborhood and didn't realize we had a poltergeist front door that magically locks itself. So we were locked out and the baby was inside napping! A quick Yelp search revealed these guys and we called them. When they heard about our situation Mike (who refers to himself as "shop Mike" as contrasted with "owner Mike") actually ran up the hill to our house to help us out as quickly as possible. That made a huge difference and we will certainly turn to them whenever we need help in the future. Terrific to work with and super responsive - both great qualities in a locksmith. read more

Thank you Mick I really appreciate the work you did.You deserve lots of 5 star reviews Thanks a million & Happy Thanksgiving read more

I could not ask for anything better. My tenant called at 9pm on Sunday saying the lock didn't work on the front door of the apartment. I called a few locksmiths who said they couldn't be there within 2 hours. Finally I called Locksmith Central. Mike was friendly and informative, and said he'd be there in 20 minutes or less. By 10pm, the lock was fixed, the tenant was happy and Mike was on the phone with me telling me it was done. All around excellent. read more

Mike #1 promptly responded to my panicked call about being locked out and got me in within 30 seconds. (Seriously, locksmiths make a crazy hourly wage when one considers how quickly they can pop a door open.) Mike #2 at the shop (a self-declared "key nerd") made me a spare key that actually worked after four other places either looked at my key and said "no way" or attempted and failed. One hopes to never need a locksmith in your contacts, but I've got their number in mine now. read more

Michael did a fantastic job repairing my lock. Someone had put crazy glue in the door handle lock (what? I know) and he arrived 30 minutes after I called for help. Not only did he replace the lock quickly and carefully, but he helped calm me down and give me tips on next steps (call the police to report vandalism, filed a renter's claim to cover the cost of the repair, etc). He also noticed that the lock on the main door to my apartment building was not as secure as it could be, and helped me understand how to communicate the technicalities of the situation to my landlord. His services were NOT cheap, especially since I called him on Memorial Day, but I'd call him again. read more

It feels like someone saved your day when you come back from a drink at the corner restaurant with a friend and you can no longer lock the street level entrance to your work and you're picturing guarding your business with your life all night long, sleeping with one eye open in one of your treatment rooms... but then LC shows up in just 15 min and in another 15 has fixed your landlord's janky old mortise lock and shown you a really pretty new one just like you've been picturing for the half the price you were told was possible previously... hallelujah and thanks LC for the ability to sleep in my own bed tonight! read more

The plastic loop on my husband's remote for our Toyota broke. We called Toyota and they wanted to seek us a new remote which was $130 plus we had to bring the car in so they could program it. My husband took the remote to Locksmith Central and they have rubber cases that fit around the remote with a loop for the key and access to the lock, unlock and panic button. It fit perfectly and was only $10.95. What a great solution!!! read more

Friendly, punctual, and competent. What more could you want in a locksmith?

Very competent and fast. We had all our house locks rekeyed. The keys all fit perfectly. Mike also gave us tips on security as he worked. Price was reasonable. read more

I've used Mike multiple times over the years. He's honest, responsive, works quickly, charges reasonably and provides the needed therapy session after accidentally locking yourself out. Thanks Mike! read more

Great work, but there seems to be a rotating "out working in the field" thing. So half the times I go, new hours have been taped up to the door. read more