Yesterday 3/15/22 I had a unfortunate encounter with a Rex's key worker in Pinole at Sizzler's restaurant. The situation went from 0-100 in second. I'm with my wife and kid, we're going to have lunch. We see the Rex key worker slamming the door so I ask the worker was he ok? Why did I say that? At the top of his lungs he yelled "do you want my F!!!!!G job"? I replied "no" and said you need to find another job if you not happy with the one you got. So we went back and forth for about three or four minute, yelling and cussing. it got to the point where it almost got physical. I realized that my daughter was terrified so I calmed down and went in the restaurant. The family in front of us said they were terrified also. The manager had to come out and calm the guy down, very unprofessional. I think before you send a worker out in the field you should make sure he's mentally ok because that situation could've been worse if I was someone who was having a day worse as his. read more

I wish no star was an option - I called I checked if I could come I got there before 4:30, door was open- only to be turned down service - I really hope to find an alternative to this monopole in the area. Everybody who does this should look at what modern service like Uber does to proud but unfriendly 100 year business read more

When our new patio door wasn't locking properly (or at all) I visitedRex key for a new part. Reality set in when we saw what was involved. Again I called on Rex and Victor came out that same day! Amazing! He was so polite and kind and professional, it is with pleasure that I write this review. Best service EVER from Rex as a business and Victor as a technician! 5 stars! read more

I did not think places like this existed anymore. My vehicle was vandalized in a robbery attempt and needed new door locks and a new ignition lock. I was not sure where to get help and called them. Ryan had me come right in and got to work. He ran into the same issue I was having in my attempt to replace my ignition cylinder and just stuck with it until they figured out how to get the job done. I left with not only a full repair but an upgrade as now I have a single key for doors and ignition. They made sure everything worked perfectly before I walked out. It was such a relief to have the work done and took a load of stress right off me. Everyone in the store was kind and friendly as well as helpful. As I waited for my work to be done in the store I was impressed with the staff and their casual camaraderie and how well they treated everyone who walked through the door. It really had a good community kind of feeling. If you need help with your locks, I would recommend that you call them first. I am so happy to know that I can count on them for any future locksmith needs and to have such a great business I can refer others to for assistance. read more

The folks at Rex really know their stuff. I've had some pretty complicated issues with a double cabinet, and they fixed me up very quickly with a new lock on one door matched to the old one on the other. Very weird keys and all. I also had them come out to rekey a gun safe, thinking that I'd lost the key. It turned out that I'd just not been using the key correctly. I felt like an idiot, but they were really nice and reassured me that I wasn't. To top that off, they didn't charge me anything for their trouble, though they'd spent half an hour at my place, even moving stuff around for better access to the safe. I would trust this company and its locksmiths to handle anything lock-related, to explain things really clearly, and to be decent, hardworking people. I don't have many lock or key problems, but when I do, you know where I go. read more

The team at Rex really care and they want to help you! Tim and his cousin were extremely helpful to me. They answer the phone promptly and are quick to offer good advice. They encourage you to text photos so they can help you trouble shoot your problems. I brought in a lock with many extra pieces and they told me exactly what to do to get it back together. They'll help you solve your lock/key problems and find the cheapest way for you to do it. On top of all this they do it all with a smile and humble sense of humor. You won't find better than the competent and good nature team at Rex! You'll be happy you found them. Thanks guys! read more

A complete, no frills- gets the job done quickly without the hassle locksmith. A definite recommend and Rex's has yet to let me down with their service. If you have issues or need help with your keys come here! I was recommended to come here by several of my colleagues who also in the past have had issues with their keys/locks or have needed copies of their keys quickly without a hassle. By far, Rex's is their favorite default location for all of their lock/key needs. The entire team here is professional, cheerful, quick- and super helpful! I mean I don't really have much else to say other than they do what they do well, with a smile on their face. I've gotten my keys copied here multiple times over and over again. I remember for my old apartment, I had issues with other locksmiths trying to replicate my keys (because it apparently didn't fit the normal mold to copy keys in, it was one of those DO NOT COPY KEYS, but I digressed bc my roommate lost his only pair and he was going to be in deep trouble if he didn't have a duplicate ASAP), and Rex's really came through and saved the day. Honestly I've never spent more than 5-10 minutes in Rex's; It's a quick in and out and you've been helped. Their service is incredibly fast, and the workers there are cheery and quite jovial as they help you out. It's also priced really reasonably and it's not too bad. Definitely my default in Berkeley if I ever need help with any of my lock/key needs. Rex's gets a Solid 5 from me. I mean it's a no frills, cuts to the chase and gets it done type of deal here. I have yet to personally find a negative thing to report from here. Solid 2 thumbs up. read more

Very friendly, fast and knowledgable. Number one company to call for a lockout in the area. Also quick with making your second set of keys that you'll keep saying you dont have time to make until you're locked out of your house! read more

A very nice person came out to assess the situation and promised a proposal for hardware and installation. Never received. Finally, did some on-line research and ordered my own hardware. Made an appointment for them to install. They did not show up and did not have the courtesy to call and let me know they weren't coming. When I called to complain, receptionist hung up on me. Too bad, I really liked the person who came out initially. read more

I have a vintage Telephone entry system on my building that stopped functioning after having some stucco replaced. I didn't have much hope for getting it repaired, and I was warned as much by the folks on the phone. When the technician came by I told him I was hoping maybe something just got shaken loose. He warned me that these systems have been discontinued for almost 20 years at this point so I shouldn't be too hopeful. He took one look, seemed to agree with my amateur assessment, pushed something back into place and went on his way. When I have need for locksmith services I'm definitely calling these guys again! read more

Fast, friendly service! COVID precautions in place. I highly recommend this place! They have such a huge selection of keys you should be able to find just about anything key and lock related there! They went above and beyond without me even asking. I went to have some keys made for my husband's work and the key I gave them to copy was engraved with initials of what the key was for and they put the same engraved initials on all of my copies. So awesome!! read more

I bought a spare nissan 350z 05 spare chipped key about 3 months ago. In those 3 months there was no issue but soon after, thats when the quality of the key goes down hill. My 350z could not read the chipped key. It is frustrating because at one point I was about 1 hour away from home and the car wouldn't start. There was no issue with battery, sensors, etc. Because I had them all replaced recently. So it had to be a problem with the key. I had to get my car towed; 2 hour wait time and another hour for the trip back home. My factory key worked that I had at home but unfortunately not the spare key from rex keys. If you plan to buy spare keys from rex keys, I recommend just buying house keys, nothing that has a chip or anything high-tech. Learned my lesson, just go to the dealership for spare keys. read more

Once again, great service from the folks at Rex. They re-keyed several deadbolt cylinders for me, including one that I tried to do myself that ended up with a jammed deadbolt. Super fast, super reasonable and very friendly. read more

Our Prius key fob failed. Replacing fobs can be very expensive. After researching many solutions in the Bay Area--locksmiths, mobile locksmith/fob replacement services, dealers--Rex Key and Security was clearly the place to call. They lived up to their online reviews and reputation. Ryan first tested the fob to confirm my determination that it wasn't a battery issue. They ordered an OEM fob from Toyota--they don't use the many after-market and knockoff sources that have terrible reviews--and they have the technology to download the codes from the car and reprogram the fob. I dealt with both Ryan and Tim. Both men are professional, knowledgeable, and thoroughly service oriented, and they have excellent senses of humor. Rex is not the closest locksmith shop to me, but I would go out of my way to use their services. read more

Great, helpful service. I had a lock with a failed part. The staffer at Rex took it to the back and replaced the part almost before I had described the problem. Glad to keep the bits of this lock out of the landfill. I'll be back if I need any other lock help! read more

Excellent service with a dash of humor. I've been losing keys and locking myself out for years now!! And every time I do, I come to Rex Key to get a quick copy without breaking the bank. The service here is unbeatable -- fast, efficient, inexpensive, and they've got jokes! Gotta admire the humor and pick-me-up when you're probably visiting because you've locked yourself out for the 3rd time this month. Thanks Rex!! read more

I went in the middle of a weekday. It was surprisingly busier than expected, a bunch of guys working and helping each customer, not worrying about the line, which I was fine with since they're providing the best options/services to the customer, which takes time. I just needed a few locks rekeyed. They were able to do it in like 15 minutes for 3 locks once I got to be my turn. read more

Dave came on time, rekeyed 7 locks, made copies and explained everything I wanted explained! Would and def will use Rex key in the future. Thanks! -J read more

I enjoy patronizing local businesses with a strong focus on a particular service or product, and Rex Key is an excellent example of this! I ran in needing a copy of a key for a U-shaped bike lock and they made it for me instantly. I'll be back for whatever key or locksmith needs I may have in the future. Knowledgeable, fast and very friendly. Highly recommended. read more

A shout-out for Dan who fixed my car trunk lock. My trunk lock broke, but the dealer did not carry this lock anymore because the car model was too old. At first, Dan could not fix it. However, when I went to a car junk yard to get an identical lock from a junk car (of the same model), Dan was able to use the parts from that lock to fix my original lock. Thank goodness! Otherwise, I would have to buy a new car. The labor was pricey though. read more

First time in today, and the service was impeccable! They are more knowledgeable than most places. They don't only gave me exactly what I was looking for ( a very hard to find key) spent lots of extra time answering all my questions about an issue I was having with a front door. I would give them six stars if there was such a rating. I am a bit of a key / lock geek this place does not disappoint. You will not find a locksmith with more supplies and night anywhere in the bay area. Think old school service, with modern technology read more

A staple for my business needs since the '80's. Rex Key and security is professional and competent.

My wife and I just purchased a home in the Berkeley Hills that needed deadbolts on exterior doors. I walked into to the store, explained my situation, got expert advice from Phil (?), scheduled the installation, met Geoffrey the friendly, super-competent customer service rep/installer, all locks were installed and work perfectly. We feel much more secure in our home so five stars! I highly recommend Rex Key & Security. read more

Unfriendly and unhelpful. Unable to copy my Subaru key because it wasn't factory (?) and did not explain this over the phone accurately.

Great experience with this business! The staff was highly informed, knew their products and provided EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! I will definitely use Rex Key & Locks from now on. And for those like me who use public transportation, AC Transit running up University Avenue practically/literally stops at their front door! Go Rex Key & Lock!! And they play good music in there too.. read more

This is one of the best key shops in the bay area. Kenny was so helpful as a clerk and knew a lot of stuff. Recommend highly. They been here the longest. A lot of keys and good service. Help you with the car remote keys very well. read more

Got 2 copies of a regular key made for $3 each. Service was quick. One of the keys new works well and the other so-so (requires a little jiggling to open the lock). However, my card was charged $75. Hopefully that was an unintentional mistake. Nevertheless, I've disputed the charge with my bank and am disappointed. read more

We called Rex Key to schedule a change of locks, but on the day of our appointment, got stuck in terrible traffic and then took a wrong turn, and showed up half an hour later to our own home-- Victor from Rex Key was so kind and patient and actually waited for us. We thought for sure he'd leave, or at least charge us extra for his lost time, but he didn't do either. He greeted us with a smile, quickly changed the locks and gave us the requested number of copies, and then was on his merry way. We are so grateful! We've also been to the storefront to buy some padlocks and make copies of other keys. The employees were very helpful and made sure we purchased the right type of padlock for outdoor use, and very quickly helped with the key copying. We will be back for any key/security needs. read more

The guys at Rex worked with me to figure out what the best security solution would be for me. Their prices for changing out the lock cores and making copies were very reasonable. They changed the cores and made quality key copies quickly (I barely had enough time to finish my beer up the street). read more

Brian: Thank you for your response. I appreciate your taking the time to address my concern, which confirmed for me that the attitude displayed by the woman I spoke with was not representative of your business. The car key is history, but I will keep you in mind in the future. read more

When sitting on your bum, locked outside your door, cursing the moron (most likely you) that bumped a still intact but previously drilled out lock that no key will open but *can* be locked from the inside, say... with a giant heavy bag bumping into it upon exiting... Of course, it was 11/2/11 the day of the strike and demonstration to boot - I was absolutely unsure if I would be able to get inside at all. *drumroll* Praise Cheesus that you have your smart phone with the Yelp App and can conjure the cheerful crew at Rex Key & Security. I was given an estimated time of a 30 minute wait, but it couldn't have been half that, as they had a contractor in the area. Had just had flooring replaced, doors painted and was PLANNING to change out the hardware this weekend. The Tuxedo Cat could hear me outside and I felt so bad for the poor little 25 lb. guy, starving, possibly low on water because it was warm with everything locked up... Enter Jake, who arrived with all the professionalism and a speedy solution that had me indoors in less than 45 seconds. He felt so bad that the fee (super-reasonable) had to be charged, he offered to remove the offending lock so I wouldn't repeat my damsel in distress act. I was so delighted with the cheery, expedited service, I put some good karma back into the universe with a sincerely heart-felt gratuity. As the Holidaze approach and we become preoccupied with manic shopping and travel schedules, let's not forget to be grateful for those who are helpful and kind - especially when you're cranky, sleep-deprived - oh, wait - that was me! Jake, thanks so much for "righting" a day that was already going sideways in a big way. read more

I don't know if I went in on a bad day or not and this place has always been my go-to when looking for help. My last visit was awful, as the keys didn't work and I was presented with a larger than expected bill for service that was not requested. read more

Straight-up, no-nonsense key-making. The people who work here are professional, and they get things done quickly. I was surprised at how many people were getting keys copied, but despite the line--really; there was a line--my keys were complete in three minutes. They have a pretty impressive selection of blanks. In fact, I might have added an extra star just because everything hangs on nails in the wall. Sweet! read more

I had to rekey my exterior doors, so I called them on Sunday morning. They came after 3 hours and fixed my problem right away. Highly recommended. read more

Locked myself out on a Friday night @ 11 pm. First time at this residence, though not a first time offender in this department of stupidity. Decided to crash elsewhere and deal with it the next morning. Fast forward to the next morning... Key dude arrived in about half an hour as promised and looked fairly professional. I find out that the lock is unpickable and would require drilling (not good for cost, but yay for security). I refused to accept that fate and let him mess around some more. He finally took out his ultimate advanced magic lock-picking tool--WHOA!--a credit card. And jimmy jimmy jimmy, the f*cking door opens. What the f? An unpickable lock that can be beaten by a piece of plastic. Lame. I already knew about this trick, yet I didn't have the brilliance to try it the night before. Stupid. Locksmith service cost me 100 bucks. Stupid. read more

Nice classic little store on University, that, you may not have known this, has a parking lot in back, so if you have issues with a lock on your car, for example, you can just push a button to get in and park back there. Really nice, friendly folks. I had a key made but was quoted $18 for a possible recoding of a key due to mine looking worn out. Dan went back and checked out my passenger and driver's side door locks and determined that it was just a little grimey inside and so he basically WD40'd it, along with my trunk lock for just the $5 key. He of course tried to tell me it would be $175 when I came back from Trader Joe's; funny guy. They seem to work in a positive environment and I've never had this much fun making a key! read more

I parked semi-illegally in a 10 minute zone. I got out of my car and made it through the crosswalk just as the light was turning red. I had two key copies made for like $5 and then returned to my car on the very next green light! From car and back again with 2 key copies in under 5 minutes. I tried the keys when I got back and they worked perfectly. This is how all business should be done. read more

Wow! This place has so many great reviews yet I had one of the worst experiences. I was locked out last night since 9PM and my apartment complex has an agreement with Rex Keys so I contacted him at 9:10PM. No response. Called and left another message at 10:10PM and 11PM. Unfortunately, I had to go with another locksmith but what irritates me the most is that the "on call technician" was supposed to reply to me within 3-5min. I wasn't able to get in until 1AM. I would give this a 0 star if I could. read more

I went to Rex Key & Security to copy my car keys and fix my car door lock that was stuck with a broken key in it. We were helped by a very nice and friendly guy who I believe was named Ryan. Ryan was super helpful and anticipated our needs. I also found the prices reasonable. I recommend this business. read more

Unlike other people here, I had a terrible experience while dealing with Rex Security. The person that came to my house was pretty rude and short of patience, maybe he was having a bad day, but it was enough for me to never go back to them read more