Locally owned business who is very useful when looking to make copies of keys. I've been here a few times and the gentleman working there is extremely friendly and down to earth. I recommend this spot. read more

Best Prices and Great Service. Garry (owner) has been in this business for a long time. He knows everything about locks, safes, car locks, key fobs, home locks etc.... His prices are better they fair. He keeps his costs down and passes on the savings to his customers. He is helpful and will tell you how you can save on your lock/key needs even if it costs him some lost revenue. After driving around and calling many places, he is the ONLY locksmith that I found that will cut a transponder car key that you bring to him which resulted in me saving a lot of money. Save your money, bring your car and car key needs to Madden, you won't regret it. Mobile locksmiths charge MUCH more. read more

Madden's Lock & Safe - Original transponder keys for 2 Ford cars on the right, cut and operational new keys on the left. - Keys & Locksmiths Near Me - Escondido, California

Exceptional customer service! I reached out to various places in Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, but everyone seemed hesitant to duplicate a tubular key. Then I called Madden, and he immediately invited me to stop by, assuring me he would take care of it at a reasonable price. This will definitely be my go-to spot for all my key needs! read more

The man who works here was able to fix car key remote and was able to get me a custom key for my car door lock. For a respectable price may I add. 10/10 recommend. read more

This was my 3rd call out for a quote & when asked for the exact address I said I'm not comfortable giving that out just yet due to the situation & the guy cut me off SCREAMING that they're not crooks they're not crooks. When I tried to say look I've called 2 other places and they just gave me a basic quote & didn't even ask and that he was being rude he said once again starts screaming that "somebody needed to give you a reality check, lady!" then he had the audacity to hang up on me. I don't usually sit with my mouth agape, but this was insane! read more

I can see why there are so many one star reviews. I just joined the club. My RV lock stopped working and I was locked out. I needed to leave for a very hard deadline meeting in Flagstaff in two days. I'm in a campground in the desert. I called my road service, and they contacted Gary. He said he wanted $500 just to make the drive out. Coach-Net agreed to cover that cost and mileage charges. My agent called to tell me Gary was coming out, and commented, "He's a very grumpy guy". She was being way too kind. I called Gary to offer to take a picture of the lock and send it to him so he'd be sure to have the right parts. Between the agent speaking with him and my call to try to make his job easier, he changed his mind. He wasn't going to come out. Not even for $1,500. Too far, too much trouble. You'd think I had kicked his dog or something. I've never been treated so badly, and yea, yelled at by a business owner. I reported the incident to Coach-Net and they are going to file the report. read more

He knows his stuff!!! Old School locksmith. Makes keys right the first time. Always very helpful!

Gary is absolutely amazing and he saved me $000 by repairing a very complex Baldwin mortise lock. Gary knows his stuff and will go the extra mile for you. read more

I wrote Gary an e-mail explaining my situation and asked for a quote. Gave him my address for an at home quote because he asked for my address. He replied back telling me "go to harbor freight don't bother me anymore." WTH is this guy's issue!?! I was nice and he replies with an ass reply. Don't waste your time with this disgruntled old man. Find someone wanting to help you! read more

I normally give latitude for someone having a bad day, but having looked at another review on here with regard to his rudeness, he's either naturally rude or has a lot of bad days. I called him about re-keying 8 locks on a home we just moved into, he immediately started quoting me in really weird terms and when I said please just give me an estimate of what the total would be, he got very upset and said you do the math based on what I just told you lol. I had already called a a couple other locksmiths and they were more than happy to quote the job based off my specific requirements. How he's in business is somewhat perplexing based on his methodology and attitude. read more

Gary came out to rekey three locks for us. He quoted price options on the phone for the options we had based on what we told him. He was very nice and wanted to accommodate our appointment schedule. He could have come out same day, but my schedule didn't have time for that day. He was very punctual and did what he said he was going to do at the price quoted. I did not see his location, but he will come to you as well and seems like a small local business. I would recommend him as he was punctual and gave options for me to choose the best fit for the budget I wanted to spend. Thank you Gary. read more

Needed to replace an ignition tumbler and a new key for my Odyssey, called around town and eventually got referred to Madden's Lock & Safe. Talked to Gary briefly over the phone to get an estimate of the job and an available time. He sounded like a grumpy person over the phone, but boy what a complete 360 it was meeting him in person. Gary's a down to earth guy. He jokes around a lot, but a hard worker that made sure everything is working perfectly when he handed you your new car keys. The prices were very fair and reasonable compared to getting a new key from the dealership. He only accepts cash and personal checks. Definitely come here for your car key and tumbler needs! read more

I was referred to Madden's by Home Depot for a car key that needed to be duplicated. HD did not have the blank. I called Madden's and got a lady on her cell phone. I informed her what I needed and then she said to hold on since she had to pull over to check her books (whatever that meant). She asked for the year, so I told her the year and make/model. She then asked if I needed it now. I didn't but that threw up a red flag--are they mobile only? I didn't need a mobile, i.e. $$$, service. So I asked her if it was a mobile service only or if they had a store front. She says they have a store front and then, get this: she tells me to stop asking so many questions. Huh?? She quotes me $20 for a key replacement and states that she can do it today as she's driving back to the store. Kind of expensive, so I explained that I'm going to Lowes first to see their price, and if it's not lower, I'll come by to her shop. Before I could finish it, she says: "OK. Say hi to the guys at Lowes." And then she hangs up on me. Why would anyone want to go to a place where free market and comparison on the behalf of the customer are shunned? Needless to say, I was insulted by her lack of customer service and will never go to Madden's for their services. read more

So rude! I understand this business isn't customer service based, but please learn to be kind on the phone when talking with a customer. I hung up feeling like I did this man a disservice by needing his help. Sheesh. read more

They came up when i searched for locksmiths and said they were open 9-5pm and was "Open". Get there at 11:35am and there is a sign that says they are open 9-11:30a and 1-5pm. So I drove 20mins out of my way for them to be closed for an 1 1/2 hrs. read more

Madden's Lock & Safe - Keys & Locksmiths Near Me - Escondido, California

My Mini Cooper key fob fell to pieces as they are known to do. I ordered a replacement cover/key blank from the web and needed someone to cut the new key for me. Let me start by saying how difficult it is these days to find a brick and mortar locksmith open on a Saturday these days. My search led me to Madden's. Walked in the door and was greeted by Mr. Madden and he was as friendly as could be, quoted me a very reasonable price for the work I needed and was done quickly. I had gotten to talking with Mr. Madden and a friend of his that was in the shop and enjoyed the conversation so much I ended sitting around and chatting for another 45 minutes after he was done with my key, which worked perfectly by the way :) Whatever your lock or key needs might be don't hesitate to gives Madden's a call. read more

My key bent this morning and my anxiety kicked in because I didn't know any locksmiths and one for a reasonable price. I searched the internet and found Madden's Lock Safe. Called before they even opened and to my surprise someone answered, asked for a quote and was on my way. Appreciated the quick service that he provided and gave me the peace of mind that I will get my key replaced. If you are looking for a locksmith who is fast, reasonable, highly experienced ;has been in the industry for 50 years... then you found the spot! read more

Grumpiest of older men l have ever had the displeasure of interacting with. Had his mind made up about me and my request before l had a chance to ask. Terrible atmosphere as well. read more

I ordered some more of the Nissan key blanks to replace the ones ruined by the other locksmith. I stopped by Madden's today to have another one cut. I was in and out quickly and, once again, the key worked perfectly. As a bonus, he was slightly less expensive than the other locksmith. Madden's saved me money, the other locksmith cost me money. read more

Madden's prices are great and he has over 35+ years experience as a locksmith. I always go to him to cut my keys! read more

Maddens was recommended to me as the best so I called about two weeks ago. Gary came to the house and switched my digital keypad on my safe to a combination lock. He showed on time (which is rare these days) and made the switch. Worked great for a week and then I had problems getting in the safe. I called Gary around 5:30 in the afternoon yesterday. He said he would be here 10 am today...and he was. He found the lock was faulty and replaced it. Works perfect now. Really nice guy. Very good customer service. I would absolutely use his company again. read more

As a business owner, we have recommended him to our customers several times over the years. Gary is very punctual and reasonably priced.

Have used Madden Lock and Safe for many years with outstanding success. Most recently I lost my car keys and when I went to the Dealer, Perry Infiniti, in Escondido, they quoted me $450 to replace one of the remotes for my car. Called Gary at Madden Lock and Safe who found me a replacement on line, ordered it for me, and programmed the new remote for the total amount of $99.00. Great service!!! Now for the Yelp review for Perry Infiniti!!!! read more

After going to a local locksmith with 15 years experience, that couldn't help me. I looked for a Locksmith with more experience. Gary has been in business for over 40 years. With his experience, Gary is twice the age of these yuppies on yelp that are trying to trash him. Give the guy a break. I didn't seek Gary out for his pleasantries, or to have hime massage my ego. I needed to talk to a locksmith with experience. Gary was very helpful. He couldn't help me with my situation, but his years of experience provided far more useful information. Gary will be the first person I will seek out next time I need a locksmith. I just hope he can stay in business with the naysayers out there trying to trash him. The lady who complained about the hours Gary keeps, should have read his website, encouraging "appointments". If you want to feel good about yourself, go order some quiche and tip the waitress who will massage your ego. Otherwise, have some respect for your elders. read more

Came in with a blank car key I got online to have it laser-cut by Gary. I was in and out within 10 minutes. The key of course works perfectly but I have to get the chip inside programmed by the dealership. He accepts Cards using a Square Payment terminal, I'm sure he'd prefer cash as he seems old school. This guy has been in business since 1979 so I'm sure he knows what he's talking about when it comes to key replacements. Great price and saved me cash from going to the dealership. (Would've been $195 from BMW) read more

I can give you five reasons why you do not want to do business with this guy that include rudeness, manipulation, dishonesty, price gouging, and possibly consumer fraud. Bottom line, look around and try really hard to find another alternative, and only go to Madden's lock and safe if you absolutely cannot find a solution anywhere else. There are many ethical and businesslike locksmiths in Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, and Poway. Try all of them before you go to Gary at Madden Safe and Lock. He certainly is an experienced and skilled locksmith, and provides some very specialized services that a lot of people may need from time to time. When you have a serious need, he does have some good solutions. However, he is possibily the rudest small business owner you will ever meet. I really don't know how he has stayed in business. His shop is in a terrible part of town where you'll wonder whether your safety is at risk. Men: don't let your mother, wife, girlfriend, or sisters go to his location. And don't have him come to your home or place of business. Not safe! He is crude and seems like he might have some geriatric dementia developing. Saying that he is rude is an understatement. His rudeness is extreme and totally uncalled for. If you give him the chance, he will cheat you and lie to you. If you need keys or key fobs for your car, find another locksmith or go to a car dealer. Just stay away from Gary and make sure your friends and family members do the same. Don't trust him and don't give him your money. He does not deserve your business. If you live close to him, drive the extra distance and go somwehere else. Anywhere else. read more

I had a car key fob problem. He's not the warmest person, but he knows his stuff. He fixed my key fob and showed me how to fix my other one at home. Quick and inexpensive. Thanks. read more

I called 9-10 places to get a quote on programming 2 remote fobs I bought for the Jeep, Mr. Madden was the closest and the fairest price. When I got there he pleasantly got right to work, turns out these 'discount' fobs would not work, he sold me two of his for $130, programmed! That's the best deal in town, he's honest, and I love mom and Pop stores, he's on Midway in Escondido, but I'd drive there from Vista to use Mr. Madden again, thank you so much!! BTW, the two nasty reviews down below are hogwash, one is an outright lie, and the other one the lady works for a competing business, always beware the super negative reviews. I guarantee this guy is good. read more

We enlisted the help from Madden Lock & Safe when we got locked out of our motorhome. Gary Madden showed up well before the estimated time suggested, he got right to work and had our door open within in minutes. He was very gracious in explaining why the door handle failed, temporarily fixed it so we can get in and out and will be installing the new handle when it arrives tomorrow. I would highly recommend calling Madden Lock & Safe if you need help. read more

Great place. I had a small problem getting an appointment as most auto locksmiths are set up to come to you, I didn't need that and I didn't need the service charge. Once that was settled everything was great. He is an older white gentleman, spoke english, did good work, was fast and very reasonable. I would use him again. read more

Like the previous reviews say, HORRIBLE customer service. I walked in today while waiting for my food to be ready at a nearby taco shop. I went in looking for high security locks and the guy went on about special orders and installs. I said it's not for an install just for hobby. I'm a computer security engineer and many of us also pick locks. He asked if I had my license and I said no, I don't need one because I'm not a locksmith, just someone who lockpicks as a hobby and part of the security culture. His attitude quickly changed and he started saying it was illegal for me to be in his store or for him to even talk to me. He kept saying he can't help teach me to be a locksmith. He is quite old so I'm sure he didn't hear half of what I said, but I've been lockpicking for over a decade and would bet money that I'm much better at his own profession than he is even though it's just a hobby to me. All I was looking for was a catalog of some sort to see what they offered in the high security lock area. All they have in this store are residential locks, standard padlocks and bad attitudes. It is definitely NOT illegal for me to be in his store just because I pick locks. I have taught a police officer how to pick locks, and have even been arrested on non-lockpicking related charges and had my lockpicks on me. They noticed them, and put them with the rest of my stuff, and gave them back to me when I got out the next morning. Why? Because it's not illegal to have lockpicks, and it's not illegal to pick your own locks whether you have a license or not. Even after his attitude went south I still gave his store a look and would have purchased something if I wanted to add it to my collection, but he kept on saying and even telling some guy outside "this guy here is trying to be a locksmith" as he rushed me out the door. I honestly don't see the point in this store even being there. If all they carry is residential stuff then why not just take your business to lowes or home depot where you can get the same stuff he offers but with much better customer service. If you have to special order locks why would I bother driving to your store when I can "special order" them myself off the internet? read more

Called this business to have them unlock our apartment door. He quoted us $60. We just moved into this apartment not too long ago so we obviously don't have real proof that this is our true address (drivers license, bills etc.). Nobody is in our leasing office on Sundays and for the past 4 hours we've been trying to get a hold of our "emergency maintenance" to no avail. A locksmith is our last resort. This guy was rude and said he didn't want our business and didn't want to get arrested due to us not having proof of residency and hung up the phone. Not wanting to get arrested is understandable obviously. But there are a ton of other ways to go about letting a potential customer know that you would not be willing to be of service. So we called a place called "The Lock Doctor" which is only 5 miles further AND $10 cheaper. He will be here in 10 mins and does not need proof from us other than us letting him know what's inside our apartment as he does a walk through! Go to The Lock Doctor as he is obviously more willing to help those in need of locksmith service! Not to mention he's cheaper and has a better attitude! read more

Don't go here unless you want to be ripped off. I'm a real estate investor and typically I get all my locks re-keyed at B&B Lock and Safe. I was in a huge rush and needed to have a tumbler changed on a single lock. Could have driven to B&B in 10 minutes and paid about $8 bucks for the same service. I called Madden's and they said they were on there way to lunch (about 11:30am), but they would wait for my wife to show up. She was 5 minutes away. They charged $19.39 to change a single lock! She wanted to use a credit card and they said it would be $5 more. I could have a mobile locksmith out for the same price. Stay away from these thieves and spend the extra 5 minutes to go to B&B. If I wasn't in such a hurry I would have had her driven the extra 5 minutes to B&B. I had no idea they'd be over twice the price. Hope they enjoyed their lunch....apparently it was on us! read more

Horrible customer service. I was asking for some help with a safe issue and after a little conversation, he told me it was the weekend and he couldn't help then abruptly hung up on me. DO NOT USE THIS BUSINESS!!! Horrible service and extremely rude.....Do not answer the phone on the weekend if you are just going to be rude and unhelpful. Plenty of other locksmiths that appreciate business and don't treat potential customers like trash. If I could give 0 stars that is what they'd receive. read more

The key to my car was worn with age and was difficult to turn in the ignition. I was quoted $200-400 to repair it by a few mobile services. Then I called Pep Boys for advice and they immediately told me to go to Madden's. I called Mr. Madden and he told me to come right in and it would be $95. He quickly re-keyed my car's ignition. He definitely knew what he was doing and I left there a very happy camper. read more

I have used Gary for many years and he always comes through. He has made a few house calls for some re-keying services and has done a great job. I would rather support the small businessman for my locks, keys and related services than the big box stores. Gary is a great guy and has some great stories. read more

First time using Madden Lock & Safe. Needed to replace a lost transponder key for a '99 Honda. Checked with several local dealers who all wanted over $100 for the key, cutting & programming. Checked with several mobile locksmiths who wanted $100+ for the same. Checked online and could buy a blank transponder key from $10-$20 and would need to have it cut & programmed. Watched several UTube videos showing guys programming the keys by just putting them into the ignition and turning on & off. After talking to Gary I decided to purchase his key and have him program it. The total for the key & programming was $70. It took him about 10 minutes to have it done. He did more than just put the keys in the ignition & turn it on & off. He had some special machine he hooked up and he had a book for programming my model. My three keys all worked. I don't know what he would have charged if I brought in a key I purchased just for cutting & programming. He has a Square Pymt terminal so I wouldn't call him old school. He'll take alot of different forms of payment. I don't live in the area of the shop but it was worth the drive. Great job!! read more

I spoke with Gary with this company on two separate occasions. The first time we spoke he was curt with me through the entire conversation. I let it go knowing everyone has rough days. He got the model on my vehicle wrong twice and the year wrong three times and told me he would call back with more information. I returned his message. When he answers he again got the make of my vehicle wrong after I told him what it was. It appeared we had a misunderstanding which he pointed out in what felt like a condescending voice. When I got confused and said that I recalled the conversation differently he again was rude. I ended the phone call but decided to call back and share with him how much his tone and behavior had impacted my decision to not use their company. I am in a job that works with people and always want to know if I can improve, especially if a bad day has changed my behavior. I didn't even get a chance to say it because he jumped to the wrong conclusions and hung up on me! Even if he felt upset with my calling back, he should have offered another employee or the manager. I can't believe the poor customer service that he provided and really wish I had the opportunity to speak with someone else because the prices seemed reasonable. read more