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Amazing Lock Service
Category: Home Services Keys & Locksmiths Keys & Locksmiths [Edit]
3165 N Halsted St(between Belmont Ave & Briar Pl)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 935-8900
- Nearest Transit:
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Belmont (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
Wellington (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5:30 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
About This Business:
Locksmith servicing commercial, residential, and automotive lock needs, ET Locksmith Chicago has provided customers 100% satisfaction 24/7, 365 days a… read more »
66 reviews for Amazing Lock Service
66 reviews in English
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Review from Susan C.
Chicago, IL
4/10/2012
VERY professional, knowledgable, trustworthy, friendly and reasonably priced. Bill Purcell of Amazing Lock was great to work with, he secured up our condo building after a break in, due to shoddy locks and door closures on our condo building entrance. He went through the whole building and checked each lock and closure, and gave us great suggestions of things that would make our building safer. I was very impressed of his honesty, and he did not try to sell us everything we asked about, by telling us what was important and what wasn't.
I highly recommend Bill Purcell at Amazing Lock. These guys are the best. -
Review from Anne C.
3/18/2012
Had a good experience with Amazing Lock during a very bad night. We came home late on a weeknight to find out that our deadbolt had been busted and our apartment had been robbed. We called Amazing Lock at 11:30 PM and the locksmith arrived within a half hour and got right to work. He installed a better deadbolt and even made some suggestions on items he could install to further secure the door.
They were a little more expensive than some other locksmiths, but they accept credit cards onsite, the locksmith showed up promptly (and late at night), he was friendly and not sketchy, and he did a great job (and went above and beyond), which made us feel much safer after a very unsettling experience. I'd definitely call them again-- but I hope I don't ever have to. -
Review from Ryan M.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2012
A++ LOCKSMITH! Don't be fooled by the other scammers out there.
Do NOT get tricked into calling the many other locksmiths in Chicago asking them for a quote. They'll tell you $29 (or less) to be "dispatched" then they'll give you another "quote" when they get their depending on the "difficulty" of the lock. Don't be fooled, they'll get there and then they'll start drilling and doing whatever else it takes to jack up that price!!!
Call Amazing. I had a great experience. I called for a quote and I believe I spoke to the owner. He said $90 no matter how much work I have to do. This is about the best you can hope for from everyone, although they may be able to give you a lower price depending on how hard the lock is. The problem is, of course, that you're opening yourself up to those $200 fees -- what else are you going to do when he gets there? The owner came within 20 minutes, was polite, spoke perfect English. He was able to use a credit card to open the door (because the Home Depot "Landlord" lock does not have pins so it's not "pickable"). He opened it within 5 minutes.
I know what you're thinking, "$90 for 5 minutes work?!" Look, I'd rather him open it as quick as he can and pay him $90 then sit there and wait for someone to drill the lock open for $200. I just want to get inside!. Somebody else complained about the fact that he used a credit card. Are you kidding me? If he can open it with this simple method, why would you want him messing around with the mechanics of your lock. Some Yelpers are as snood as they get.
This guy is as good as they get. And to boot, I had $80 cash and was going to write him a check for the final $10 I owed him, and he said forget about it. I can't speak more highly of him. You won't be disappointed, I promise. -
Review from Mikey B.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2012
$4.38 to copy a security key that Ace Hardware couldn't do. And it took literally 30 seconds. Wouldn't go elsewhere after finding this place.
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Review from Tom H.
Park Ridge, IL
3/14/2012
We needed the locks changed at our office, called these guys, got a quote, their price was within a couple bucks of the competition, but they were willing to come out that same day. The locks weren't aligning just right, they fixed them for no additional cost & provided spare keys as well.
Would definitely use them again. -
Review from Colton J.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2012
Wow. You want quality customer service? It doesn't get any better than the service at Amazing Lock. Over the weekend the key to my car broke in half as I was unlocking my car door. Thankfully, it didn't break off in the lock so I had both pieces. I went to Menard's and Home Depot and was told that they couldn't make a copy of a broken key. Home Depot recommended me to Amazing Lock (thanks Ed!) and they were absolutely fantastic. I came in, the made me a new key, and I was mobile again all in a few minutes for just around $5. I was also informed that if the key had broken off in the door, they could handle that.
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Review from Robert S.
1/25/2012
Three good, solid stars for speedy service to make a couple of keys. Easiest job in the world. They prefer cash for anything under $10.
Tip: they're cheaper for getting keys cut than the Ace Hardware a couple blocks south. -
Review from Staci A.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2012
I locked myself and my dog out of my house and Dave, the locksmith, was there in 5 minutes to help me. He was fast, professional, and nonjudgemental. I would definitely call them again!
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Review from Amanda Y.
Chicago, IL
9/20/2011
I've purchased locks (about 20 total) from Amazing Lock twice for our 4 unit. Both times, we needed locks to be keyed various ways so that it works with some keys and not with others. The owner was extremely patient with my over the phone requests and was prompt in getting the locks keyed for us as well as giving us some extra keys.
Furthermore, when we weren't sure what size cylinder for the knobs will be, he gave us both sizes and told us to bring back the unused ones (which we still need to do once we get the rest of our doors installed!)
I appreciate all the advice and help the owners gave me and the locks they gave us are much better than those box stores, esp. for a residential rental unit. -
Review from A. M.
Chicago, IL
8/10/2011
This review is based only on an estimate. But the estimate includes a level of service that I felt was inadequate. I called to inquire about an estimate and the person I spoke was very friendly and polite. We scheduled an in-home estimate for the next day. Two hours and 45 minutes into the 3 hour window they gave me, I called to inquire where they were. The person I spoke to on the phone (different than the first guy) tells me that "I don't know what's going on here". I was promised a call back. I didn't get one. Thanks for giving me the confidence that you actually know what you're doing.
The guy doing the estimate showed up 15 minutes outside of the window they originally gave me. Not necessarily a deal breaker, but it's all about expectations. If it's a company that provides a service, I expect service. They quoted a crazy inflated price (in my opinion). Even if I felt the quote was justified, the way they handled the process gave me that "run away, fast" feeling.
YMMV...for all I know these guys might actually do work that is worthy of their prices. I'm not going to find out. First impressions matter. -
Review from Sam Y.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2011
Yelp. Good for business... not for customers.
It's good to weed are really bad ones but... good reviews do not always translate to good product.
I hired them to replace our lock a while back (stellar reviews on yelp). They price gouge customers just because they're busy. In fact, they charged me $80 just for coming out. Then another $200 or so for simple lock installation. Isn't $80 commute fee usually waived if you do decide to use their service? In any case, I would have complained about the fees but they did a terrible job. The door had been broken into once so the lock is still loose. The screws that hold the lock in place no longer secures anything. Took me a while to notice but they should have used a bigger screw or something.
I won't be calling them back any time soon.Comment from gerald m. of Amazing Lock Service 6/17/2011
Sam you complain without ever calling, All service company… More » -
Review from Brian M.
Chicago, IL
12/6/2011
On my first night in my new home, I was locked out because the key stopped working. My dogs snuck out in the yard and the door slammed shut behind me as I attempted to figure out why the lock wouldn't work.
I went to the Chicago Police and they called Amazing Lock for me.
A twenty something male shows up with a standard locksmith kit and starts work picking the lock with a credit card (really??). He then attempts to pick the lock manually. Then, frustrated, he drills the cylinder out. With the cylinder out, he tries to finger around, GIVES UP, and says "I am going home to bed." He packs up his tools, leaves the drilled cylinder on the ground and wouldn't even take me back to the police station. He left the door with a hole. I live in a gentrified community right next to what's left of CABRINI GREEN PROJECTS!!
The police placed a car outside my home for two hours until another locksmith showed up. This second fellow came with the exact same tools as the first dope. He unscrewed the security bar, inflated a pressure cuff in the gap, and used a screwdriver to pop the door. Job complete. Now, the second guy has to replace the damage caused by the first knucklehead.
I called in the morning and was very composed direct and professional about the matter.
Within 24 hours, the owner called me back and apologized on behalf of the company. He said the fellow was young and wet behind the ears. He assured me the fellow would get a stern talking to about customer service and that this was not how he runs his business at all. He even explained how and why the second locksmith overcharged me, what to do to fix it and why the pressure cuff is used as a last resort because of damage to door frames.
I had initially provided a one-start review, but the owner's explanation was nice and fair. I'll give the business a second chance and consider this an anomaly.
I'd recommend the second guy but he overcharged and is not licensed in Illinois. -
Review from Stormy D.
Chicago, IL
8/11/2011
Prompt, efficient, reasonably priced Saturday service.
A "neighbor" stuck a toothpick in my mailbox key slot after I finally told him I'm not interested in him OR his wife. He was always coming and going the same time as me (I even tried tip-toeing out the door so the floor wouldn't creak). He sits at one of these bars around the corner and after the third incident of him coming home right behind me at whatever hour of the night, I realized this was no longer a "coincidence". I know it was him, haven't heard a peep out of him since and the stalking stopped too. Money well spent!
The locksmith asked if I was "playing loud music or something". He'd obviously seen this before.
Just wait 'til moving day............ -
Review from Kate M.
Updated - 3/9/2011
Ahh, Yelp to the rescue! Write a not so glowing review, get a call back within a few hours. I love how that works.
Apparently a call went longer than expected (4 days longer?) and associates at Amazing Lock Service didn't come back into the office all week to get my message about waiting for an estimate. I get it, sometimes we all get busy and miss deadlines here and there. If you're late every once in a while I totally understand, we all have those days. But, when you're late every chance you get, I really have no choice but to take my business elsewhere.
Oh, the estimate for the keypad lock was $1600, which I found for about half the price somewhere else. So, I guess I was right, locksmiths are a super expensive last ditch hassle.
I do appreciate the owners attempts to mend fences after seeing my unhappy review. I just wish his employees didn't keep me waiting so often.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/7/2011
I always thought locksmiths were an expensive last ditch effort, I was a little reluctant to call… Read more »
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Review from Carol M.
Chicago, IL
1/7/2011
Not only do these guys do locks....they do pops too! (get it....pop and lock...?)
So the lock basically fell out of the front door to my condo building. I managed to jam it back in there in such a way that my hallway wouldn't be come a ho(bo)tel. So I called right as they were closing and the guy said they'd be there in an hour. I wasn't planning on such promt-ness so I told him to come the next morning instead. He said someone would be there between 7:30-9am. Sure enough, the guy showed up at 7:35!
He was super friendly (sorry I don't remember your name, mr nice locksmith guy). Fixed the lock in about 10min flat. Even adjusted the door so that it'd close on it's own w/o having to slam it. I got my $10 yelp discount....and the peace of mind that no one will be wandering into my building anytime soon.
Thanks ALS!!! -
Review from Mike C.
Chicago, IL
11/5/2010
I had a pretty good experience here. I needed my set of 5 house keys copied. Unfortunately they didn't have a long one that is apparently hard to duplicate (I verified this at Home Depot). But the rest of the keys he finished in like 3 minutes, much to my surprise. I knew it'd be quick, but not that quick. However this may have come at a cost because the copy of my front door key didn't work. So now I'm going to have to bring it back and get another one made, but I'm sure they'll do it at no cost. The service was very good, they guy was cool.
Minus one star for one of the keys not working. Minus another because I'll have to make another trip back. If you need keys made, go here if its close to you, because I've heard Home Depot messes up keys all the time and you should support local businesses! -
Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
7/25/2010
I have a lot of people come into my home to do things that I should probably do myself (cleaning, dog walking, laundry service), but that I have budgeted to outsource because frankly, I just don't like doing them and I sacrifice in other ways (groceries) to make these luxuries possible. However, it does make me feel a shade lazy and somewhat domestically incompetent...I can't help that.
The nice part about locksmiths? They HAVE to make a housecall. I can't very well move my storage unit that has been locked up for 6 months without a key (disappeared) to the shop and have them cut it off, now can I? No! They must come to me. And, I do not need to feel badly about this. A-ha!
Left a message with Amazing Lock, received a call back the next day, had a dude out here within a few days. Two hour time frame, he arrived promptly within it.
So, yes...the gist is I lost an entire set of keys. They were swallowed up by the city of Chicago somewhere, and they are long gone. All of my important keys were replaced EXCEPT my storage padlock, because it only had one, no copies were ever made, and no one owns one. So, I needed to have it sawed off, or whatever that is. Because, really...my winter coats are still hanging on their coat rack, and it's getting ridiculous...its almost time to bring them back out. They need to go in storage. Plus, who knows what other things I've hidden from myself down there! It's like Christmas. Ok, not really. At all.
And, while I am at it...let's get all these locks changed. Who even know s how many persons have been granted keys to this place. Former dog walkers, former tenants from Craigslist, ex-boyfriends, friends..you get it, a lot of people. So, 4 of 'em...deadbolts and doorknobs, let's swap 'em out.
Total for padlock bustin' + 4 locks on 2 doors: $145. Took under an hour and the guy was professional and on-time. Would definitely call again, and they are located right in the Lakeview 'hod...so I'd surely stop in to have a few sets of new keys made, or whatever I might need.
Safe and secure! Deadbolted in! No more night terrors of creepers in my house. (mental note: replace all the windows next).
*minus 1 star because I did not get the Yelp $10 discount, despite reminding the phone guy, AND seeing "YELP" written on the guy's job ticket. I know it's just $10...but tis the principle!Listed in: Dwelling., Lazy and/or Busy? I gotcha.
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Review from Kathryn M.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2010
Have you given out spare keys to so many people you don't even remember who currently has access to your place? Ex-boyfriends, dogwalkers, house sitters, friends . . . . the possibilities are endless. Call Amazing Lock Service, and you'll be feeling secure again in no time.
10 in the morning, on a Sunday? Apparently not a problem for these guys - they called right back, headed out soon after, and had 3 locks changed on 2 doors in 15 minutes! Friendly, affordable, quick - it was so easy!
I highly recommend. (Plus they have a coupon on their Yelp page - can't beat that!!) -
Review from Jonathan H.
Chicago, IL
6/23/2009
I have used these guys for both my house and my business locks. They are great. They are always fast and reliable.
They have a cool key maker in the back of their truck so I get new keys and new locks in about 30 minutes. They are also good when a lock gets frozen or a key breaks in it. Solid Chicago small business. -
Review from Katelyn C.
Chicago, IL
7/24/2011
This place has saved me a lot of money by making my car key! Fast, friendly service, and from what I can tell very inexpensive
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Review from Allen R.
Chicago, IL
8/3/2007
After two Home Depots (including the one on Halsted just down the street from here) failed to make good copies of our house keys, we were recommended by a local to go to A Amazing Lock Service.
After copying the keys (which would turn out to work great), the owner let us know that he couldn't accept a credit card for the $3 sale, so he sent us on our way free-of-charge. We ultimately returned with the $3 a week or two later, but I felt that he had such good business practice that it deserved a yelp. :)
Next time you need a key copied, go here instead of Home Depot. Keep the money with the local businesses! Reject the power structure! -
Review from tristin m.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2009
At around 9 this morning, I called all the locksmith services here on yelp and amazing lock had the best rates. They also happened to have Frankie available right away.
Quick and professional. nice...
It's now 11am and I still have my day -
Review from R C.
Chicago, IL
8/25/2011
Responsive, fast, and didn't try to upsell me! If you get locked out or need new locks call Amazing Lock Service, they are the best!
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Review from Kathryn R.
Chicago, IL
11/4/2007
Unbelievably poor and unprofessional service. We were locked out of our house and called to have them come pick the lock.
The locksmith who was dispatched was very young and made rude comments and behaved poorly.
We were charged rate higher than quoted and they didn't honor the offer from website ($10 off). True hack who preys on people when they're most in need.
Also called after midnight with a billing question - complete disregard for service and professionalism.
Unacceptable service; call a more reputable company if you're locked out! -
Review from Jackie C.
11/18/2009
What can I say but Amazing! We had to have all of our locks replaced about a month ago. Dave L came out and was quick, courteous and knowledgeable. An asset to the company.
Unfortunately we had to call them out again a month later to open the lock on a new garage door and replace them. Frank was great. Quick to arrive, pleasant, fast and professional.
I've been super impressed with the speed, quality of service and friendliness of the employees of this company. -
Review from Mimi C.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2009
I'm so glad that I made a note of Amazing's phone number with my second lockout, because the third one came ten days later. (I think it's the ease of turning a knob and locking the door, before realizing you don't have your keys on you. Also the cheap keychains that fall apart so easily. But how can keys fall to the ground/get lost without a sound?! Boggles the mind.)
Amazing told me it would be a $90 flat fee, and they'd get there within 1/2 hour. I did a quick run to CVS and they were there when I returned, merely 15 minutes later. I was in my apt. within five minutes: quick and relatively painless.
Now if only I could turn back the clock and use these guys instead of those crooks, USALocksmiths, which I used for the first lockout but at 4X the cost..... -
Review from Stephanie K.
Chicago, IL
12/24/2007
I needed copies of two keys.
I was parked illegally on Halsted.
And I was out in less than 3 minutes.
Phew. Close one. -
Review from Jon J.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2009
These guys did a great job changing the locks on our new house. About 45 minutes to change three doors with deadbolts & handles, and a mailbox locks.
$215.
Five stars if they weren't a half hour late. -
Review from Brian K.
Itasca, IL
10/20/2008
I was locked out of my apartment last night and called A Amazing. Dave answered the phone and stated that he could meet me in 15 minutes. Dave arrived as promised right at 8pm. Unfortunately, Dave was not able to pick my lock and get me in but had to drill out my cylinder on the lock to gain entry. I do not fault Dave for this, I fault my cruddy old door, lock and building. I had to replace my lock as the old one was destroyed...however once inside Dave took a look at my lock and informed me that this style of lock is against fire code for an apartment like mine. Dave replaced my lock with a new one, gave me two keys and let me keep the old lock so I could present it to my landlord. I will be seeking reimbursement of Dave's fees from my landlord thanks to his knowledge and help. I would highly recommend A Amazing and will definitely call them in the future should the need arise..
Thanks Dave!!! -
Review from karen k.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2011
I used Amazing Lock service last month to repair one lock and install new ones on 2 other doors; I was very happy with their service. The 2 workers that came to do the job were friendly, the price was reasonable, the yelp discount was appreciated too. I would recomend them to friends and use them myself again in the future.
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Review from Chicago D.
Chicago, IL
3/14/2011
This is the company to use. They were there exactly when the said they'd be there, picked the lock to open it, rather than drilling through it, rekeyed it on the spot and charged me a very reasonable sum. The guys were great. I manage properties and having a good locksmith is imperative. These guys deliver.
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Review from Mindy V.
Charlotte, NC
2/16/2011
I have had great luck with these guys. They come out super fast and are courteous and helpful. Not super cheap or anything but great service.
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Review from pete c.
Chicago, IL
6/27/2011
This was a perfect transaction:
1) I called and locksmith arrived within 30 min
2) Locksmith Nick was very professional and polite
3) Work to replace lock took 10 minutes
4) Cost was $80 total (Yelp coupon)
I wish all home repair contractors performed like this! -
Review from Valerie J.
Chicago, IL
12/3/2011
These guys really are amazing! I locked my keys in my car and they were able to come on a rainy Saturday within a reasonable amount of time. They arrived exactly when they said they would and got my keys out in less than 5 minutes! Above all, the locksmith was VERY nice. I have already recommended them to other friends!
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Review from Joel H.
Chicago, IL
2/11/2011
As a Residential Real Estate agent in the city, keys copies are my life source. Amazing lock service is exactly that, Amazing. Great service, VERY fast, every key I have ever made works like a charm. I go out of my way to go here, and there is a 15 min loading zone in front to park for a quickie :)
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Review from Rodger C.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2011
They are amazing. I had a lock issue and I called a little before 8:00 pm, expecting to get a time in the next couple of days. They said someone could be here between 8:30 and 9:30. Wow! He showed up in the window and was able to fix the lock for a very reasonable price.
Highly recommend them...I will use them again if the need arises--hopefully it won't though. -
Review from Arch R.
New York, NY
3/18/2011
I had to get a lock re-keyed and it was a pretty painless process. I called in the morning and was told someone would come between 2p-4p. From bad past experiences with "block delivery times" I assumed that meant someone would saunter in around 4:30p. But no. The guy called me at 2p on the dot to let me know he was outside. He took all of 10 mins to re-key the lock and was extremely professional. The 85$ charge (discount if you mention Yelp) is the only reason I am not giving 5 stars. I took their word that their prices were competitive but 85$ seems steeps for a re-key job!
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Review from Phil E.
Chicago, IL
12/4/2009
Called to get 6 locks rekeyed on 3 doors.
Dave came at exactly 2pm. Even told me how to obtain a coupon which I used to get $10 off. Courteous - took his shoes off before walking on the carpeted floors. Keys work beautifully. Did the job in 25 minutes. Inexpensive. Would highly recommend. -
Review from David C.
Chicago, IL
12/23/2010
Needed locked-out service recently. They came out within a half hour. Picked the 2 locks in about 10 mins. Charged $90 for one lock, and $25 for a second. I've also used them for lock maintenance and repairs at my condo building where I serve on the board. They usually make service calls within the same day if parts are available. Pricing seems to be competitive. Also, they know how to copy a key unlike Home Depot.
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Review from Claire C.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2011
Great company. Super reliable, polite, honest. I am so grateful there is at least one company out there not trying to rob me blind. I've used them many times and each time was a great experience. Can't say enough good things.
