Steve who runs this business is completely untrustworthy. We tried numerous times just to get our antique locks back even if the keys weren't ever completed(because it had been months). In the end our locks were never returned to us/he went completely missing and he stole our young family's locks for every interior door which happened to be our first home . Do not trust. Very very unfortunate because he seemed very knowledgeable. read more

This guy is great. The first locksmith I called to take a look at the front door to my condo building said our current lock was unfix-able and wanted to charge $895 to replace the entire locking mechanism. The locksmith from the Lock Doctor came and just bent a piece of metal in the mechanism that had become warped in the cold weather. Needless to say, the bill was nowhere near $895. BTW, the Lock Doctor locksmith told me there is a nationwide scam going on with locksmiths. I found an article at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19714358/ if you want to learn more. If the locksmith you are using wants to be paid upfront, jacks up the price after doing the work, or works out of a fake address, you should beware. The first locksmith I had called had an address at 14th and Park roads right around the corner from me, but I later went by there and there was no locksmith anywhere on the block. Postscript: someone noted that the locksmith I recommend doesn't have a specific address, which is kind of funny given my comments above. I believe he works only on-site and doesn't maintain a physical store front (as scammer locksmith I used first fraudulently advertised). He lives in Logan Circle, so that represents the area from which he works. read more

Steve provided full service with a complicated key question. Great technical expertise along with a passion for good work. Would recommend for lock and key management issues. read more

Steve taught me everything I know about locks. He did a great job installing a new deadbolt and re-keying my locks after an attempted break in. He also taught me that most locksmiths aren't ex-cons, like I used to think, and not to trust builders. Our locks were set up for a skeleton key, giving everyone and their brother access to my slick pad. So give Steve a call. He'll make sure no one's using your wet bar while you're at work. read more

I used his services back in June of 2010. I was so busy settling into DC that I forgot to write a review. But he deserves it, so here I am! He was very affordable when compared to other locksmiths, anywhere from 50-100% cheaper in some cases. I can't say I called an exhaustive list of DC locksmiths, but it was a good sample. Although the price lured me in, it was the quality of work that sold me. He is clearly knowledgeable about his trade. Furthermore, he doesn't try to upsell any products. He was very frank when fixing my lock, letting me know all the possible outcomes ahead of time. While every other locksmith was convinced I would have to replace my lock, he was able to fix it without even having to use extra parts! He even adjusted the strike plate in the door frame for a better fit. He is very courteous with good communication skills. He returns calls promptly and arrives on time. Really, what more could you ask for? If you're like me, owning a condo in a high rise, your door locks can run hundreds of dollars to replace. Before you do that, get a house call from the Lock Doctor! P.S. We also had an interesting conversation about locksmith scams. You can search NPR's website to find an audio segment regarding this. read more

Steve was so helpful, speedy and attentive. I broke a key off in my bike's U lock and was fairly certain I'd either have to find a saw or really tall crane to lift the bike over the top of the lightpost to which it was attached. But then Steve entered the picture and saved the day. $60 and 10 minutes and my bike was free from peril and we were both back on our way. read more

I've been the beneficiary of Steve's stellar service about a dozen times for multiple properties over the last 5 years and I will gladly attest to his knowledge and experience, his patience and problem-solving skills, and his thoroughness and the quality of his work. I have not presented a challenge that he didn't resolve properly. In my experience, he has swapped out lock sets and dead bolts for an entire house. He has replaced cylinders for pre-existing locks and dead bolts. He has drilled out doors (steel, aluminum, wood, etc...) and frames in order to install a deadbolt (see photo). He has dismantled old locks, determined the malfunctioning piece within the lock, and repaired it (either by having/finding the necessary part, or by fabricating it). He has picked locks for which the key was lost, and determined where to get a new key. Steve is also able to clearly explain everything he's doing so you understand whatever challenges he faces. As I've learned from Steve, the ability to dismantle and repair old locks is particularly crucial in DC because there are so many old buildings with locks dating back as much as a 100 years or more. Also, many lock manufacturers have gone out of business over the years, and there is no end to the number of different lock designs that have been used over the decades. Steve won't pretend he's seen *everything*, but after several decades he's seen most and he definitely enjoys a good challenge. Steve keeps late hours and he's busy w/ a long list of clientele. Scheduling can be tough and he often runs late. If you need help RIGHT NOW, I don't recommend calling him. If you need top quality service and you can be patient, Steve will do the job right the first time and he can recommend the best product to use as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED * please note, I rarely leave reviews and only if I'm 100% confident I can give a 5 star rating read more

Lock Doctor - Lock Doctor drilling an aluminum door to install a deadbolt- this requires some rare tools and knowledge - Keys & Locksmiths Near Me

Moved into a new place in Eckington and needed to get the front door rekeyed and the back door replaced from a single to a double cylinder deadbolt. Great response from him and easy to schedule, even when I had to reschedule because of electrical work. On time, nice guy, good work, reasonable prices. It's a mobile operation but he's the real deal; excellent locksmith. read more

I called around to get estimates for a simple lock-out. The first ten places I talked to wouldn't promise a price -- instead, it was usually "we'll come out for $30, then repairs can run $40 and up." The Lock Doctor, however, gave me a flat price up front -- and it was at the low end of what the prices the other guys quoted. He then showed up on time, and was able to get me in without damaging the lock. read more

My man Steve! He was pretty helpful and changed out the locks I wanted, and even instructed me on how to use it ( I bought a keypad deadbolt ). The fees are reasonable. 65 to come out and the charges for what is installed. Its ALOT less than other locksmiths in the area, and Steve is a pretty reasonable dude. I would use him again and recommend him if my friends needed locksmith work too. read more

I meant to write this review in September 2010 when I contracted Steve for his services but didn't get around to it. The fact that I'm doing it now-- nine months later-- should serve as testament to what an exceptional service he provides. After we bought our condo and moved in, we wanted to replace the front door lock as a security precaution. Our lock mechanism was somewhat obsolete, so the ordinarily simple task of disabling the automatic lock function and putting in a new lock turned out to be a complicated job. With unparalleled professionalism, determination, and a clearly innate drive for perfection, Steve tackled the challenge. Even though he had to come back a second and third time to complete the job, Steve charged us the same amount as if the job had been as straightforward as anticipated. Steve is responsive, honest, fair-minded, and a true problem solver... not to mention just a great guy in general. Of all the professionals and vocational specialists I've ever contracted, Steve is hands down the only one I'd recommend to anyone without reservation. read more

Prompt, professional, friendly, and affordable. I couldn't ask for anything more in a locksmith. Highly recommend. Doesn't take Amex but takes the other three and also checks. read more

I just used Steve this past week for the first time. Call the phone number and leave a message. He will get back to you within a day or two. (He called me back a day after I left my message.) He was able to come to my place the next day. Perfect, fast service, and very reasonably priced. This is one instance where I am very thankful for Yelp because Yelp is what made me decide to give him a try. read more

We tried to use Steve's locksmith services to change the locks and add some new locks and security bars to the sliding glass doors in our new home. He missed our first appointment entirely but was apologetic, so we decided to give him another chance. However, he arrived late for our rescheduled appointment and when asked the reason, he just said he has been "running behind lately". He was knowledgeable and thorough on site, but there were further delays in getting a proposal to us and ordering needed materials. He then failed to confirm an installation date and time despite our multiple attempts to reach him. We ended up deciding to use another locksmith after what ultimately amounted to over two weeks in delays and very poor communication on his part. read more

Have to echo all the comments on this page. Have used Steve twice now (new deadbolt installation and re-keying new home in VA). He's very knowledgeable, attends to every detail, and guarantees his work. And his prices are hard to beat. read more

I called up Steve at the Lock Doctor to help me out with rekeying some locks at our house. One cylinder was rusted and full of debris, and the other was old and I had no key for it. He came out and spent about two hours of a cold December night working outside on these locks. He got everything working perfectly. The price was exactly what he said it would be sight unseen (we'd talked on the phone so he knew basically what he was getting into -- which in my case was a pretty standard residential job). There was one price for the service call ($68) and then a very reasonable price for parts, not marked up too much at all. Great work -- nice guy. read more

I called the Lock Doctor when we first bought our house to straighten out our lock situation. We had six different keys (so many that the old owner forgot to bring one at settlement), a missing cylinder on one lock, and another lock that wouldn't work. We were a locksmith's bonanza just sitting there, but Steve really took the time and thought to minimize the number of new locks we had to buy, rekeying most and replacing just two that wouldn't accept the same type of key as the others. The missing cylinder was on a security gate/storm door that came from an obscure manufacturer that doesn't make them anymore. Steve went the extra mile in tracking down and installing a replacement for us. He also stands behind his work. We found that a door expanded with the summer heat and humidity, making one of the locks he installed difficult to lock. He was happy to come back and make adjustments free of charge. Now, this is a one-person shop, and lock repair can often drag on longer than expected. We've had to reschedule a number of times because he was stuck trying to finish a project that was taking a long time. However, he's courteous about calling you when it becomes clear that another job is running late, and he takes the initiative in finding a time that's good for you. read more

Imagine visitng DC for a few days and closing the door of your friend's apartment -- with your luggage and both sets of keys on the wrong side of the door. On top of that, it's a Sunday afternoon. What do you do? Call the Lock Doctor! The doctor arrived fairly quickly, quickly gained entrance and left. Better yet, it was a pretty painless visit to the doctor; even the price was less than his competitors. This is a terrific doctor! read more

I was very impressed with Steve. Like others have said, he's a local guy who goes around in his van to where ever he gets called. I was impressed with how flexible he was; I work some afternoons and he was willing to stop by in the late evening within a couple days of me calling him to install a deadbolt on my door. Reasonably priced (as far as I can tell), and a very amicable guy. We had a very nice conversation before and after the job, and you can really tell he enjoys what he's doing and that he knows a lot about what he's talking about. He also was very professional, efficient, and made an effort to clean up the sawdust after his work, which I appreciated. So long story short, very satisfied with my Lock Doctor experience and will definitely recommend Steve for anything I might hear about. Highly recommend. read more

I've used Steve three times now, once to create a key for a lock on my security box, once to replace a sticky cylinder on my mortise lock, and finally to add a deadbolt to an existing door. In all three cases, there were scheduling difficulties, but in every case, the work done was superb. Steve helped select a premium deadbolt brand and model that could accept a different cylinder to match the key in the existing lock. He was able to cut a hole perfectly such that you wouldn't know it was a late addition. His work has been phenomenal. If you have the time and patience to spare, and you want the most professional, skilled locksmith, reach out to Steve. read more

Steve came as a recommendation from my real estate agent and was fantastic. He really knows locks and is happy to explain them to you and what his approach to fixing or solving a problem is. He helped solve an issue with one of my gates with an ingenuity that saved me from a full gate replacement. Its rare to find someone so deeply knowledgable and polite to boot. Highly recommend. read more

I actually did not receive any services from Steve, but I contacted him following many recommendations online and glowing reviews on Yelp. Despite not having engaged in any transaction with him, he readily provided recommendations for shops that could help me with my specific issue. In an occupation that appears rife with scams and poor customer service, Steve's stood out as a kind and fair business with the customer's wellbeing in mind. It was very much appreciated. The only reason this is not 5 stars is because I have not solicited his services as of yet. read more

Steve came to us via a referral from 1stSecurity495. Apparently these two well reviewed locksmiths occasionally cover for each other. I am so please that now I know about two excellent craftsmen, when I was originally just trying to find one! Our lock problem turned out to be simple. The lock had slipped out of position and therefore could not be turned. This lock had been balky for many months, and then suddenly justngave up a few days ago. Steve took a quick look and immediately saw that the positions of the internal pieces just had to be readjusted. Apparently one of the pieces had also been put in backwards. Steve immediately diagnosed the problems , declared it a simple job, and very quicky fixed it. read more

This is a long overdue post, but I have used Lock Doctor multiple times over the past few years for both personal/apartment lockouts and at my workplace. Steve is always quick to respond and does very professional work at a great price. Most recently he helped with a variety of odd jobs at a big building that I manage and charged a very reasonable rate even though the job was quirky and required multiple visits. Thanks, Steve for everything you do! read more

Steve is a really super guy. We have used him repeatedly for our Clients and for our rentals too. Reasonable pricing, punctual, friendly and reliable. What else can you ask for. We already have him scheduled for more jobs. read more

My front-door lock broke, and Steve was very courteous and prompt. It was not a lock-out and it was mid-day -- an affordable $75 in my opinion. read more

Consistently great service! Used him 3 times in the last 4 years. Polite, fair priced, honest, knowledgeable and does NOT gold plate issues. His late hours also make it convenient! Please know that he's a one man show which may explain some of the negative comments regarding scheduling. I, personally see this as a plus since the locksmith technically has your key or knows the combo and has been in your home so I feel better that it's just one person who has access to this info rather than a company of many. read more

I called at 7pm on a Thursday because I was locked out of a room. They arrived quickly, and successfully managed to pop the door open after picking the lock failed. The total price came to $189, which seemed a bit high for opening one door, but they were fast, accepted VISA on the spot, and it was after hours, so I'd use them again. read more

Steve " The Lock Doctor " came to my house on 12/17/12 and did a fantastic job for me. I really did my homework and checked Yelp and other DC Neighborhood message forums and his name kept coming up as the best. This is the first review I have ever written. Please remember that the other guys use a central dispatch operator located in another state and dish out jobs to people in our area. Steve is truly a District of Columbia based business and one man operation. I like that very much to know that the fellow doing the work is the owner rather than dealing with someone working out of their basement in another state and getting strangers to come to your home or business. read more

Great service! Steve is as good as it gets. I've used him friends homes, work, broken locks and changes. He does it all. You can't go wrong with the Lock Doctor. read more

Can't say enough good things about the job Steve did. Had an antique lock on a slot machine that I didn't have the key for. After gathering some information, he was over in 20 minutes, picked the lock,, which was made in 1931, and filed down a new key that works like a charm. After he was finished, he stuck around for an hour of his own time and helped me to get the Slot Machine functioning. I Would highly recommend calling Lock Doctor for any problems or even questions you have regarding locks. read more

Watching Steve work is like watching an artist or a surgeon or a pastry chef. He doesn't take short-cuts in what he does, and does what he can to work with your existing lock--even if its a really old one--instead of charging you for a new one! Also, I had an urgent need to re-key and Steve fit me into his busy schedule. Although I've tried, I can't thank him enough for that. I wouldn't (and don't) trust anyone else with making keys to my house. I recommend him to anyone who needs a locksmith. read more

I contacted Steve to open a wall safe. I was not in a rush so emailed him. The guy is busy (b/c he is so good). He called me, we talked about what he might do, and came over a week later. The guy is a gem. A true professional who takes his work seriously. Oh, he opened a wall safe that had not been opened in 30 years, without wrecking it. Amazing. I would recommend him without reservation. read more

We can't understand all the excellent reviews for Steve. When we bought our house last spring, Steve came out to change our locks for us. We asked him to install another dead-bolt on the front door. He performed half the work and scheduled a time to come back and finish. He was a no-show for our scheduled appointment and the one after. He never returned our phone calls and just disappeared. read more

This locksmith is no longer taking new customers. And, his phonemail says that even if you are an existing customer - you need to allow 48 hrs for a call back. But by that time - you would be in real trouble if you were locked out of the house. A locksmith needs to be available asap. read more

Steve is fantastic. He responded quickly and was very knowledgeable. He is really interested in, and fascinated by, locks, which is what you want in a professional. In addition, his prices are very reasonable. read more

The lock doctor, a.k.a. Steve, is awesome. He fit me into his schedule promptly, got our lock unstuck, and replaced it. He charged exactly what he said he would. He is friendly, honest, responsible. And he guarantees his locks for 1 year. read more

Steve is great!! Super friendly and very knowledgeable. I called the number and received a call within a couple of hours. We set up an appointment for after work hours. He arrived and immediately got to work. After almost 2 hours, he got everything working perfectly. He also provides a 6 month warranty on his work. Bottom line: Great service for a great price! Would definitely recommend Steve to anyone looking for a great locksmith. read more

Steve was great -- very clear about pricing, availability. Friendly, helpful guy. Highly recommend.

Steve (the DC Lock Doctor), is both BETTER and LESS EXPENSIVE than any other locksmith in the DC area. I have a rental property in DC, but live in NY, and having access to a reliable, trustworthy, intelligent, and personable locksmith in the District has made remote property management much easier. I have used him for years for all sorts of things -- installing and rekeying interior and exterior locks, repairing unusual and antique locks, tenant lockouts, auto lockouts, etc... He can clearly explain all your options and he's not going to push the most expensive one when a simpler, less expensive option will suit your needs. If you need a locksmith in the DC Metro Area, he is your guy. read more