The seemingly old-fashioned lock on our back door broke down on Christmas Eve of 2021, which was on a Friday. What a bummer! I spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to fix it the day after Christmas. Foiled, I called Tom Appel at A C Lock on Monday morning and left a message. He responded to my call almost immediately. He patiently assessed the problem over the phone, dealt with a customer, and then quickly drove to my house. In no time he fixed the door lock and tossed in a car key repair job for me in the most understanding and courteous style. The guy really stretched to accommodate and help. I wish to recommend him highly with a five star rating. Oh yes, I might add that he has 32 years of experience as a locksmith. This helps to explain his magic touch with funny old door key mechanisms. His prices are reasonable, too. Please give him a call or visit his store the next time you have a key-related problem. Thank you. read more

Fast, straighforward, professional and honest. I was able to get an estimate very fast and straight, and Tom came and completed the job in less than 2 mins! Highly recommended! read more

Was in a pinch with my ignition. Called the shop and found myself taking to a knowledgeable man about my car. Honest and great work and service. I would recommend them to anyone who has locksmith needs. read more

Fast, FRIENDLY, reliable service. I needed to get two keys copied, was hoping for a quick if awkward transaction. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Customer service was above average, and the lady who started copying my keys very sweetly communicated to me that she was going to leave, and who was going to take over for her. The man who helped me next was very nice, and made casual conversation while I waited. Definitely recommend them! read more

Got me out of a tight spot when my old mortice lock malfunctioned and I was locked out. Tom (?) send 'Carson' out to assist me and was really efficient and full of good advice. Got into my house, fixed the front door. Also made an improvement to the back door lock that another locksmith said there was nothing that could done about. Gave me a lot of advice on options for permanent solution to the problematic old mortice lock and didn't pressure me to buy anything I didn't need. Very fair with the bill. Will definitely call Tom / Carson first the next time I need a locksmith. read more

Called in to get a quote to have 2 keys cut and programmed for my Lexus since I only had a valet key. The associate mentioned they were able to cut the keys as well as had the proper software to program the remotes. Long's Locksmith saved me a ton on money vs. going to the dealership to have this done. Very happy to have found a business to have fair pricing and timely service. read more

Two chip keys for much less than what the dealership wanted for one, so I'm sold. I would recommend calling ahead to make an appointment if your timing is tight as the sole proprietor is apparently sometimes away from the shop on lockout calls. read more

Called at 4:30 pm on Thursday and Tom showed up at 8 am on Friday to repair our ancient Baldwin front door lock set. He needed to order a part to replace a broken one, and a week later was back in the early morning to finish the repair. Excellent craftsman and extremely knowledgeable about all types of locks. read more

This guy is never in front, has you call first, then puts you in hold for no reason just to make you feel like begging for service, then he gives you a reasonable quote but when it comes to doing the job, he doubles the rate he quoted. ( with me he quoted $75 and it was less than the 100 elsewhere quoted me but then he raised it to $150) and then he uses a bogus sick mother or hungry children to justify his rates. Accused me of attempt to take food out of his children for asking why he raised the $75 quote to $150. So i went to the well establiahed and amazing service, had fiven me a $100 quote and when i asked if they could give me a discount because i really needed the money for other important things, they gave it to me for $80 and what a quick and professiinal service which was also friendly! My 5th time at REX KEYS was as good as always, friendly and professional. The REX KEYS locksmith on University Avenue in Berkeley are true locksmith magician, unlike this bozo at the AC Locksmith. He uses his angry and frustrated facw to manipulate you into accepting his outrageous offers. Don't fall into that trap! read more

I called Longs Locksmith when I thought I had lost my key to my apartment door on a Sunday. I called, and talked to Tom, who was immensely courteous and professional. He said he could be there in 15 minutes, and was at my apartment very promptly. He was also able to give me a flat rate quote on the phone as opposed to other locksmiths I have dealt with in the past. It turns out I had the keys all along (Stupid I know!), which I realized just as he got to my door. He declined any kind of payment even for coming out on a Sunday evening. This is what I call fantastic and personable service! Tom is an amazingly nice guy and is very professional yet easy going. He seems very experienced, and I would never go anywhere else again for a locksmith related service. Would recommend to everyone. I still can't believe the level of service Tom and Longs Locksmith provides! read more

I run an acupuncture clinic, and had two patients in the midst of treatment when Tom and his assistant arrived, so I needed the work done quickly and quietly. Check and check, plus he was on time, very friendly, and charged me less than quoted on the phone. Highly recommended! Thanks Tom! read more

Tom fixed my locks and even cut some extra keys for me without charging anything for them. A few weeks later the lock failed again--he came out and fixed it at no charge. I think I've found my locksmith!!! read more

I was in and out within 3 minutes. I needed 3 copies of my key and everything costed about 8 dollars. Yay

Loved this place! Made copies of keys. Job was done quickly and swiftly!! The men working are so nice and kind. Gonna come back here when i lose any keys. read more

Really great service had my keys made in 5 minutes. Guy was really nice and efficient also really in expensive to have them made.

Just used Longs Locksmith for the 3rd time. They always impress. Great communication, great service! Highly recommend!

I needed to program two fobs for my 2014 Chevrolet Volt. Tom was extremely patient, helpful and fair with the charge for his service. I will only go to his shop for any key needs in the future. read more

Also called AC Lock Service, I couldn't be happier with the service and price to reprogram and copy my Nissan 350Z key. Great service at an affordable price will keep me coming back here for all my locksmith needs. read more

I'm grateful that Long's, aka AC Lock, cloned my car key for less than half of what the Toyota dealer and another key place quoted me! And apparently it could have been even cheaper if I'd had the master key rather than the valet key. The person there was really nice, too. read more

Had a great experience with Tom Appel, owner of Long's Locksmiths. I needed a special key for a device made in China (what's not). After not being able to find the proper blank at other locksmiths, Tom found it in a few seconds. Don't think I will be trying any other locksmiths in the future. David S read more

I got out of my car today and lock the keys inside...what a knucklehead! I called Long's and Tom answered the phone. Told him my situation...he explained it was toward the end of the day and it might take a while to get to me. No problem. In pretty short order he called to say he was on the way...arrived...opened the car...and I had my keys. Great service! Now, here's the rest of the story. Tom had a tooth pulled earlier in the day and was riding with/training an employee. He wasn't even supposed to be working today but he takes his business and customer service seriously. If you are in the Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda area and you need a locksmith...I highly recommend Tom and his crew at Long's Locksmiths. read more

Hope you never need a locksmith but if you do - call Long's. The owner, Tom is a very nice guy! Great service! Not only did he help us out with our car key he also gave us a jump (we had discharged the battery by trying to start it too many times). read more

Tom helped me recently. So nice and helpful! Even gave me a great deal. 5 stars

Dave was great! Called, left a message, got a call back within 5 minutes. He was able to come out and rekey my front door, and also asked if there were any other doors to streamline the number of keys to my house down to 1. Sweet! Clearly explained pricing, was on time, took care of everything in less than 10 minutes. He even threw in an extra key at no cost. Really appreciate his professionalism and speedy service. I will definitely call Long's again if I need to. read more

Roger was great and I did not have to wait for another day. He was accommodating and quick, he even helped me with some tips as I was doing some handy work myself. He is old school and I love it! I would really refer him for your next job. If we ever need a lock smith I am putting him in my Iphone. His price was fair also. read more

Fifty minutes from my phone call to the locksmith driving away! Totally reasonable, especially given the fact that Dave the locksmith had to make his way through three locks, one of which is very finicky and problematic. He was very persistent, trying a few different approaches. At the end, he checked to see if the finicky lock was still working properly - it wasn't - and kept at it until it was. He even made us an extra key, and gave us some pointers on how to secure it outside the house so we don't need to call a locksmith next the time we are locked out. Thanks! Will definitely use Long's again. read more

Tom helped me tremendously. Very professional, quick, and kind. Made my experience a 10/10.

Tom saved the day once again when he puzzled out and fixed my VW Jetta Key and got it to respond again to the car's remote access system. I had tried everything, replacing the key's battery, checked the car's electrical system and was at wits end and. It would never have occurred to me to go to a locksmith for this specific problem. I can't recommend Tom's sevices enough. His professionalism, diagnostic tools, and persistence in finding and solving the issue was terrific. So glad I can easily and safely unlock and open the car again. Thank you, Tom! read more

Tom was able to give me a comfort level that very few people do in business. His technical skills, craftsmanship and integrity simply come first. My first contact with Tom at Long's was when I brought in my only existing key for my antique MG Midget. The old ignition key was some kind of hybrid and matched none of the books nor indexes available for automotive key blanks. So Tom located a key blank that could be cut down to fit the old MG. No one else could do this. I had been to three other locksmiths in the immediate area and each of them just said, "sorry". Of course about a year later when I bought a home in Berkeley I had to re-key the entire house and I called on Tom at Long's. Tom brought his staff and proceeded to attack one door at a time in this 1920 home. Some doors had to be adjusted and some doors had to be re-bored. It certainly turned out to be far more than just re-keying of each lock. Nine locks later it was all done and with a big smile. I will return to Long's for all my lock and key needs. These guys are the best. read more

I would recommend Tom and Long's Locksmiths to friends, family, everyone I know. I completely agree that if this was a restaurant, they'd have lines out the door and PR up the wazooooo! My car was broken into, and house keys taken. Tom made it a point to get to my house quickly, fix the locks, calm me down, and keep me smiling! And, everything was completed before I needed to pick up my kids from school. Use this place! Love this place! Tell your friends! read more

I've always had quick, friendly service at this store.

I would have never though to review a locksmith company. The owner has save me BIG BUCKS from the dealership! my car lock was jammed and dealer told me it would be $140 bucks to replace a simple key cylinder. I've saved 98% of what it would have cost to fix a key cylinder. With all the choices around, this is the place to go. The owner runs a great family business and customer service is amazing. If I need them again, I would definitely come back. read more

Last Sunday, I lost my bike keys, and I called Long's to have the bike lock cut. Tom answered immediately, even though it was Sunday, and he said he'd be there in 20 minutes, and came right on time. (Turns out he was at brunch with his wife, but he came anyway!) He was simultaneously friendly and professional, explaining everything he did as well as explaining why he did what he did. He was done in no time flat, and I had my bike back! He clearly cares about his customers and his job, and does great work. Highly recommended! read more

Tom was fantastic! I called about replacing a lock that was jammed. Rather than swapping it out and charging me for parts, labor and new keys, Tom spent 15 minutes adjusting the screws around the lock and then fixing what was originally a poor installation job of the door plates. He fixed the problem of the lock and also fixed an additional problem with the door knob (it was very hard to turn) without me asking. I was only charged for labor. When I asked what should I do if the problem happens again, he told me to just call him and they would fix it no cost since he guarantees his own work. I would definitely use Tom again! read more

Long's Locksmiths displayed a level of professionalism and kindness that is unparalleled. I was locked out (as a result of a theft) at 11:30 on a Monday night and they were there to help me out in a matter of minutes. Long's not only got me into my apartment, but they also rekeyed the door. I highly recommend using Long's. They were so good that I was inspired to write my very first Yelp review...this one. read more

I locked myself out and these guys came promptly, were courteous, professional and friendly, and not only got me back into my house, but replaced the lock and gave me new keys! Not only did they replace the lock (which was apparently a recalled lock for its tendency to lock people out even WITH their keys), they replaced the other lock on the same door so both would use the same key. And, they gave me extra keys. No extra charge for any of that. I am relieved for the great service! read more

Thank God and all the spirits for Tom Appel! He was the only one who showed up to help in a two day long nightmare. He knew what to do and did it without hassle. I highly recommend him and thought I was going to be stuck in hell for another day had he not shown up. AAA should contract him he is knowledgeable and shows up. I can't thank you enough! read more

Got quoted $245 by another locksmith in the area. Long's did it for $80!!!!! Quick, nice folks. I did get a parking ticket while I was getting change though. No fault to these fine folks. read more

I have used Tom for years and he is one of the real finds in Berkeley. Doing a good job at a fair price is how he does business. He just doesn't know any other way to operate. He will save you money if he can and goes the extra mile to take care of his customers. He gets pretty busy sometimes because once people patronize him they turn into permanent customers. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more

Went in for a copy of a key. The owner was very friendly and spent a long time cutting the new keys to make sure that they came out right.