Ballard Lock & Key — Attraction in Seattle

If you EVER, EVER, EVER need a locksmith, this is the place. 5 stars is not enough. I am actually STUNNED at the great service I just got. You see, I had a very bad day--my car was vandalized and purse stolen while I took a walk in the arboretum. My house keys were in my purse and given the professional nature (these guys used my credit card within 15 minutes), I was told by SPD to change my locks immediately. I don't even know how I got to this company (probably Yelp). It was after 9PM when I called. They were here (Central District, South from Ballard) within 40 minutes, and even with this short turn-around time, called once en-route. I joked with Bob, who turned out to be the owner, that it was my birthday. He had the lock changed, with FOUR extra keys, within 10 minutes!! I swear--10 minutes! I am clutching my checkbook, like a deer in the headlights waiting for that time and 1/2 charge. THIS IS WHAT HE SAID!! "It's your birthday, you had a tough day, I am only going to charge you for the call." IT WAS 68.00!!!!! That is SIXTY EIGHT DOLLARS. I even tried to write it for more and he would not allow me to. (I don't even use caps ever but I am just so shocked and grateful). I would have written a check for $200-$300 without a question. I only learned he was the owner because I asked for the owner's name so I could call/write and tell his employer what a great guy he was. I am a real person--not a "plant." I have probably written 3 reviews in my life. I do not honestly ever think I have had a better consumer transaction in my life. This is a decent, honest man running a decent, honest business. I doubt I will have many times to use a locksmith in my lifetime. I almost feel bad about that! I rent my townhouse and contacted the property management company to see if they had any recommendations for a locksmith when all this happened. He did not. Tomorrow morning I will call him back to let him know he should use BL&K any time they need a locksmith.

As Bob was leaving, I told him that if I ever had a day when I needed a bit of kindness, it was today. He just shrugged (looked kind of embarrassed) and said, "Happy to be of...

This type of customer service still exists! I am beyond impressed and thankful with Nathaniel. I came in about 30 mins before closing time to see about an issue with my car key. I had an issue with my car where my key wasn’t going into the ignition smoothly anymore. I went to another locksmith before coming here and they told me I likely needed to go to the dealer for them to cut a new key because the key looked very worn down and said they wouldn’t be able to cut me a new key there that day because he didn’t know the code for my car. I called the dealer who were helpful but quoted me an astounding $300 for a new key and programming. I was so close to going in to the dealer but decided to call one more spot because the online car forums said a locksmith would help for a fraction of the cost. I called Ballard Lock and Key and they said it sounded like an issue they’d be able to help with. I came in on Friday at 4:30pm 😅 and Nathaniel was super helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, and truly wanted to help. The solution wasn’t an easy one and it took him some researching and tinkering. As things were getting closer to 5 (closing time) I told him I’m happy to come back on Monday when they reopened. He reassured me that he was close to figuring it out and was happy to stay a little later. Shortly after, he fixed it! He is a key wizard! So grateful I stopped by here and got Nathaniel’s help. They are 1/3 the cost of what the...

This is my first google review. I walked over to Ballard Lock & Key after being locked out of my apartment. I was desperate and called the first number google search gave me. Which was a 1-888 number, it wasn't a local business and their head office was in Florida! As I'm waiting for them, I realize how silly of a move it was especially they couldn't give me a price quote besides 35 & up (plus 15 for the driver to come out).

They were about to leave for the day at Ballard Lock & Key but offer to drive me back and give me a discount seeing I was so close. I was immediately advised to cancel that appointment from this nationwide number that I had called. The locksmith/driver from this unknown place was not very pleased and snapped at me asking how I would even know how much he would charge me.

Nonetheless, it took all of 5 minutes for the awesome couple to get me back, got me into my apartment for a reasonable price and made me a bunch of spare keys free of charge to prevent this happening again. I'm so thankful for them :) Hopefully I won't need the lock-out service again but for any other locksmith services, I will for sure go...