A-1 Lock & Safe Service, Inc Review

Called with a simple question and they told me to call back in 20 minutes. Upon calling back the tech had left and the woman that answered the phone knew nothing of the business other than answering the phone and book keeping. She said the tech would call me back in about 20 minutes. 3 hours later still no call. Turns out the information I needed was on their website. I told them I was only calling to figure out how to reset a combo on our store safe. They could have easily refered me to their website.

My store has a high rate of employee turn over and I am forever changing the lock everytime someone leaves.
A1 showed me high security locks that will allow me to save money by NOT changing locks all the time.
It cost a little up front but over time, it will pay for itself. Happy I did this.`

they just hooked me up with a toyota chip key for $75, in and out in 8min., toyota dealer wanted $$$ and 2 hrs with an appointment

We moved to Encinitas last month and the moving company did a great job with our beautiful antique furniture except for 1 mishap.
They lost the key to the china cabinet and it was locked.
The moving company sent out 3 different locksmiths who all said that they could help us out with a new key.
What a waste of time they all turned out to be. I even took time off from work to deal with all of this.
The moving company said they did all they could do and asked if we could find our own locksmith and if successful, ask if they could bill the moving company.
I called around and one locksmith told me that A1 Lock specialises in antique locks and keys, so we called them.
Mark came out quickly with a huge set of antique keys and actually found a 100 year old key that worked perfectly.
It looks exactly like our old key that got lost. He was happy to send his bill to the movers so I did not have to bother with getting reimbursed.
If you are in the Encinitas area, do yourself a favour and just call A1 the first time and save yourself so much time and aggravation.
And yes, they do modern locks too. Mark is coming back to change the house locks when we are ready for that.

I called A-1 Lock & Safe a few days ago to do some work on my malfunctioning intercom system in the office. Their technician arrived promptly and was able to resolve the issue in a very quick fashion. Thank you Lock and Tech for taking care of me. I'm very pleased with the quality and speed of service received and will definitely recommend you guys to all my friends and family.

Good shop with very knowledgable guys. I have seen them do all manner of jobs for a very fair price. I will recommend them to my friends.

They were awesome, fast service, they let me know that I probably didn't need to buy a "new lock" for my car, like Toyota had said I needed, they repaired the existing lock, the one Toyota said I needed to replace.

A-1 total cost $65 and works better than ever before.

Toyota wanted $700 and then I'd have a different key for that door.
OR
I could replace locks in both doors and starter, that was the recommendation and would have only cost me approximately $2100

I will recommend A-1 Lock & Safe to anyone that asks about a lock smith! I'd give 10 stars if possible

Well there it is, on scale of 1 to 5 stars, they get 10 stars!

Mark is the real deal when you need a licensed locksmith! I recommend him because he is licensed has been around for many years and cares about his reputation.

I highly recommend using A-1 Lock & Safe
On the day before Christmas I had an emergency needed a lock change. They were so accommodating to come out with such short notice.

I went to A1 Lock with my daughter and had some keys programmed there. The price was about half off from what the dealer charges which was nice but what I really want to tell the Googlers out there is that Mark showed us some amazing magic with keys and other hardware. He is a great magician and locksmith.

He kept us entertained while the car was getting worked on. Where else can you go to get service AND be entertained?

I'm upset that he would not tell us how any of these tricks were done!

Mark is one of the best. Very dependable and does what he says! If you need Lock And Safe, call him. You cannot go wrong. I have used him for 5+ years and always a great job and very friendly.

3 x interactions with these guys, for Nbrhood mailbox and auto keyfab. Good, quick reliable service each time.

Great locksmith. I have used them for many years for property management. Their keys actually work. Got to the big stores and you get home and none of the duplicate keys work. They have also put peepholes in the doors of rentals that don't have them replaced it repaired non working door handles and changes locks. They are always professional and very knowledgeable. They seem to be lock needs. Like they have a passion for locks. They have a display case in the store with all sorts of old and interesting locks. It's an old fashion kind of outfit. So occasionally they are busy on the phone or say to call back. Big whoopee doo. I'd rather have my locks work perfectly. First time. Oh yeah. They are real ale too. Highly recommended.

These reviews are all or nothing, and most of them were written around the same time, and have duplicates, some of them I think were even written by the owner. All the positive reviews have similar elements that make me think only the bad ones are legitimate, so do your own homework.

This place was amazing. I was quoted what I thought was the going rates for some work that I needed at my business. The price was almost $1,200. I called several locksmith businesses and almost settled for one of the local guys. Many locksmiths were really incompetent or were not on the ball.
I called to get 1 more quote and called A1 Locksmith.
Their price was $900 and I was worried that they were going to use inferior parts to save me the $300.
This was not the case. The work was great, the parts were hi quality, they were right on time and the price was as quoted.
I recommend them highly and we will use them for all of our work.

Excellent lock, key, and safe store. The owner, Mark, is very knowledgeable and helpful.

This was my first time using this business. Very prompt, knowledgeable and fair. Quality workmanship. I've dealt with other services in the past that tell you one thing on the phone and then make up some BS when they get there and jack up the price. A-1 on the other hand told me what to expect, and then delivered. Thanks!

Locked keys in trunk (BMW) and he got it open without any damage in no time at all.

Two days ago, I needed a duplicate car key the very same day; Lowes couldn t do it and sent me to A-1 Lock and Safe Service. The car wasn t with me at the time and the unhappy looking receptionist of the store told me she d make the key for $59 and to bring the car later to the store in case the key didn t work. I paid and agreed to bring the car before closing time which she said was 5:30. The key did not work. At 4:15 I called to say that I would bring the car right away to have the key remade as I was promised. The manager answered the call and told me that unfortunately the receptionist had left early, that there would be nobody to help and to call back the next day after 10. I went back to the store the next day for a refund and was told that it was not an option. Instead, another unhappy looking lady presented with a dirty hand-written piece of paper which I was supposed to sign to be credited of only $20 on my card; suspicious of their unprofessional manners, I asked the manager for cash which he refused. Despite being a 61 yrs old woman, he apparently felt threaten enough to film me on his cell phone during our conversation (which honest manager of a reliable business does that?) I left with no money back for a botched job wishing I had avoided this store for a better one in the area.

I am with the band, Grupo Intocable and we headlined at the San Diego County Fair a few weeks ago.
Well, one of the roadies locked all of our band equipment; Amps, Speakers, Boards, Cable, and most of our instruments inside the truck.
Then he lost the keys to the truck and we had to drive to our next gig far away.
Mark from A1 Lock came out at 10:00 at night to make new keys and get us on the road. He actually picked the padlock off the roll up door at no extra cost.
We didn't think we would find a locksmith so fast.

This place is a big time rip-off. Be carful if you have to do business with them. Ask for the pricing first. They charged me almost double what the dealership offered. The only reason I did it here was that dealer didn't have the key in stock.

I had called A-1 to come fix a bathroom door lock in our office. I explained over the phone that there were two offices in the same complex, and as soon as they were done assessing the situation to call me over to review the estimate and give them approval to start working. Well, this was never done and the person who changed the lock ending up handing an employee a bill for over $400 for 20 minutes worth of work. This was NEVER discussed with me and I was shocked at how much he tried to charge us. After he left (I still have never met him in person as requested), I called the company who kept telling me to call a different number for customer service. I explained that I only wanted to speak with the manager in regards to our service. After being passed around and hung up on several times I finally spoke with somebody (not even sure if it was the manager or if this person just said that was their title). He confirmed with me that no more than a $200 flat fee would be charged. A few days later when the charge showed up on our bill, it was the original amount of over $400. I have tried calling and asking for the person I initially spoke with but they kept on transferring me to different people who said the situation would be "handled" and now 3 weeks later no response, and no refund. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY. They need some serious training in all aspects of their business.

Called them to ask about lock they said gonna check and they just transfer me to someone else that say a gonna call me back with answer.
Didn't call .
so I decide I'll go there getting in side the store and the boss there got really bad attitude.
Don't even turn around to speak with me .
Really don't recommend .

A1 Lock and Safe is the only locksmith for me, as I learned the hard way that there s a significant difference in the skill level, caliber and professionalism of locksmiths. Recently, I hired a popular franchise locksmith to change all the locks within my home and it was only after the franchise locksmith drilled unnecessary holes in my nice, expensive front door and sloppily patched it with wall putty, that I realized all locksmiths are not created equal. Not only did the franchise locksmith damage my entrance door, but the locks he changed were not properly done, leaving two door locks so loose the doors became inoperable. This overpriced franchise locksmith not only failed to properly change my locks, but he damaged my front door and broke two of the locks, leaving me in a panic and spiking my blood pressure.

Fortunately, Mark Lyons of A1 Lock and Safe quickly relieved my frustration and worry by coming out immediately when I called and fixed the botched work on each door lock. I don t often write reviews, positive or negative, but Mark set my mind at ease by repairing all five door locks quickly. He clearly is a master of his trade and it shows, as rework is often hardest, and he charged half the price of the franchise locksmith. I regret not having done more research and contacting Mark Lyons of A1 Lock and Safe the first time, as I would have saved a lot of money and angst. Don t make my mistake, call A1 Lock and Safe first to get the best in the business at a great price!

Lily saved the day! I was locked out of my garage at our apartment with no access to my car. I called when she was closing and she was kind enough to stay late to cut the key I needed after I took a cab there. Ten stars!!

My company uses this locksmith for all of our aftermarket key cutting needs. They always have reasonable prices and a decent turn around.

I have a home in Encinitas and needed all the locks changed. Since I'm often out of town, I relied on Google to help me select a good locksmith. I saw that A-1 Lock and Safe had great reviews, so I contacted them. Mark, the owner, took my call right away. He offered a good price and scheduled the service the next day. He was professional, didn't have any "surprise costs" and did a great job. I would definitely recommend him and everyone at A-1.
I liked that they actually have a store because many locksmiths don't and you just don't know where to find them if something goes wrong.

Quick service, great prices, no hassle. In and out in 5min.

We lost a key for our truck and called A1. They came out right away, got us into our truck and made a replacement key. We have since then been back to have a lock changed out and replacement keys made. Recommend
Them.

It is nice that in this day and age, you can find a locally owned and professionally managed locksmith store that has been totally reliable. I have used A-1 for three years now. Their prices are reasonable and the service is fast. I had broken a key off in a lock. I bought it from one of those huge warehouse places. Sure, it was a little cheaper then the keys I have since bought from A-1 but it was also more cheaply made. You get what you pay for, and this was an experience I will not repeat. I cannot recommend A-1 enough. My highest rating.

Was very rude, they had to guys working with one customer while I patiently waiting for 20 mins. Finally I said I gotta go and and he told me take just a min. Which it did. But then I asked for a reciept and seemed pretty annoyed that I did and didn't say thanks or sorry for the wait or nothing. I won't go back unless my key doesn't work. Rudeness will kill the business.

Fast service and reasonable prices
1000's of hard to find keys

I just ordered a key to my car through A1 Lock and Safe. They saved me a ton of money vs going through the dealer.

I purchased a safe from them a year ago, and have used their services a couple times over the past few years. They always do a great job. Sheri, Freddy, and Mark usually help me out. They all do a great job. Thanks!

I can't say thank you enough to Mark and this awesome company!!My college student/daughter locked her keys in her trunk. Sadly with all her much needed softball equipment. He came to our rescue without hesitation and opened her trunk for a great price!! Customer Service at its finest!Highly recommend Mark and this company! Thank You again Mark!!

I have an expensive safe with an electronic dial but we lost the combo to it. All of the lock and safe companies I called told me that it has to be drilled to open it. A1 Lock advertises that they offer drill free opening so I called them. It sounded too good to be true.

They actually did come out and in less than 30 minutes, my safe was open without a scratch Thank you!

1st off I'm the type of person that loses his keys car keys house keys everything related to keys on a regular basis. In the past I Have had a difficult time trusting locksmiths to do a good job. The many times I have gone on craigslist to find someone to help me unlock my home or my car they have either further damage to lock done more damage than needed or clearly seemed not to know what they're doing and just want to break into my car and get paid for it. Rarely have I ever in the past been able to find someone competent and educated enough to know what they are doing, until I have found a-1 lock and safe. I cannot say enough for their expertise. And even when they do not know something they will admit it and still try their best although that occasion is rare in many instances I have never been disappointed. Incredibly fair pricing for the level of expertise these guys have. You can clearly tell that the owner has a love for locks and keys that no one has ever displayed in my experience. The owner clearly enjoys what he does, and lives and breathes locks. You know you have found someone that enjoys what they do when their free time is filled with the same stuff that they do in their work time. If you're feeling stressed or frustrated with other locksmiths, Look no further this guy is more than competent, and I will never use any other company.

Robert programmed by 2012 Prius key in about 20 minutes for $100. I called around and know this is in line with other locksmiths and way cheaper than a Toyota dealership.

I had 16 non-refundable Hawaii plane tickets for my company staff and managed to lock them in the trunk of my BMW last Friday night.
AAA and many locksmiths tried to open the trunk but not a single one of them was any help. I finally got hold of a technician at the BMW dealer and he knew right away that I needed to contact Mark at A1 Lock.
He recommended him highly and Mark answered his phone even though it was now night time.

Mark did not disappoint and got to my office fast. He opened the trunk of my car easily too. Maybe too easily.
I don't know why the others could not do what Mark did or maybe he just makes it look easy. We all made our flight. He saved the day for us for sure!

Excellent. Fixed my Jeep remote key.
Great prices and fast work.
Highly recommend.

Mark just helped me get back into my apartment after being locked out. Great guy!

Got here in under ten minutes and took great care of us! We were back into the place in no time!
Thanks, Mark!

One of the worst customer services I've encountered. I live just blocks away and was happy to support local business. I needed a new key after my key broke. But the first key they made me a key that wasn't even the right key number, needless to say it wouldn't fit. I wanted them to make me s new one but they wanted to charge a overpriced cutting fee after the first set was there mistake. I left to find a new place feeling more frustrated than I felt when my key first broke. Went right down the road to Carlsbad village lock and key. Best customer service ever! Could not be more pleased with there help.

I was locked out of my house at 9:30 PM and Mark at A1came in 15 minutes and got me into my house in 5 minutes. Great service, great price, nice guy. I will use Mark at A1 for all my future locksmith needs.

A1 Lock is located close to the freeway in Carlsbad and specializes in safes, locks, keys and hard to find hardware that the big home centers simply don't have.
Since the store was originally opened in 1926, 1000's of really old keys can still be found here.
Do you have a Model A Ford? You can still find keys for it here.
Locked safe with no combination? Not a problem here.
Friendly ,fast and professional service can be expected here.
A1 tries very hard to take care of every customer and with the most reasonable prices.
Computer Chip car keys and remotes are done at almost 1/2 of the dealer prices.
Don't let some of the less than favorable reviews left by some others distract you. They seem to have issues with everyone and/or called one of the fake A1's.
A1 has continuously served the San Diego community for over 90 years.
Beware of scammer "Mocksmiths" who use fake addresses and use names similar to A1 to fool you into thinking that you are calling the real A1.
A1 is properly licensed, insured, and bonded.