I came to Dexter locksmith needing a duplicate key for my kryptonite bike lock. I had bought one from them about two years ago for four dollars. This time they quoted me $15. I thought that was excessive and went to another locksmith two blocks away. The same key there cost $4.50. read more

Brought a lock in to get a replacement key. Was $100 less than everywhere else I called. Super quick. Great service. Will definitely use again. read more

I rarely ever write bad reviews, but I had such a bad experience with this place. I needed locks changed out same day, so I reached out to Dexter and the person who answered the phone said he could have the locks changed in 30 minutes, so I told him I would be there in 20 minutes. When I arrived, he then said it would be 1 hour. Ok, I suppose things could have gotten busy since we spoke 20 minutes prior, so I agreed and told him I would wait since it was far enough from the place I was rekeying. He said he would call me as soon as he was finished. 1.5 hours later, I still had not heard from him, so I called him; however, he did not answer. I walked back over only to find a "be back in 15 minutes" sign on the door. Someone else was waiting already and said he had already been waiting for quite some time. I tried calling again and stood outside with now 3 other customers until he finally arrived over an hour later. The guy before me gave up and left, so I was first in line. I walked in and he acted like he never met me before. I reminded him he was suppose to rekey my locks (which he had in his possession), so he told me it would be another 30 minutes, as he hadn't even started them yet. Since it was now past 3pm, I knew I wouldn't be able to get anyone else to rekey same day, so I reluctantly waited. Despite knowing he had already made me wait for hours longer than he promised, he decided to help the people in line after me first, while he continuing to stop and answer every call that came in. There continued to be more incoming walk ins and calls, which each time, he stopped and helped them before finishing my locks. I sat there waiting another hour or so, until yet another customer came in that he apparently knew, and he again thought it was more important to set my job aside and joke around with that guy about how long I had been waiting. I finally had enough and told him I need him to finish my locks and he said "I will, but let me help this guy first". At this point, I had been there almost 4 hours, so I did not accept that and told him that he had already made me wait for hours and I really needed him to finish. Another 15 minutes go by and he finally came to the counter with my locks. Sadly, they did not work. He said he would try again, so he took them back, while continuing to interrupt the process by helping other people (rekeying locks, answering phones and taking orders) all during the process. He finally came back and said, "well, they are not turning great, so I'll only charge you 1/2. What can I say, these are old locks." I told him the locks were 2 years old-I hardly consider that old. This person is a complete disaster and lacks any customer service skills. He clearly has an issue setting realistic timelines. Do not go here unless you have no desire to get your locks back within your lifetime. read more

I have always used dexter for my key copying needs and they are always nice and fast. They also have the best price cause my boss paid $9 a key elsewhere while I paid $2.50 at dexter. When I bought a house not close to their office they still cake out and changed my locks for me. They are all super nice and accommodating. I am already planning on going there to get some fun keys made cause I can't think of going anywhere else. Neither should you. read more

This review is strictly based off the fact that I never even got into the shop. I was recommended Dexter to help with a lock that a key was lost for and I went at 4pm this Friday since their open until 5:30 but they were already closed an hour and a half early. I wasted an hour round trip so I can't speak on their quality of work but reliability doesn't seem to be their thing read more

These guys are great. They showed up on time and had three locks rekeyed in less than an hour. Reasonable prices and great service.

As most people, I don't have a ton of occasions to go to a lock store. That said, over the years, I have been in here a few times to have duplicate keys made. Every time, the staff has been friendly and helpful. The prices are fantastic. And, when I had a tricky key (it wasn't Dexter's fault, I've had a duplicate made of this same key at another locksmith too, with the same problem), they redid their work cheerfully without charge. read more

I lost my keys and they were able to create a new set. Jim took the time to go out of his way to do research and find a solution to my problem. Highly recommend their services! read more

Excellent service, accurate key cutting at a paupers price. Honest and quick. I look forward to using them in other ways.

They don't know what they are doing Horrible service. Don't know how to key locks. Expensive and never fixed issue

Great price great service Tim the owner quoted me a pretty low price to have a lock cut off, very responsive and came out the same day I called him! Very friendly and was so fast- would definitely recommend them and use him again! read more

Great little lock service shop! I need to make a copy of the key to the main entrance to my apartment and my door. The main lock was a bit pricey, but I suspect it's because of the type of key it is. Anyway, the man who helped me was extremely speedy and friendly. He was so quick at making copies, I feared that they would not work once I tried back at home. Nope! They worked like a charm! I did not require housecall assistance, but if I happen to lock myself out of my apartment (again), I'll definitely call them first. Overall, wonderful experience! read more

I absolutely love this place, it's a key part of my life. I've come here several times to get keys copied and had a few lock problems. Each time the service was prompt, friendly and I've had no issues with any of my keys thus far. They also have an adorable dog who wanders around the shop. That furry bandit stole the key to my heart. read more

After blowing my top after Home Depot screwed up my new keys for the fourth time, I stopped in at Dexter. Not only were the keys cheaper than HD, they worked the first time! The shop is a little quirky and, um, "dusty", but you can tell it is where the pros go. Saved me a little money and a WHOLE lot of time. Will go to Dexter first from now on..... read more

Whoa. These guys are incredible! I was so worried my keys were "un-copyable" (that's a word right?) since another shop down the street couldn't correctly match my current keys. So I came here, just a few blocks away, to see if they could possibly help- and they did! They were so helpful and so freakin' FAST! The keys worked out great, no problems whatsoever. Seriously, so impressed, especially after being told my keys couldn't be copied. I had no idea they were in the neighborhood but they definitely have a new, loyal customer now. I'll be going there for any lock/key needs moving forward. read more

Dexter Locksmith Service - Keys & Locksmiths Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've hired Tim at Dexter Lock twice. He: - communicates quickly - requires little lead time - does a professional job - charges a reasonable rate - provides solid advice read more

I went to have copies of keys made. The keys are fine, but the two men inside were not wearing masks during the pandemic. They should at least wear them when customers come into the shop. read more

I was not expecting much when I walked into the store. It's a classic corner shop that has been here for a while. And I question how they still are open since I rarely see people inside. But I was pleasantly surprised when the customer service was outstanding. I never carry cash and just got two keys copied. I was expecting to pay at least $10 (I'm new at this key copying thing.) Turned out it was $4.25 and the minimum credit card purchase was $10. The gentlemen told me just to come back later with cash to pay him. I was astounded. I used to work retail and would never tell someone to do that! But I did as he asked and returned a little later with cash to pay him. I wish I could tip, you don't see that kind of trust in business anymore! read more

Fast, inexpensive, and easy. Exactly all you need from a locksmith. I got keys copied in less time than it took me to walk 2 blocks from my house here. Convenient location, just be cognizant of the hours (closes earlier than big chains). read more

I called at ten in the morning, and by one o'clock that afternoon, I had a new lock. Super friendly service, and the work itself took all of five minutes. $100 for a housecall and a new lock is less than I expected, and he threw in two extra keys for free. A+, would lose keys again. read more

Excellent gents work here- they know their craft and can help you out quickly. Thanks! read more

A+ experience. The two gentlemen working there were fantastic. I came in to have to two locks re-keyed to match a third lock. They knock it out in about 15 minutes at a reasonable $10 / lock. Thanks! read more

DO NOT GO ANYWHERE ELSE! Dexter Locksmith is awesome! I had a Sentry fireproof safe that I needed opened and everywhere else around the city, locksmiths were quoting hundreds of dollars. They were telling me they needed to drill my safe open, and all this other crap. I brought it to Dexter Locksmith and they opened my safe with a few screwdrivers, some muscle, and talented technique. I spent less than 15 min there and paid less than $15 for their service. They have great customer service, they know what they are doing, they respond to messages within an hour and phone calls within a few rings. If you need any Locksmith Services, go here and save yourself from paying an arm and a leg. read more

Dexter Locksmith Service - Keys & Locksmiths Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I needed a copy of my keys. Read the reviews and decided to go. The man who probably owns the store helped me out and he was incredibly fast. On top of that, I did not have cash (they do take credit/debit cards but 10 dollars minimum and my pair of keys were just $3.74!) so he said I could just come back and pay him. I was like... Seriously? And he was like yes that's no problem! So I went ahead, got some cash at the atm and walked back. Awesome, quick and cheap service! What else can you ask for? read more

Excellent service. He has a $10 min on CC and he let me take the keys with me while I went to get cash. Very honest, cool shop! Fast and easy key duplication! A++++ read more

Helpful, knowledgeable, speedy and enthusiastic. And fair prices on top of all that. I had some pretty old deadbolt sets that were not working right. The problem was immediately diagnosed and they even had the replacement part for this early 70`s lock. They also sold me a matching lock to another random lock and matched up and cut me 4 more keys. All in the 10 minutes! I saved some cash not having to buy 4 new locks. I know this is cheesy but I appreciated the enthusiasm of the guy who helped me. It is nice to see there are still people who genuinely enjoy their work. read more

Thank you so much, Tim! Not only did he rekey several locks, he also lubricated them so they work much more smoothly. On his way out, he noticed our wonky front door handle (which pulled UP instead of down). Instead of calling the job done, he pulled out his tools and fixed it in a few minutes flat...above and beyond the scope of our service call, and at no charge! I will definitely call Tim and Dexter Lock Service next time we need a locksmith. Highly recommend! read more

Great service and friendly. I called to have the locks re-keyed as I just moved into my condo. They were here the same day, and he worked fast and made this process easy. I will be heading back there to make some additional copies of some other keys as they have great pricing. THANKS SO MUCH! Highly recommend! read more

Best, kindest, most affordable key cutters I've ever used! And they are so FAST. I recommend this place to anyone.

These guys are the best! I accidentally jammed the lock on my grandmother's antique chest and not only did Dexter make a house call, but they were incredibly careful to not damage the wood of my heirloom. After two separate visits and two hours total of labor my chest was opened and I was only out $150. I would definitely call them again, although I hope I don't have to. Trustworthy. Professional. Punctual. Use them!!! read more

Great, fast, and had what I was looking for that 3 other stores didn't have. They were very nice and even let me write a check (I didn't hit the $10 min to use a credit card) read more

Outstanding service and fair price. Had an old, obscure mid century lock in need of restoration. Others said it could not be done or wanted to charge three times what Dexter charged. Blown away by store owner's knowledge. Put them in your list of trustworthy repair/service businesses. read more

I hired Dexter Lock Service to change out the locks on a new condo I purchased. Excellent service! He was courteous and on time and completed everything I asked. These guys are now in my address book and I will definitely use them again and recommend them to all my friends. Just a great family owned shop with neighborly service. I highly recommend them. read more

Fantastic service, incredibly reasonable pricing. I'm so thankful to have this company in my neighborhood.

Dexter Lock is my go-to locksmith in the Lakeview area. Always prompt, professional, knowledgeable, and appropriately priced. I've always been extremely happy with their service and would not even consider using anyone else. They've got my business, and I've recommended them to others. I don't have a single bad thing to say about them. read more

They're great. Very responsive (usually same-day service, even when it's not an emergency) and professional. I've had them do several jobs around our building and it's always been done well and done right. Nice work! read more

These guys are great. Courteous, timely, and fairly priced. Don't go to another locksmith!

Used these guys today - quick response, fixed the broken lock and even improved the functionality. So easy to work with them and they were incredible professional!!! If we ever need a locksmith again - these guys are on speed dial! read more

Dennis was promt, efficient, cleaned up after himself, and only changed the part of the lock that was broken. He did not try to sell me a whole new lock which would have been very expensive. Love the honesty and quick service. read more

This is now my second review of locksmiths and both have been horrific! I have no idea, how a person, that runs a business no less, can say to a person that explains that their home was broken into, a spare key was found and is still missing (presumably with the criminal(s)) and the locksmith says, "I close in an hour, call me next week when we open again on Monday." By next week, I can have someone come and replace the lock, the door, you name it! UNREAL! I will never use Dexter Lock Service and do not recommend them to anyone. read more