Gabes Lock and Key

Support your honest local locksmith. Go with Gabe.
Gabe has done some work previously for us (see Kathie I’s review) but the piece de resistance was when he came out on a Saturday night to drill whatever crappy lock our landlord had installed at our apartment. He arrived within his estimated time window and took care of the issue handily. He drilled the cheap lock, made adjustments to the lock holes in the door so that the new lock won’t get damaged from the initially shoddy construction, set up the new lock to take the same old keys, and explained the mechanics of everything.
As much as I should practice my long form writing on Unilocal reviews, there isn’t anything more substantive to say. Now go get your locks fixed right.

Gabe is a standup guy and a fantastic locksmith. My boyfriend accidentally lost the key to our bike roof rack somewhere in Los Angeles. We had to get the bike off of the roof to prevent it from being stolen. Ironic, yes? Well, someone had already tried and failed the night before so time was of the essence.
One locksmith quoted us $ 90+, which we quickly passed on. Then we called Gabe at home on a Sunday (!!!) and he said we could come to his house and he’d open it for us right there. Score!
He came out in the pouring rain and had the lock open in 5 minutes. He even offered to modify the existing locks so that both rack rails have the same key, which we’ll definitely be taking him up on. He’s a friendly, polite, all-​around-​good-​guy who is good with his lock picks and highly affordable.

Gabe was able to remake (not duplicate, REMAKE) the ignition key for my 1969 Oldsmobile. He has the expertise, reference materials & experience to cut the keys to original specification & pattern after confirming the correct blank and translating the well-​worn pattern of the original key. The key worked on the first try, where most would trace the worn master onto the new blank and then start tweaking. It is awesome to watch an expert go to task with total confidence and see that confidence translate to a perfect first try. I’ll take all future business to Gabe, no question.

Gabe fixed a door handle and deadbolt lock that had been finicky and failing for a while. Fast service, courtesy, competence, and fair prices. Strongly recommend.

Great guy.
Gabe came out on a Saturday night at around 9 to let my sorry, pajama’ed self back into my apartment. I called several other places that transferred me to a technician. They all kept saying «we have to see the door» rather than giving me a quote, despite my insistence that I professionally lock myself out and they’ll be using their under the door tool. No funny business from Gabe. Prompt, reasonable, quick, and he’s joined the future and accepts credit cards. I’ll be calling him next time I take my trash out and let the door shut and lock behind me.

Gabe came out on very short notice and removed a broken key from my ignition. He took the two pieces of broken key with him and returned the next day with two new keys. I’ve worked with multiple locksmiths before and Gabe is a fantastic locksmith and businessman.

Gabe provided excellent service. Responded quickly to help us after a break-​in. Initially scheduled to install one dead bolt, t but as we looked at the property I decided to add two more. He flexed his schedule to do this while on the first call. He made extra effort to have new locks match existing hardware. He cleaned as he worked and left work areas spotless. Also, upon request, offered to get some info about additional security steps. He followed through & emailed information very quickly. I will ask for his services again & recommend him to friends & family. A true professional is hard to find. He’s a find!

Super nice fellow, pleased he is in our neighborhood and so kind.
He came and changed out the lock on time and so efficiently. It has never worked better. He is a great fellow and a smart businessman. I had two people recommend I used him instead of someone from outside our neighborhood.
He was so pleasant to work with and knows his work. He bought the place he set up his business so he is thinking long term. I highly recommend him to anyone in the area, Magnolia, Queen Anne or Ballard. Bravo Gabe!

Lost my motorcycle key around 9PM and called 4 or so locksmiths. Gabe returned my call quite quickly and was the only one that returned my call, with the exception of one other locksmith that called me back the next day (no use to me).
Gabe said, he’d be there in 30 – 40 minutes, but showed up in 20. He was able to not only get my bike ignition turned on, but unlocked my helmet lock and opened my locked saddle bag with in a few short minutes. His fee was less than expected, so I over-​payed him because he exceeded all my expectations.

Wholly friendly, fast, and honest service.
This was the first time I’ve had to call a locksmith about getting into my car, and I’d heard friends’ horror stories of lockout experiences with hostile/​dishonest locksmiths.
Gabe, though, was super friendly, fast to arrive to the scene, and great at what he does. He got me back into my car quickly, and the price was exactly what he quoted me on the phone and exactly what’s on his website. Altogether great service.