B&T 24 Hour Locksmith
Category: Home Services Keys & Locksmiths Keys & Locksmiths [Edit]
El Cerrito, CA 94530Serving El Cerrito and surrounding area
(510) 965-0000
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
Amy A. said: "If you ever need a quick, honest and inesxpensive locksmith you should call All Mobile. Tammy is one of the most friendly, accomedating and helpful people I've ever met. They are an amazing company with good ethics and who work very…" read more »
36 reviews for B&T 24 Hour Locksmith
36 reviews in English
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Review from Allie W.
Incline Village, NV
2/10/2012
I called B&T earlier this week because our front door deadbolt had become almost impossible to turn. I expected they would need to come out and replace the lock, or re-key it, or do something $$ to make it work again.
I spoke with Brian, and after asking a few questions about our lock he suggested I try spraying a little WD-40 in the lock and use a sawing back-and-forth motion with the key first. "Sometimes the locks can get a little dried out with the cold weather".
And he was right! For the bargain price of a $3.50 can of WD-40, our lock is turning smoothly now.
Thanks Brian for your honest opinion about our problem. Should we ever need our locks replaced/fixed/etc. we will call you first! -
Review from IO D.
Oakland, CA
5/25/2012
Wow! These gentlemen are amazing! I'm so glad I trusted all the positive reviews on here. Thank you Yelp for helping me find the perfect locksmith. To say that they are skilled, fair, and honest doesn't even begin to describe it. They go above and beyond, and are clearly working to get the best value for you, not the maximum profit for themselves. Not only did they re-key the doors on a house I just bought, but they had to fix several of the locks to get them to work right and they did at no extra charge, including "donating" some spare parts needed without charging me for them. On top of all that, they gave me some great advice about all sorts of things about my new home... providing more useful advice than contractors and geo-engineers I'd had come out and paid hundreds of $$ for estimates. I call them the MacGyver Family (father and son). If you need anything done having to do with locks, these are your guys. You won't regret it.
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Review from Yesenia G.
Oakland, CA
4/27/2012
Awful experience last night when getting home. Our door knob wouldn't open, our key wouldn't unlock. After 30 min of me and my bf trying to break in I finally decided to call a locksmith. I chose B&T mainly because it said open 24hrs. and had great reviews. The guy the talked to me got my info and said he could be there in about 30 min. Turned out the latch was broken so it took him a little bit to get us in, but he did it. The whole thing was as pleasant as it could be considering we were locked out for about an hour and a half. He was very nice and replaced our door knob for only $25 more. Glad I called them, Brian was very nice and helpful and never gave me the creepy vibe, definitely a plus!
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Review from Jcee V.
San Pablo, CA
4/30/2012
Brian and Conan were very Very helpful! Called them in to fix our side door (busted locking mechanism) and Brian mcgyvered the damned thing instead of giving me the "we'll order the parts and get back to you" line. Even asked for 1 sq inch of aluminum foil!!
Got to our place shortly Before our appointment (which comparatively speaking, deserves a 6th star just from this!), and was able to accommodate additional requests after they fixed the broken mechanism (re-keyed 4 locks).
As I told them in parting, tho they're one of the professions that I'd rather not call again (in the same context as lawyers, funeral directors, etc), I won't hesitate to give them a ring if I ever needed their service again!
(Finally created a Yelp account just so I can post this review! Which probably says more than what I wrote here!) -
Review from Kristin B.
San Rafael, CA
4/10/2012
Awesome - honest and efficient.
We're renters, we have a toddler, and know next to nothing about the locks in the house. After washing hands in the bathroom, our toddler was turning the doorknob and apparently locked the door, which we realized after leaving and closing the door behind us. Fortunately, the family was all on one side of the door; unfortunately, it was the outside. And, of course, there's only one bathroom. Being locked out of the bathroom for more than a few minutes is simply NOT ok.
Anyhow, our property manager's "24 hour emergency line" just asks you to leave a message - that's for another review. After several frustrating minutes of trying to pop the lock with a paperclip, which was the secret to getting into locked rooms in my childhood home, we gave up and called B&T. They were all set to come out to our house within the hour, but called back and gave one suggestion to try, which worked. The door was open. Thanks! -
Review from P. B.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2011
B&T Locksmith are a family owned business and we couldn't have asked for more!!! Last May we had just moved into our new house and were planning on changing the locks when the cylinder came out from our complicated European locks. It was a Saturday and most places we talked to were not available until Monday unless we wanted to pay a premium. Brian was very patient over the phone, asked us to send him pictures of the lock and advised us that we'd be safe for the night with the existing lock.
They came the next morning on a Sunday. They were on time with their appointment and found a cost effective solution for our complicated lock system by just replacing the cylinder. They even had the unique spare part on them. They were knowledgeable, professional and most importantly got the job done. Emergency avoided!!!
Thank you Brian and Colin!!! -
Review from Justin J.
El Cerrito, CA
3/6/2012
Called these guys at 4:30pm on a Tuesday. 15 minutes later, Brian and Conan arrived. That's service.
I was asking for new locks and they showed me a lower cost alternative (rekeying).
Upon arriving, they politely asked if they should remove their shoes, checked the two locks and got right to work.
Within 30 minutes they were finished and I had new keys in hand.
These guys are great. I'll never look for another locksmith.
J. Jackson
El Cerrito, Ca. -
Review from Susan B.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012
I can't recommend Brian highly enough. I needed to change a lock fairly quickly and Brian and his son Colin were at my house within 2 hours and had the locked changed within an hour so I could get back to work. They are professional, friendly, honest and trustworthy. He gave me some security pointers as well. Do not hesistate to call Brian, you will be more than satisfied with his services.
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Review from Kate A.
Kentfield, CA
1/27/2012
I wish I could give these guys 6 stars.
Just had to have all my locks changed and a couple of safes pried open (yes, you're on the right track with where your head is going) - they felt for me and asked me if $X sounded fair.
I looked at them wide-eyed and said that was ridiculous - that was nowhere near fair - nothing less than 150% of that sounded fair to me. I wouldn't have batted an eye at 200% of what they first offered. I paid them the 150%
The nicest guys - I wish I could have had them stay for dinner. -
Review from Kim B.
Hercules, CA
3/21/2012
I called Brian of B&T because I dealt with a horrible locksmith prior to calling him who took off with my lock! Brian was quick, understanding, and got the job quickly for a great price. He and his son were polite and gave me the peace of mind I needed after dealing with a bad locksmith. Please, If you need a locksmith call Brian. Honest, trustworthy, understanding, efficient, and courteous. Do not deal with the others who could care less about you and your needs. Thanks again, Brian!
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Review from Allen S.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2011
Fate brought B&T and me together. The bank chose them to rekey our unit after we closed. Initially we had issues with the rekey where it became very difficult to lock and unlock the doors. I tried to grin and bear it thinking it'd get better but it did not. Fast forward a month later and I contacted Brian about the issue and he came out the same afternoon (navigating horrendous Bay Bridge traffic) to fix the issue. I didn't choose B&T, but I definitely recommend Brian to anyone looking for a trustworthy locksmith who is very responsive. Thanks Brian and Coleman for saving my wife's fingers!
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Review from Gina G.
Emeryville, CA
5/6/2011
I really needed a locksmith yesterday and was excited to see so many great reviews about this place. I called and got a machine, which assured me if I left a message I would hear back from a locksmith in 3-7 minutes. It's 24 hours later and I still haven't received a call back.
In the end Reed Security was able to quickly help me out.Comment from Brian N. of B&T 24 Hour Locksmith 5/13/2011
We have tried to contact Gina, and have received no reply,… More » -
Review from cheryl s.
El Cerrito, CA
11/16/2011
Brian and Colin are great! They have saved me more than a few times , at my work and at my home!
I would not use anyone else!!!!
Just old fashioned good customer service! -
Review from Kina C.
Oakland, CA
1/28/2009
B&T ROCKS!!!!!
My car was broken into and they saved me. B & T saved me time and $$$$.
I told them my situation and they worked with me on my schedule. I definitely felt the mom and pop vibe. When I called other large corporate places they transferred here and there and gave me really high estimates. Luckily I found B&T and they were awesome. On top of fixing my car lock they gave great advice on how to avoid car theft. I felt like a daughter. Most of all they took care of me and I felt it. So please use them because B&T Rocks........ -
Review from lisa W.
Berkeley, CA
11/6/2008
This place *ROCKS*. B&T is one of those businesses that all of us as consumers dream of, yet rarely find: Top notch, professional service. Honest. Knowledgeable. Extremely friendly and personable. Prices so reasonable, practically bordering on ridiculous. On top of that, they come to you. Whenever you want. What more can you ask for??
Before finding B&T, I had called around to a few other places and got an idea for the general pricing and policies. What I found common in this market were a few things: 1. There is a minimum fee for someone to come out. On top of that, they will charge you the time spent working--of course, that is highly variable and unpredictable. 2. Minimum fee/hourly rates are higher after-hours (after 5 or 6pm). 3. If you make an appt, you usually get a 2hr window for when the locksmith will arrive.
With Brian from B&T, I was able to make an exact time appt to meet. I told him over the phone what I needed and instead of fussing with hourly fees, he told me how much it would be to get the job done. Period. Clean and simple. He came promptly and ended up spending almost 2 hours working on my locks. He was thorough, and offered me lots of helpful advice and tips. Because the work took a little longer, he ended up staying well into the "after-hours" period, but didn't even charge me for that or for all the time he was taking. In fact, his total bill, with all the work he did for me, (strike-alignment, re-keying 4 locks, as well as making extra keys) was not significantly more than what other places were charging as their starting minimum fee! I almost felt like I should have thrown more money at him.
A business with this level of quality service is hard to come by. I would be delighted to use B&T again; the problem for professionals like Brian is that they do such a thorough and great job the first time around that you don't need to call on them again..!
Thanks, B&T, for keeping it real. And for running your business the way all businesses should. And most importantly, thanks for making me feel safe and secure in my home. -
Review from Elizabeth J.
Berkeley, CA
8/30/2011
I spoke with Brian about Medico security locks and he advised me in a much less expensive direction. Very knowledgeable and really thinking about customer service and not selling you products you don't really need.
Thumbs up.
Liz -
Review from Jennifer K.
El Cerrito, CA
6/21/2011
These guys were great! Same price as other local locksmiths to come out, and slightly cheaper key copies. Asked better questions for information I didn't know to offer before giving me a quote over the phone. They were able to fit me in same day.
They were able to rekey and fix the improperly installed deadbolt and knob (the deadbolt wasn't secure and they turned in opposite directions before). They also were able to replace the missing screw on the front door. All of that for no extra charge, just part of doing the job well.
They were also super friendly, had great home and car security advice, and even pointed out that I need to switch my outdoor lights to CFLs. Added bonus, it's a local family operation. Brian and his son were wonderful.
Definitely will keep them in mind for any future needs. -
Review from Lefty L.
Emeryville, CA
5/23/2011
The best of the best! They came out within 15 minutes of the call. They rekeyed 6 locks and then gave me some safety tips. They did not charge me for extra cuts of the new keys and they were very kindhearted.
They are the only people I will ever use for locksmith services again! -
Review from April P.
Oakland, CA
11/16/2008
OMG..so my sister & I were at a laundrymat.She asked me to go unlock her doors,I had no clue there was 1 key for the door and 1 key for the ignition..I stuck the ignition key into the door lock & it broke!!!My sister was pissed!! she didnt have a extra key copy...So I tried calling a locksmith but they charged 200+ that was a too much.
So I called the 2nd number & it happen to be B&T LOCKSMITH.The price was great only $100 for a new key & it took less than 45 mins for him to get there.Very great skills & he knows what hes doing...He saved the night for me & my sister.WOW I WOULD DEFINETLY RECOMMEND HIS SERVICES..He was honest,generous,and truthful.It cant get no better.MY SISTER ALSO TIPPED HIM EXTRA MONEY,THATS HOW GREAT HE WAS...
IF ANYTHING EVER HAPPEN CALL BRIAN HE GETS THE JOB DONE -
Review from Stacy R.
Oakland, CA
2/20/2010
This place is great! Brian was so nice and helpful! He came late and was incredibly reasonably priced. Definitely call him and keep his number in your phone!
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Review from Kevin O.
San Pablo, CA
11/16/2008
Great service and even on a Sunday. I would definitely recommend them.
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Review from penguin g.
Manhattan, NY
3/22/2009
CALL THIS COMPANY FIRST!!! i actually started with other companies, but aside from one company giving me the most outrageous quote that asked me to call back after closing to get the night technician, brian from B&T 24-hour locksmith actually answered the phone. he didn't come out right away since he was doing another job, but he got to our house when he said he would - i didn't mind since i figured other locksmiths were busy anyway. also, when i explained our situation (being locked out of the garage), he spent the time to explain and check for things. so i appreciated his patience and help. other reasons for 5 stars:
1. i found out later that his rate was excellent. and he honestly told us that it'd be cheaper to replace the lock after opening the garage, so he did that. unfortunately, he didn't have the right lock, but he got the replacement lock and returned later without charging anything extra.
2. he spent the time putting the new lock on, which was much longer than the time it took to get into the garage.
3. he pointed out some serious, dangerous flaws with our garage door mechanism we failed to notice. (we're recently new residents.) yes, we'll get it fixed properly.
4. he accepts cash, check, credit cards, etc... super-convenient!
5. he happens to be a very nice, friendly, affable guy.
even though we hope to avoid using him in the future, we'd be happy to call him again if we behave like boneheads and accidentally lock ourselves out again. -
Review from Aaron S.
El Cerrito, CA
5/17/2011
Came quick, called on a friday night, thanks
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Review from Mindy G.
El Cerrito, CA
6/1/2009
Look no further! I had my bag stolen tonight (jerks!) and my keys and license were in it so we had to get our locks changed and found this place on Yelp and they were great! Brian from B&T actually answered the phone and came to our house within minutes.
He gave a quick and honest assessment of what we needed, promptly installed the new lock and even knocked off $5 from his bill because he felt sorry for us (ended up being $85 which is MUCH lower than the last time we did this).
He also did a quick walk-through of the sliding and basement doors and gave us some additional safety tips and solutions.
He also agreed that our dog is the best crime deterrent!
Highly recommend you call Brian if you need a 24 hour locksmith! -
Review from jennifer m.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2010
Great place!! I definitely recommend you call them if you need a locksmith. Brian is extremely nice and knowledgeable, and the reasonable price he quoted to re-key our locks is the price I paid. I will be a loyal customer should I ever need a locksmith. Thanks Brian!
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Review from Ginger C.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2009
B & T refurbished our entire house with high quality locks. We could not have gotten better service or a better price anywhere else. We highly recommend their expertise, courtesy and great thoroughness in all aspectes of locks. They just go that extra mile.
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Review from tracie b.
Hercules, CA
5/20/2010
Brian is very frielndly! and has great prices ! Highly recommend him to any one who is locked out of their car/ home or safe.
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Review from Tony H.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2010
Wow, what can I say about B&T and Brian? This was an awesome experience, we called with less then two days notice for a full re-key on our new home we just bought. Brian was did a fantastic job, leaving the locks in better working condition then when we first moved in. His price blew us away as well, it was beyond reasonable for the work he did. I would 100% recommend him for anybody looking for a locksmith!
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Review from Orion R.
Berkeley, CA
9/19/2010
B & T's father and son team is excellent. We had them rekey our new house plus investigate lock issues with a large sliding door. Brian pulled the lock on the sliding door and showed us how the mechanism had been turned into an accordion by the previous owner. Even so, he took it out to his truck and was able to get the existing lock working in 20 minutes! During that time, his son had rekeyed the whole house, made sure all the locks were working well, and even gave us an extra key. Incredibly professional, very reasonable prices, and impeccable knowledge - you really can't ask for more.
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Review from Andrew F.
El Cerrito, CA
10/10/2008
I just used B&T for the first time, to change all of the external keys on my house on an emergency basis. Brian Nidever of B&T took my call immediately, and showed up at my home within an hour. Once here, he proved capable, polite and quick. Within 30 minutes he had the job done - and the new keys in my hand. I was delighted with Brian personally, and with the quality of his work. He also priced it below what I would have expected, so that was cool. Big thumbs up!
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Review from zette e.
New York, NY
12/26/2008
I locked myself out while visiting my sister, at night, jetlagged. Brian came right over, was very helpful and cheerful, and charged us a very reasonable fee, much better than anyone else in the area! Highly recommended!!
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Review from Angela G.
El Cerrito, CA
1/1/2009
I was moving out of my apartment and accidentally locked my keys inside before retrieving all of my belongings. Brian arrived quickly and was persistent in completing the job of getting the door opened, despite the challenges the lock itself presented. I will utilize his services again should the need arise, and recommend them to others.
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Review from Candy P.
Berkeley, CA
1/26/2009
This is one of the best priced locksmiths in Northern California. With door to door service and great timing, you can't beat the service that B & T's owner provides. If you need any sort of locks, keys, etc, please try this service. Get an estimate if you'd like first, then compare with a second company. I guarantee you, you will call B & T for the job. Enjoy!
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Review from Michael Z.
San Mateo, CA
11/13/2009
I have to give Brian 5 stars. He was available when I needed him, came within an hour, was friendly and helpful, and gave me some added keys that he didn't charge for, keeping me to $70. It's always a drag to have to spend money you don't expect, but good service and a friendly disposition helps to ease the pain. Actually, knowing a good locksmith is like having a good dentist. Also, try Rocky and Mike in SF - both a great!
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Review from Todd W.
Berkeley, CA
6/26/2009
Brian was the most helpful, friendly, efficient, nicest guy in the world. He got to my house faster than he had originally thought, got me into my house (the deadbolt was stuck), got a new lock in place, all for a price that was more than reasonable. I tried several other locksmiths who claimed to be 24-hour service (yeah, right!!) and wish I had called B & T first. No matter, I found Brian and would totally recommend his company. Folks, if you're in the East Bay or anywhere in the Bay Area, call B & T. They are simply the best and very, very nice people, too. Thank you Brian!
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Review from Cam H.
Richmond, CA
5/29/2010
great service. very responsive, arrived on time and very reasonably priced. removed my broken lock and put in a new one to match my other key. highly recommended.
