On Saturday (1/30) evening, my houseguest called me from my apartment while I was out. He told me he couldn't leave the apartment because the door was stuck. First I thought he was high. Then I realized sometimes the downstairs door sticks and to just pull the knob hard. As a backup I texted him my super's #. I didn't hear from him after that and assumed he figured it out... Little did I know that I would I find out about 8 hours later that he was talking about the door to my actual apartment unit. Cut to: 4:30am. And I'm loaded with haggis (don't ask) & booze... I'm also all loaded up with a 'to go' bag of Turkish Bereket goodness, salivating at the thought of digging into my doner kebab etc as soon as I get home. I get to my door and discover that my key's not opening my door. And my houseguest has been stuck/trapped inside all night. Buzzkill. My friend, who's still awake, hears me and tells me he can open the bedroom window to let me in. Over the roof, down the ladder to the fire escape, and in through my bedroom fire escape window (in the rain!) I go... Once inside, I try to unscrew the doorknob, but the door still won't open. Hungry, drunk & tired, I decide to wait til morning to call my landlord/super/etc. Sunday morning comes, my calls/pages are made, and all I hear are crickets. I'm getting nervous because I have to be at work later & the claustrophobic factor just isn't cool. After researching ON YELP, I call Jay from Lockbusters... and he says he can come by in about an hour. He shows up ON TIME and immediately goes to work trying to figure out how we got locked in/out. He realizes he has to drill the cylinder (where the key goes) in order to open the door and finally the door swings open. He didn't even flinch at the sight of me hungover, looking like a hot tranny mess from the night before with my smudged makeup and crazy hair. Bless him. Long story short: Jay salvages my lock (just had to replace the cylinder) and tells me I was "very lucky" that the lock mechanism was still intact/working because they can be expensive to replace. He was GREAT: prompt, courteous, very knowledgeable, honest, not a rip-off... I highly recommend Lockbusters-- they made an unfortunate experience a good one, were incredibly competent, reliable and are totally on the customer's side. I'm not sure they take credit cards, but when I asked Jay how he preferred payment and mentioned cash, he said cash was great. There's no one I would've been more willing to go out into the cold (hungover as hell & homeless-looking) to an ATM for other than Jay. I even slipped in an extra $20 tip because he totally made my day. And I don't usually hug strangers but his presence was such a relief, it just felt it was right when saying goodbye. Lockbusters rule. Seriously. read more

To preface: My studio apartment is my primary/sole residence. That being said, it contains pretty much my entire life. As such, needless to say I would really like to feel wholly secure leaving my home and all that is enclosed within its walls -- maybe even more so than most regular people; though I know it is a matter of weighty importance for anybody and everybody, I have a particular "thing" about keeping track of my things and keeping them secure... a little bit OCD. Over time I had given my mother a couple sets of keys, as she's claimed to have lost the ones she had previously... which is concerning to me in the first place. I also don't like my mother having all the access to my place that there is to have. Not her, nor anybody. Then I have given my friends keys to my apartment at times for one reason or another, and my point ultimately is just that although there are three separate locks on my door, I've only ever had the one main key. My building's superintendent is never any help. So anyone who has ever had independent access to my keys could possibly make a copy all too easily, in a worst case scenario, and then be privileged to share the same full access I have to my apartment/private oasis. Bothered long enough by that thought, intrigued by the name, I figured to call Lockbusters. I couldn't be happier with the result... can't imagine it having gone any better. I was able to make an appointment for the next day I had free, that week, and they arrived on time, were communicable and responsive, prompt, and cool company as well, which was an unexpected bonus. Overall great experience. I now am able to make use of all three of the locks on my door from the outside, as I should have all along. I only wish I required Lockbusters' services more frequently! (Without any negative prerequisite...) Thanks a million guys. Keep it up. read more

Okay, so first I have to apologize for not writing this sooner. I had just moved into my apt on the Lower East Side, and of course my dumbass left the keys inside. After calling the first listing under locksmith NYC on Google, they tried charging me $175 to bust it open and replace the lock, but THEY HARDLY EVEN TRIED TO OPEN IT, maybe after 2 mins of looking at it and a juvenile attempt to open it, they said we have to drill. I didn't have enough on my credit card and the guys boss asked if they could run it anyway!?! I said hell no, I know I've pretty much maxed it out, that doesn't mean you can make me go negative and charge fees. I called the next listing, waited and then called lockbusters at the same time. Cancelled the second call, they got mad! They called me back from their so called dispatch and the boss man was extremely rude and threatening. After saying he knew I was calling all the numbers in town, he said pay me $200. I said I don't have it, he said "well I suggest you kick your door very hard. WTF?!? rude motherfucker. Lockbusters dude from the video showed up sooner than he said, actually TRIED hard to open, then had to drill and gave me an honest deal including groupon special to help me out. This was back in March, my conscious told me I had to write this review. These guys speak clear American English and are the real deal. read more

Short story: AS ADVERTISED. Lockbusters is quick, knowledgeable, professional and ethical. Jay is even as nice as everyone says! Long story: Having bought a coop apartment, we needed to change the locks. Researching NYC locksmiths, I quickly found the Lockbusters Yelp reviews, but not knowing much about Yelp, I hesitated to call. So first I picked companies from the "Better Business Bureau ("BBB-certified" locksmiths with an "A+" grade). Both tried using scare tactics to strong arm me into replacing all the hardware with crazy expensive locks. One guy quoted $850, the other over $600 --and who knows what the second one would actually have charged as he was a true skeeze who even tried to charge me a $45 "service charge" for the free estimate (I yelled him out of the building). Contrast with Jay, who came out the same day I phoned Lockbusters. He said, "Wow, these old locks are great, they don't make them like this anymore. This is a very secure set-up, all you need are new cylinders" and quickly changed them out for exactly the prices advertised on his website. Under $250 including tax for replacing cylinders in our lower lock and the Medeco upper lock. I've already sent Jay's name & contact info to all my NYC friends and relatives; when the inevitable lock-out happens, what a relief to know who to call. Thanks, Jay! read more

I didn't have any experience with Jay directly but he should get kudos for such a well-run company, along with my thanks for dispatching Isaac, the technician that handled my job today. I wasn't locked out, so had no emergency, but my setup needed work so I called late yesterday afternoon and Isaac was here PDQ at 9AM this morning. I asked for his recommendations and he explained what he thought I needed, taking the time to answer all my questions......... and without trying to upsell anything. Thank you! He then quickly went to work on the installations and did a beautiful job well beyond my expectations (despite having to deal with a very heavy vertical J-bar that was already on the door frame). It didn't hurt that, apart from his considerable technical skills, I found him to be a very personable guy who was authentically interested in doing the job right--and at a price that was very reasonable. He even made a few adjustments to my doorknob and peephole without charge. So, I feel completely safe again and am very pleased to add another glowing review for this very competent, professional and reasonably priced firm. I'm glad I found them and won't hesitate doing anyone in need the favor of recommending them. Thanks, Isaac/Jay's Lockbusters, for the outstanding service! Five stars don't do you justice. read more

Outstanding Service from Jay at LockBusters! I recently had the pleasure of working with Jay from LockBusters locksmith company, and I couldn't be more impressed with his service. On a hot Florida day, amidst severe thunderstorms, Jay came to my rescue. I was in a bit of a bind, as I didn't have enough time to buy a replacement lock myself. Without hesitation, Jay went above and beyond by picking up the lock from the hardware store for me. His service was not only professional and efficient but also incredibly quick. Jay's friendly demeanor made the whole experience feel like I was hanging out with a friend rather than dealing with a stressful situation. He was easy to talk to and ensured that I felt comfortable throughout the entire process. Impressed by his exceptional service, I also referred him to my neighbor for her backdoor porch lock. Jay's dedication and professionalism are truly commendable. If you ever need a locksmith, I highly recommend Jay and LockBusters. He turned a potentially stressful day into a pleasant experience with his remarkable service and friendly attitude. read more

When you are in worry after getting stuck somewhere courtesy your lost keys or jammed lock then get fearless and tension rid. You know why??? Because...you have Lockbusters since you are in New York so they are here in your surroundings. A team of highly energetic guys who looks after you more than anyone around is rare to have in this age of commercialization. I'm all set to expose this fact and its reason is Lockbusters as they helped me out couple of days ago when I was in extreme worry. My lost keys were no more a tension cause for me the moment they took up the case. Being away on a single phone call's distance, they carry a massive infrastructure that can help you out through any thick. They don't charge any extra amount but they sometimes get hard to the amount they ask for that surely is a reason of their professional attitude. With keeping a long experience of serving the people through entire New York, they are meant to be the fighters through hard times. read more

Man, it restores your faith in customer service when you run across these guys. What a class operation. My deadbolt jammed yesterday at 6:00pm. Called lockbusters and spoke to Jay, and 20 minutes later Joel showed up. Super professional and friendly. Took care of the jam, fixed me up with a loaner, and called today exactly when he said he would - he spent an hour in Brooklyn finding me a perfect match for our lock mechanism, and for less than what he thought it would be. Then he showed up at 8 at night and put the whole thing together for us, plus explained how the lock worked. I think Joel was more excited about finding the perfect matching lock than we were. Professional, knows his stuff and super friendly. The only thing that make me mad is that I didn't find Lockbusters a couple of years ago. I can't say enough good things about these guys and Joel in particular. Professional, courteous and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them. read more

I've had three experiences with Lockbusters. Two deadbolt installs after moves (both positive though I didn't write a review) and this evening, when I lost my keys and found myself locked out without access to a spare for the first time in my life. Horrified and fairly anxious - having never had to use a locksmith for a lockout before, and not knowing how long it would be, how much it would cost, etc., I submitted the form through the website and got a call from Jay within 10 minutes. Another ten minutes and I had a text from John saying he'd be there in 30-40 minutes. And he really was. It took 10-20 minutes to replace the lock and we were done. These are the real timelines. I am grateful, relieved, and hugely appreciative. Jay is always great, and John was also professional, polite, and efficient. These guys are really good at their jobs and run an outstanding business. They deserve every rave review. read more

Lockbusters is an incredible, inspiring, and charitable business who I've had the pleasure of hiring several times in the last few years. I have also recommended them many times, and all of my friends have had the same amazing experience. Jay is the most trustworthy, honest, and generous business owner I have ever worked with. He also bends over backwards to accommodate and communicate. He has always donated his tips to local animal shelters, but recently he has been donating ALL OF THE PROFIT from these jobs to charity. Jay introduced me to Sugar Mutts Rescue, the animal shelter who he's been donating to for several years - they are also an incredible organization!! Attached is a photo of Jay and Amy (founder of Sugar Mutts). I have always loved supporting businesses who give back to their communities, and Lockbusters is one of the best. read more

As a woman I'm used to tradesmen assuming I don't know about construction things and trying to take advantage of that, so I was thrilled to find such an honest, efficient, friendly locksmith like Jay. I moved right before a holiday weekend but Jay had no problem finding the time to put in a new deadbolt on short notice. He called to confirm the evening before and then again when he was driving over. When he arrived he was professional, quick, and fun to talk to. He charged exactly what he'd quoted on the phone (if you check out their website you can see pictures and costs of the various lock options) and insisted on sweeping up the bits of dust and debris he'd made. Jay is a nod to the past when workmen actually knew their trade and were more concerned with offering quality and service than making a quick buck. read more

I cannot thank Jay at Lockbusters enough for his help getting into our gallery in Chelsea, which is in one of the hardest-hit areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy. He drove five hours through grid-locked traffic to reach us. I kept expecting him to just tell me to forget it and that the traffic was too bad, but instead he'd call to let me know he was still on the way. I'm sure many locksmiths would have charged us nearly a thousand dollars, knowing how desperate we were to get in. Instead he helped troubleshoot a fast and inexpensive solution to our problem, and even lent us a flashlight so we could survey our damp and dark space for damage. Great company, great prices, and great people who are help others when they need it--I can't thank them enough or recommend them more highly. read more

Wow good locksmiths do exist, I recently had my apt door replaced and had to get a second lock installed what a headache. I called at least 20 locksmiths to get quotes and ask about locks. I finally posted something on Reddit asking for suggestions and someone suggested Lockbusters boy and Im glad they did. After I confirmed pricing and his schedule Jay was very prompt showing up on time. He explained what he was doing and very transparent about the whole installation he is very personable. I tried to stay out of his way while he installed the lock and he was very diligent and worked expeditiously installing the lock. I rarely give out five star reviews buy Jay deserves every star I wish I could give him more stars. If you ever need a honest capable fair locksmith Jay is the man. read more

Lockbusters is the only locksmith you should ever use in NYC. Period. These guys are timely, professional and know what they're doing. I was locked out of my apartment on a Saturday night and decided to call another company. Two hours later I was hit with a $250 bill and a cylinder (part of a lock) that had been unnecessarily drilled through. The next day I called Lockbusters to replace the part that the previous locksmith had destroyed. A man named Isaac was at my place within the hour with all of the materials he needed. He did a fantastic job replacing the lock was literally done with the job in 5 minutes. I got a great discount too! Overall, I had a great experience with Lockbusters and would definitely recommend them (and Isaac) to anyone! read more

Jay truly exceeded my expectations in terms of service, responsiveness, and communication. I reached out to him with an urgent lock issue and he promptly answered my call and arrived within 30 minutes. Not only did he exhibit impressive technical skills, but his communication throughout the entire process was much appreciated. His expertise was evident as he efficiently resolved the issue, all the while ensuring I was aware of the steps being taken. His friendly demeanor and approachable nature made for a great experience. Overall, I cannot recommend Lockbusters enough. Jay's skill, responsiveness, and excellent communication skills set made a positive out of a negative situation. Thank you for your exceptional service! read more

there's obviously nothing cool about locking yourself out (or "in" in my case) of your apartment, but after hearing so many people sing jay's praises, i was secretly excited to have to call on him to help me out. i was attempting to leave my apartment on saturday morning only to discover that my doorknob wouldn't turn and i was locked inside of my apartment. neat. jay was there quickly and knew exactly what the problem was. he swapped out an old part, told me a couple funny stories and then was on his way. everyone in nyc should have his number saved in their phone since it's only a matter of time before any one of us will need him and it's so nice to have a reliable go-to for something like this. read more