Ray saved us yesterday! We had to call the emergency/after hours Cothron's number because at 4:30 pm on a Saturday, my husband accidentally locked our dog, his phone, and his keys in an interior office in his office suite at his building at work. (Usually the door to that office is kept open, but ... who knew that it would lock automatically?) Thankfully, Ray turned out to be nearby at another job which was longer and not an emergency. After hearing about the trapped dog, he decided to come right over to help, and then go back to finish the other job. Our job turned out to be a little more complicated (the non-standard door/lock was even better security than imagined!) but before long, our dog was free to come home and Ray was off to finish his other job and rescue someone else. It had been a stressful situation given that my husband didn't have his phone or keys, the dog was whining, and ... getting toward evening on Halloween. It was a great relief that Ray ANSWERED the phone so that we didn't have to wonder if and when our message would be received and thus we didn't have to wait anxiously for a call back. Ray arrived (and stayed) masked and following safe practices. He did answer other help calls that came in during the time he was helping us, and made a plan to help those customers in turn. We really appreciated the responsive and capable assistance yesterday! read more

Always quick on any in store requests and experts at their craft. If something can't be done they always have expert advice on next best solutions read more

I called Cothron's Safe and Lock last week to help me cut keys for ones that had gone missing. They made an appointment to come out. Their communication was excellent and Max was amazing! He answered all of my questions and helped quickly and efficiently. I will definately be using Cothron's from now on for my home and office!! read more

I'm just trying to hit a thousand reviews, and it occurs to me I've never written about Cothron's, even though I've used them for years & years. They've always had and still have three or four stores at various places around town, and when I first moved to Austin I used the Cothron's on Rio Grande. I'm pretty sure it was exactly where Holy Roller is right now. I keep sensing a "Circle of Life" thing going on here. I use the Burnet store now, it has everything key-related I'll ever need, and I've never bothered to check-in or post pictures of my key stuff. My bad. I have had them come out & do different things, like re-key a place and include a half-dozen padlocks using the same key (trust me, very handy & convenient}. They once put up a discreet outside key box if I ever lock myself out (which I still haven't done yet). And they've also broken open two safes for me - both inherited without combinations - and then hauled away the mass of metal carrion afterward. I don't know who else does that. The last time this happened I was at their store at 8:30am, and they were at my place at 10:15. Pretty cool. And for reasons I'm not entirely sure of, I've always pronounced this place as "Cow-thorns." I have been corrected, but still do it for whatever reasons. Dyslexic stubbornness aside, when it comes to key & lock needs, I don't see why Cothron's isn't as good as it gets. read more

Garrett is the man! He was able to assist me with my difficult roof rack lock and run the store with several other customers ALL BY HIMSELF! he is fantastic. read more

They have employees who drive crazy on the road. I get being late or in a rush. But there's no excuse for the way their employees drive. Get them off the road. Grown men, get it together. read more

I had my front door lock replaced today by Cothrons Safe and Lock, Burnett Road and Tommy came as the service person. He did a wonderful job. Was a professional all the way. He tightened the hinge on my door, scrapped the lock hole in the wall to make the hole a little bigger because the lock was getting stuck. I was so delighted. I have used this Cothrons Safe and Lock Store for the last 3 years and they are A+ in everything they do. Every job this company does, they do well. read more

My keypad on the front door to my house was malfunctioning. So, I was locked out. Ray Lopez (I think that was his last name), came out was very friendly, knowledgeable, patient and professional. He was able to get my back door open in a timely manner! Thanks again, Ray! read more

I called Wednesday and spoke to a guy who set an appointment for the next day between 12:00pm - 4:00pm, and the tech would call me before he came out. Sounded great! It is currently Thursday after 9:00pm and they were a no call/no show. I'll take my business elsewhere. read more

We had a recent key/fob issue and weren't exactly sure what to do.. Garrett was fabulous!!! First he gave us guidance over the phone on what would be needed to fix our issue ; and then when we went into the Burnet store, he took even better care of us in person. He was personable, informative, and put our minds at ease. The price to fix our issue was VERY reasonable and we would definitely recommend Garrett and this store! read more

I am a Regional Quality Control Manager at a local bank here in Austin and Use Cothrons for everything from; new locks to vault needs. I wanted to give RJ a big shout out for his excellent customer service and great expertise. He went above and beyond helping me with a project at one of our branches and didn't hesitate to help in all of the areas that we needed him for. I will definitely ask for him every time I need any kind of service going forward. Thank you again RJ and Cothrons for providing our bank with quality service! Selina S. read more

Fantastic locksmith. Gave us a fair quote to come out and get our front door opened. The locksmith wore a mask the whole time and safely distanced in our front yard when I had to show my ID and give card for payment. Very happy with these guys! I'll definitely recommend them to others. read more

I asked for an estimate to install a keypad deadbolt on a gate to my backyard. My wife and I wanted this because we have a backyard pool. A very nice person came out, looked at the lock I had bought and my gate, explained it would be easy. I would need to buy 4 longer machine screws than the ones provided (which I bought) and it would take a furring strip to mount the strike (which I already have). It was drill a hole for the deadbolt, a hole for the strike, a hole for the support piece, and screw the two sides of the lock together. Tony, without looking at the lock or the gate, said it would take 2 techs four hours and cost over $1K. Labor was to modify the gate (the gate is fine) and get the right screws (which I already have). Customers were not allowed to help. Needless to say, I am disappointed by the experience and will not be hiring them. read more

We had Logan from Cothron's around to provide advice on the best way to improve security at our home; he sent us a summary and quote for new locks the same day. I called to schedule the work and he was able to come out within 24 hours. He was professional and knowledgeable and had all our locks changed out within one hour. I'd used Cothron's in the past and will always use them for any locksmithing needs in the future. read more

I bought a chest at Home Goods but the key to lock and unlock it was lost. Cothron's employee came out to my car and helped me find a key that would work. Problem solved! read more

They were a pleasure to work with. The price and how long the work was going to take was exactly what I was told in the beginning.

Walked into the store and David help me out I making four copies of my key. Great service, great people good handshake and great business. Will be coming back here for any of my needs. read more

So helpful, patient and friendly. I broke the blade on my transponder key and getting an entirely new one cut and programmed was going to set me back at least $150. I called, spoke to Chris, and he told me that not only could he make a copy of the broken key, but he would remove the transponder chip from the old key and put into a new one for me. All for the low low price of $15. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Y'all are so great. read more

I had a horrible vibe the first time I went there many years ago but today after much hesitation was great. They were so friendly and wonderful and we even talked about baby yoda! I highly recommend them. read more

Professionals. Quick and efficient. Reasonable cost. Responsive, I was able to get a large TRTL30x60 Safe moved within a week.

Brandie was efficient, helpful and great. Will call them again! She's terrific! I recommend her!

It was suggested that I change all the locks in my new house. I mean, really, cuz who knows? I was told that the dispatcher would be out between 12 and 5, and that he would call first. The window thing can be frustrating, but synchronicity was working on my side and the guy called as I was leaving Home Depot--at 11:45. He met me at the house and went to work on the locks. I needed a pin for a sliding door. He didn't have it, but was able to put in another locky-thing (no, of course that's not the official name). It's not the prettiest thing in the world, but it may be the safest. It was a costly experience, but I do feel safe having new locks. They're local, quick and friendly. All things I like to support. read more

I certainly wish I could give ZERO stars. I called yesterday and made an appointment to change all the locks with a computerized key card system and some door hardware in our new commercial building. Easily a 2-3 thousand job. The lady who made the appointment, named Madonna, gave me a ridiculous 4 hour window and was told that this was in case they had any "emergencies" that they had to deal with. Well i accepted the noon to four window, didn't go out to lunch in case they showed up at noon as well as made arrangements to be there for the duration. Well, you guessed it, four o'clock rolled around and nobody showed up, no phone call, nothing. I then called them, hit the dispatch extension, and Madonna answered. She told me that emergencies came up and they would not be coming today. I told her that I thought the four hour window was in order to account for "emergencies" and they should have at least respected my time enough to call and let me know. Sounds reasonable, right. It was at this point that I was especially appalled as she began to reprimand me. Go figure, I was expecting an apology and instead got a reprimand for being "mean". Then she hung up. Do not EVER EVER EVER use this company. They have very little if any respect for your time, and therefore no respect for you. The fact is that at Cothron's Safe and Lock, their motto should be, it's our world and you're just living in it. Update: Just got off the phone with the manager. True to form and honoring their motto, I received no apology. read more

After I posted a negative review Cothron's contacted me and made it right. They sent over someone who knew what to do and wore a mask in my house which is very important to me, especially with my 87 year old mother living with me. I think their policy of making the customer ask the technician is wrong because it puts the customer in a confrontational position at the outset, but you can demand that they wear a mask over the phone. Just know that you have to do that. Also you have to be there when they arrive because even if you leave detailed instructions that doesn't mean the work will get done right. It's not enough to let your 87 year old mother let them in. Also they will not keep timed appointments so you just have to sit around from 10 to 5 waiting at home. So I still have very mixed feelings, but at least they came back and fixed the problem. read more

I was working in a unit at a duplex and left to go get paint. When I returned I realized I had locked the keys in the unit. I called Cothron's Lock on Burnet Road and after proving to them that I was the owner and convincing them that the tenant had moved out they said they would send the locksmith. I was to expect them to call when they were on the way, within 15 minutes to 4 hours. After 4 hours and no word I called Cothron's at 5:15PM just before they were closing and asked about the locksmith. The lady I spoke with said, "they are probably just running late. They will get to you". No one called. No locksmith. It was bad enough that I could not get in to complete the painting and other prep, but the next morning the carpet layers were at the unit. I will call someone else next time. read more

My car was vandalized over Labor Day weekend with my house keys and drivers license stolen. Since the thief knew where I lived and had my house keys I thought it safest to get the locks changed. Cothron's came to my home on a holiday, arriving within 30-45 minutes of my call. The on-call locksmith changed 8 locks and made new keys, practically in the dark. The next day I noticed that there was an issue with one of the locks and the technician came back over within 30 minutes of my call and adjusted it at no charge. I was super stressed from the vandalism and was able to sleep a little better last night knowing that Cothron's secured my house for me in record time. Good, fast service! Thanks guys! read more

You're a locksmith and you have to SPECIAL ORDER a key for my car? You can't get the key for a while AND you're more expensive (by about $80) than the dealer? No thank you. read more

We just bought a house, so we needed to have the locks changed on all the exterior doors, plus a deadbolt added to one door and a lock reversed on another (talk about "not clear on the concept::" a previous occupant put a deadbolt on the door to the outbuilding with the key lock on the *inside* and the deadbolt turn on the *outside* of the building . We think they must have locked grandma in there or something . . . but I digress). We had a total of nine doors needing attention. For the record, no, my house does not have nine exterior doors. Some of the exterior doors also have security doors which needed to be re-keyed as well. I called Cothron's on a Monday morning, and dispatch gave me my choice of an appointment either Wednesday morning between 8 a.m. and noon or that afternoon. I chose morning. The locksmith, Steve, called me about 8:45 a.m. to say he was on his way and would likely arrive in the next thirty minutes. He was true to his word and got to work immediately after I showed him what doors needed attention. He was very pleasant and seemed to work efficiently on the various projects. The bill wasn't cheap, but it also wasn't as much as I thought it might be. I am a happy camper and would not hesitate to use Cothron's again. read more

A key was stuck in the lock of my front door that my best efforts could not remove. I took it apart, Googled for a fix and got nowhere. I took the part containing the lock cylinder to Cothran's on Burnet to get the cylinder replaced. They not only got the key out in seconds but showed me how it's done and adjusted the mechanism to fix the problem. When I asked for the bill, "no charge!" Great service, literally with a smile! Thanks Cothran's! read more

I recently bought a used car and it came with one key and key fob. The Ford dealership quoted $150 for another set. I stopped in at Cothron's because it was nearby and they quoted $90. They ordered the items, and called me a couple days later once they were in. I brought the car in, and they programmed the new key and key fob in a few minutes. The total charge was less than what they quoted me because I decided to get two sets made, and they gave me a discount. I will be sure to use them for any other key / lock needs. read more

Mike, who handles all keys related to autos, is the BEST!! Bought a Scooter... received a fab that controls alarm and ignition... (yay... a remote that can turn on my scooter without having to put in the key)... HOWEVER... the Chinese manufacturer didn't match up the ignition key with the blank in the fab... what to do? (Scooter shop couldn't order the correct blank... and what a pain to have to wait for something like that.) I went to Anderson Mill Lock & Key and although they did an awesome job helping me organize and copy some housekeys... they were unable to create a key from the wrong blank. Mike, on the other hand... took on the challenge and was able to get it done!! YAY!!! Now... my load is a bunch lighter b/c I'm one less key (isn't that the goal of life??) P.S. A friend of mine is crazy busy with her time. She needs to have her car rekeyed... or something that will require her to leave her car there. Mike was great with helping her figure out options to be carless for a day. He's the only one that works on auto's and if you get your car there by 9am... he'll get it done! (Remember... you can always drop it off before work... and then come back at the end of the day... no need to wait there.) read more

Ray with Cothron's has been to my house twice on emergency calls and did a great job both times!!!Very reasonable and fair and very efficient and considerate. read more

I called Cothron's Sunday morning to open my business front door with a cylinder problem. After an hour the locksmith could not get it open. My only alternative was to break a small store front window. After I broke the window the locksmith was able to replace the cylinder. He stated Cothron's also provides a service to patch the window until it can be replaced. I knew I was going to pay an extra charge being a Sunday, but $291.00 for a 18 inch by 36 inch piece a plywood was very excessive and unreasonable no matter what day. REMEMBER, I HAD TO BREAK THE WINDOW BECAUSE THEIR LOCKSMITH COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. I spoke with the the supervisor and all he could say was "that is what we charge, sorry." The service for the the locksmith was a separate invoice and was less money than the plywood. I have always gone to Cothron's for safes, keys and locksmith services. NEVER AGAIN. I, also, believe employees should be paid a fair wage and I commend you for that gesture. Is there anyone out there who thinks charging $291.00 to measure, cut and place a 1x3 piece of plywood on a Sunday is reasonable and justifiable? It took less than an hour for all this to occur. I was not told the price until two days later. read more

We recently had a great experience with Cothron's. My wife and I were out one evening to take our kids to dinner, and realized we locked ourselves out! Cothron's had helped me out in the past with a similar situation, so that was our first choice to get us out of this predicament. Brandie showed up in no time and opened the door in just a couple of minutes. It really saved us a lot of time, trouble, and worry. Brandie was quick and very professional. Will definitely call again, as I'm sure it won't be the last time! read more

Made an appointment for a home rekey two days in advance. Window they offered was entire afternoon. No show. The dispatcher called after 5pm to say there was still no one available for send out. My time is important, which is why I made the appointment in advance. I'm only bumping them up to 2 stars because I've used them with more success in the past, and they seemed genuinely sorry that they couldn't get anyone out to honor the appointment time. If you need a home rekey, use Mr Rekey. They actually show up to appointments and schedule in 2 hour time windows. read more

MIKE and Joe are great and excellent problem solvers! I brought in an impossible problem but they helped me and I was quite satisfied with their services. .... I've been trading here for over 30 years. read more

Excellent, speedy service. Polite and knowledgable locksmith. Got me back in my house in ten minutes and showed me how to food the problem if I ever ran into it in the future. read more

I have used Cothron's two times now to move a safe that weighs 1,300 pounds empty. Both times I had the same movers and they were amazing in doing a great job, paying attention to detail, and just being down right good people. Beyond that, I called MANY safe moving companies and Cothron's had the best price and on my second move they fit me in their schedule with just a few days notice. Even the operator who scheduled the move was great. They obviously know how to,provide good customer service. They took so many precautions to ensure they did not damage my tile and wood floors by laying blankets and planking down. I would highly recommend them if you need a safe moved. read more

Exactly what you should expect from a business working hard to earn your trust and your return business. A competent and knowledgable booking operator offered to get me a locksmith the same day, but we went with a next day appointment. Fernando, the locksmith, called ahead to ask a few specific question about our situation so he could ensure he had the right parts to finish the job with him if possible and to make sure he had our address correct. He showed up a few minutes before the scheduled appointment and was very polite and professional. He was able to answer all of my questions clearly, inform me of all the possible options, and there was no charge for the visit! We decided to replace the entire mechanism (knob, lock, faceplates, etc...). He took measurements, pictures, and drew a diagram to make sure he had all the correct information and then called within a few hours to give me a quote on the price before he went through with placing the order. Fabulous, quick service. I'm looking forward to their return call and my new doorknob! :) read more

Best customer service you could ask for. Knowledgeable staff without being pushy and goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Thank you Garrett. You're the reason people like me drive 45 miles to get the service we trust and return for. read more