So we had to return when the front door was locked during business hours and maybe he went to grab lunch? No big deal. In exchange we got a complex spiral key cut for only $10 and the shop owner finished it in 2 minutes. Grateful for his expertise and happy to spend money in the community. 5 stars. read more

JHW Locksmith Station - Master of his trade, recommend! - Keys & Locksmiths Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

In and Out in less than five minutes had a key that needed to be cut. Thanks to a broken fob. Gentleman that helped me with super friendly took care of business and even told me to keep the old key despite the broken fob so he can use it as a master to cut a new one again.This guy seems to know what he's doing nothing better than an old-time shop pricing was very reasonable. As I called him earlier that day to see if he was open, he actually called me back in the afternoon to make sure the car key worked and offered some hints, since they have chips embedded, that is truly exemplary old fashioned customer service. read more

John is still my go to locksmith! Thank you John for your honesty and always showing me your smile when I'm having a bad day.

Proficient is the best way to describe this business and the owner. Quality, never in 25 years had a key cut that did not fit perfectly.

Better selection, service, and price than the hardware stores for key copies. Nice collection of accessories too.

Maybe call ahead? I came by on a Saturday mid-day during business hours (posted here and on his door). Place was locked shut. Sign on the door shows the posted hours and no 'back in 5' note or anything else. Sure, it might be a one person shop, leave a note maybe? Or ya...call ahead. read more

Old-school in the best way possible. Don't go to Home Depot to get your keys made. Pop in here and get higher quality ones for a better price and put your money back into the community. Can't give enough praise to this neighborhood gem. read more

What a great little locksmith shop! I used to get my keys copied at SF hardware on Divisadero but it was closed this month, so I decided to check out JHW Locksmith Station on Filmore. It's a cute little mom and pop shop. I walked in and was able to get my keys copied and pay within just a few minutes. 2 keys copies + a key ring was only $3.50. They take card here too! I have already referred another friend to JHW Locksmith Station and will now use it as my go-to key copy place. read more

We called JHW for an emergency lockout of our apartment after we forgot to bring keys with us to pickup delivery food. The locksmith who arrived initially quoted $265 for the lockout. Given it's an emergency, okay that's fine, we agreed to it. As soon as it became time to pay, suddenly the claim was $330 because we were paying with Zelle because of additional fees. What an absolute trash service. Absolutely do NOT call them unless you want to be taken for a ride. Unfortunately I was too overwhelmed to say anything in the moment but think everyone should know how they behave in emergencies to take advantage of female customers. Use at your own risk! read more

This place is a treasure! Brought in my old mortise lock and he was able to make a skeleton key! He was also able to duplicate my classic car keys, which past locksmiths always messed up wouldn't work in the trunk. Now I can get in the trunk no problem. In a city full of old locks, this place is an essential resource!!!! read more

This place is a gem. Someone tried to break into my car and broke off a screwdriver or scissor in my driver-side doorlock, so I couldn't unlock it. I called around and all sorts of locksmiths and auto dealers pitched expensive and ridiculous solutions (replace the lock, etc.) This gentlemen laid out two options: 1. Pull out whatever was jammed in, or failing that 2. Remove the lock and then remove the jammed object He told me it was totally unnecessary to replace it and a giant waste of money. He succeeded in #1 in a few minutes. It was a pleasure to work with such an honest and skilled locksmith. I would go back there in a heartbeat. read more

Replaced back door lock but has a weird issue where key only unlocks after relocking the door. Locksmith who came was professional and quick

I love coming here so much that I don't even mind that it's usually because my boyfriend has lost his set of keys!! The owner is such a nice and friendly guy, and he'll tell you the cost of each key you need duplicated right off the bat. This is a very no-nonsense key shop, they don't gauge you with price and are able to copy more complex keys (like the little fat one that opens my garage door) than other places, which will tell you "sorry, no can do". In addition to being very personable and efficient, JHW Locksmith is pretty centrally located, just a block away from Haight and Fillmore, close to the 6, 7, 22, and N-Judah. Support your local business, especially one with such great people skills, and come here for all your key copying needs! read more

See all

I used this location for a UPS package pickup, because a box outside a door in SF is just asking for it to get stolen. I got the notification from UPS at around 4pm that the package had been delivered to JHW Locksmith. I swung by a little after 5 to pick it up. John White asked for my name and the last four of the tracking number, took a cursory look through the packages behind the desk, and announced that it wasn't there. I called UPS to double check that it had actually delivered the package and they confirmed that John himself had signed for it. John reiterated that it wasn't there to the lady on the phone and she directed me to contact the sender. This is all par for the course with UPS, so let's get to why I'm writing this review. I asked John if he'd be willing to check one more time. He declined. I asked if he'd be willing to let me quickly check if he didn't want to (it's a pretty small, quiet store and the packages were just stacked right behind the counter). He took an extremely aggressive tone and said "You don't pay me. It's not here. Now get out of my store." He was practically yelling by the end. Given his behavior, I wouldn't be surprised if he comments on this and lies about what happened and tries to make me look bad, but I wanted to share so that you can be warned. read more

John came thru in a pinch. I needed locks serviced, I gave him a call and he was here on time and completed the job quickly, efficiently and it was affordable!!! read more

I haven't had any key related issues (yet) but this review is for the UPS drop-off/pickup service that the locksmith provides. The owner has lost several of my packages and tonight, straight up SCREAMED at me about packages I was picking up. This was my third attempt to pick up this package that he was having issues finding in his (very unorganized) shop. I honestly don't feel comfortable having my packages sent there given it's literally a toss up whether or not I ever actually receive them. I also have gotten a notification from UPS that a package was there but I was out of town. I called the locksmith, asked him to hold for me until I returned and he agreed and said no big deal. When I returned to SF, he couldn't find my package anywhere and we determined that even though he said he would hold it for me, it was returned to sender. read more

Had a 1 off key tried 10 different key makers with no luck, the gentleman who owns this company worked his magic and got the job done! Support people who genuinely care and more importantly know what they are doing! Thank you sir! read more

Mr. White has been as reliable and helpful as I could want. He has fixed our locks with skill and backs up his work.

Almost an ICON in the Fillmore st. The owner is like family. He offers the old price and tells you the wholesaler has increaed their price and let you decide if you can pay the regular price. Always great service. Always keys that work. A true professional and friendly on top of that. He is open for intelligent conversation and always greets you with a smile. read more

Always friendly service in the area. Always keys that are working. Experienced and efficient. The owner always greets me with a smile and do my keys in minutes. We appreciate him in the neighborhood. read more

Tried to go to a locksmith near my house to copy a key for my classic car only to be told "we don't do that" when I asked if they knew where I might get it done I was told "Google it" which brought me to the friendliest shop across the city that will be my go to from now on. It was a nice clean and well put together shop and the owner had me out of the with two keys in less than 5 minutes at a more than fair price. I highly recommend this locksmith. read more

Was in search of an actual locksmith storefront in SF to duplicate a couple of round/circle type garage door keys (unfortunately all the hardware stores that duplicate keys don't seem to carry these types of keys). Small little shop that had exactly what I needed! Great service as well! read more

This is the best place for all your locksmith needs. The owner provides the best service and has the best prices in the city. I've utilized his service several times, and he delivers above and beyond each time. He is a life saver. Thank you. read more

He might be fine Locksmith, but the dude working here is a jerk. I hate to leave such a negative review, but he deserves it. I've used his services before for making keys. But this time I needed to stop by his store to pick up my UPS package. He straight up denied me the package that he was holding onto. He said that he had some beef with UPS, that they weren't paying him, and so he wasn't handing out any more packages. I offered to pay him, I just wanted my package. He said if I were a 30 year resident of the neighborhood he would have considered it, and taunted me to go ahead and call the cops. I didn't call the cops. I called UPS. I still don't have my package 2 weeks later. Regardless of what his beef is with UPS, you can't treat patrons this way. So, sorry to do this, but, here's my review of your business sir. Thanks for treating me like crap. Have a nice day. read more

JHW locksmith they are the best!! Lock world they estimated my trunk that stuck $195.00 too much good thing I said no thank you.

For some reason it's very hard to find places where they would duplicate motorcycle keys. The last 2 times I used Lockworld on Geary but they don't open on weekends and I think they charged a lot. I got another motorcycle recently and needed to make extra set of keys and I remembered driving by this place a few times and decided to check it out. The guy was awesome! He told me he had just ordered some motorcycle keys and asked me to return the next day and I did. I was shocked to find out that they only charged a fraction of what Lockworld had charged me before. I was so happy with the service that I took a stack of his business cards and left them at a local motorcycle shop. read more

I went to 4 locksmiths before JHW, and he was the only one that could help me. I had broken a rare key which no one had or could make. JHW looked at the key said he might be able to custom make one which would work. He made it and it works. Nowhere else could do that same. The man knows his keys. read more

I'm not sure where things went wrong (there are so many positive reviews) but I called recently to get a basic estimate for lock installation and the person I spoke with was so rude and unhelpful. He demanded my exact address before he would give me prices (apparently my cross streets were not enough?) and then when I asked about estimates, he wouldn't give me a range and acted indignant about my question. I would definitely recommend against using this business. There are so many friendly and helpful locksmiths out there! read more

What a find... Referred to JHW by the hardware store on market and 14th when needing a duplicate for my '64 chevy. Totally old school, has every old blank imaginable (ignition, gas cap and 20 year old club) and $8 for copies of all three. John, is a treasure in this town.... but word of advice, don't try and pet the little Chiuaua read more

I have an old house key and I could not find a place to copy it. It really wasn't a big deal until I broke my house key in my lock the other night and I thought I'd be locked out forever. But, luckily I came across JHW Locksmith Station. He made two copies of my key in like 15 seconds. I swear, he turned around and they were made. Plus it was only $3 total! read more

exactly what you need, nothing fancy. Efficient and reasonable. Three adorable chihuahuas behind the counter! read more

JHW Locksmith Station - Keys & Locksmiths Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very professional, and fast service at a reasonable price. I've delt with some so/so locksmiths + key copies-- this place is a gem!!

I lost my mailbox key and had to borrow the original from the property manager so I could make copies. Almost all of the spots I wanted to go to were closed or were appointment only, but luckily Yelp and my Maps app found this spot for me. I was amazed at how quickly the guy made the duplicates and how cheap they were. I'll definitely be coming back here the next time I need keys. read more

I needed a key and I got key. The owner gave me a great price and assured me that if they key had any issues, he would make me another. Don't go to a KeyMe, go to this guy. read more

Helped me get a broke key out of my very complicated rear wheel lock on my bike. Was super chill and friendly about it.

This review is for the UPS drop off service at JHW locksmith. As noted by one of the other reviewers, the owner lost my UPS package as well and was downright rude about this. Despite multiple notifications from UPS that my package has been delivered to this access point, the owner had no log of the incoming package and asked me to log a complaint with UPS about losing my package. Extremely disorganized ! read more

Sadly this place is terrible. The owner (I assume) is so unbelievably rude it's shocking. I tried to be really nice to him but I just ended up walking out shaking my head in disbelief. Truly the type of place that does not deserve your time or money. read more

Great reliable local locksmith. I have used JHW Locksmith several times now for re-keying after a very bad experience with one of the 800 number locksmiths. JHW has a real storefront location (not just a telephone number) and has been in the neighborhood for years. They are straightforward, extremely reliable, and give honest pricing. John and Bill are great guys and a great resource for our Upper Market community. I will use this locksmith only from now on. read more

Nice guy. Fixed my keyhole without having to get a new key. Expedited my request cuz I live across the city and put me in front of another customer. Only $25! read more

The store is great and the rekeying service at home is fine, but DO NOT have them install a lock on a door!! They drilled everything at an angel then used a hammer that wrecked the lock core so the key can barely turn the lock. And he used the wrong size drill so the hole was too small for the lock and it stuck out from the door at an angel. I have had to pay more than the original price to have it fixed. Save yourself. Do NOT have them install a lock!!! read more