He knows his locks. He was prompt to get me a new security key at my business when the previous key went missing. I went to get a deadbolt installed and had an appointment within two days. read more

My dad's car fob was dying. The AAA guy who came out to help me get the car started recommended Velocity. They've been here 18 years, I never noticed them, but glad they're here. $20 for the new battery and took less than 15 minutes. read more

I came in to see if a new key could be cut for a nondescript filing cabinet lock. I knew it was a long shot. Instead I got a lecture about how poorly made everything is and that none of it is serviceable. He mentioned that he could try, and I was willing to pay for the service, but he kept ranting and complaining and I decided to take my money elsewhere. One star because he did get a second lock I brought in to work, but don't go here with anything other than a straight key-cut (and maybe go to ACE instead for that). read more

I have used this Shop's services several times when I needed both standard and rare keys made. Everything that was cut at that shop has worked since the day it was cut. Nothing but kudos so far. read more

The Velocity team was able to show up on 10 mins notice, redid all locks and keys and was even able to re-engineer our old locks based on our current keys. They fixed a lock out and went above and beyond. Great team, will definitely use them again! read more

Eddie at velocity key and lock is a real pro. He is friendly, efficient and more affordable than other locksmiths in the area. Highly recommend. read more

Eddie is INCREDIBLE! We just bought a house and needed a combination of regular rekeying and installation of smart locks. Within 24 hours of sending some photos, we got 10 total locks rekeyed. And he helped save us $$ on new hardware by repurposing existing hardware. He's also super friendly and knowledgable about different scenarios and had lots of recommendations. Highly recommend. read more

On time. Fast worker. Was able to book at end of day for following morning. Good job. read more

Lack of basic manners and urgent need for anger management! When you call to get a quote or ask a question, expect rude attitude. Thanks to that behavior that same person answering the phone just lost the opportunity for a huge commercial account and thousands of dollars in revenue. Good luck to you too, sir! Just saw a review left by Ruby T. on 04/12/2022 that is spot on! Get some therapy, man, or find a different, no human interaction required, career. read more

Very rude to my wife. Charged $44 for key that didn't work and refused to give a refund. Wanted wife to bring her car in front of his shop so he could confirm it doesn't work but space was very tight. Would not simply lock his shop and come down to her car. Very rude. Talks down to women. Doesn't guarantee his work. Go somewhere else. Lastly, bad at making keys. read more

Unnecessarily rude. I called at 9:30 to confirm the store was open today. I said I would like to stop by about 11:30am to get a key made and the person on the phone told me "good luck". I said pardon, because I thought it was unintentional and he would explain what he meant, but no he just repeated "good luck". Needless to say, I will be taking my business elsewhere and not supporting this toxic behavior. And good luck with your business. read more

Wow, deeply unpleasant guy. I phoned and politely described my job: unlocking a single lock on a gear case for which I've lost the key. Dude interrupts me with "That's really unhelpful." Um... what? Super rude for no reason. (Addendum: Oh dear. I just checked out all the other one-star reviews for this guy and they are PLENTIFUL. Jesus, man - get some therapy.) read more

If Yelp allows reviewers to leave negative stars, I would have done so. My wife and I dropped by the store today to see if they sold key re-set kits or could provide advice on how best to change out the lock mechanism on our parents' deadbolt. We should have known better when we found the store's front door locked despite it being "open" hours. When my wife described what she wanted to do with the Schlage deadbolt, the man asked what specific type of lock she had. She said she didn't know the exact type or mechanism, aside from it being a Schlage deadbolt. He was incredibly rude and insulting when he retorted, "I can't help you since you refuse to tell me what lock you have!" He then went on to say that it sounds like we wanted to replace quality hardware with cheap materials. It makes you wonder what his state of mind was when he twists not knowing the answer to a question with refusing to answer what lock she wanted to re-key. Refusing to answer in this context would be an example of oppositional behavior, which makes me think he was projecting his own oppositional attitude onto my wife. Furthermore, what was he insinuating by saying we wanted cheap parts? Does this shop sell cheap parts? I am surprised Velocity Lock & Key is still in business when you have this extremely rude and dismissive man treating customers this way. Treating potential customers with dignity and respect goes a long ways. He apparently doesn't care. read more

Called with an issue with our Patio French Doors, he listened told me how to deal with it as given the state it was in he could not and was incredibly helpful even though he wasn't going to realize any business from this For any future needs I have for a locksmith it will be this company read more

I had a horrible experience with the service at Velocity. The guy who came to my house was incredibly rude and pretty much dismissed the problems I had been encountering with the lock on my front door. He clearly did not want to be there and was not at all helpful. I ended up calling another locksmith that was able to resolve the issue with my lock. read more

Dropped by the store to buy parts for a broken lock. Besides the part, I got lots of useful advice for installation and some other issues I was having in the house. And a free tip about credit card security! Great service. read more

That is the best he change six locks and repaired and re-keyed in a matter of 15 minutes flat super service thank you Eddie. Ed Thompson

Velocity is great. Brought some keys in and they were copied so fast I couldn't believe it. I would recommend and will be back.

Supporting smaller, local businesses is what I prefer to do, especially during this time when most of us are struggling. I went here once or twice to get keys copied and they've always worked well, I was in and out with no problem, so the issue isn't dissatisfaction with the products, but with the service. I'm going by and see the flashing sign that says, "open". No one inside in site, but I attempt to open the door and it's locked. There are no other signs up saying "please knock in order to enter", nothing. I try knocking on the business next door to see if they happen to know if the place next door is even open, they yelled that if I want service from their neighbor, to knock on that door and not theirs. I try Velocity again and this time, I look in the window and there's a guy death staring at me through the window. I asked if they are open and he comes to the door, only talking through the door to me. He asks what I want and of course, I say that I need key copies. He sticks out a try for me to drop my keys in and only asks how many keys I need. He goes to the back, comes back with my keys, does not tell me a total but asks how I want to pay. I ask if card is okay and he doesn't reply, so I ask again through the door if card is okay, and this time he says, yes. I'm surprised he is now opening the door for me to enter (I assume he doesn't want contact with anything unnecessary, which I understand). I insert my debit card to pay and then he says, "I'll get the door for you", so I walk out and that was it. No, "have a nice day" or "thanks for supporting the business", no nothing. And again, I sympathize and understand things at this time are hard and most people are taking extra precautions to stay clean, but that seemed like an unnecessarily rude interaction and next time, I'd rather go elsewhere where the interaction will hopefully be more pleasant and the owner wouldn't act like a curmudgeon. read more

Took in key to a lock that was likely over 50 years old. He found the right blank and made to copies i needed

Velocity Lock & Key is great. I first called them as they are near the thrift store where I volunteer, but each time we've called on Eddie, he has promptly delivered expert advice and service. We've had him replace our front door lock that finally wore out after 50+ years and most recently he installed a deadbolt and door handle in the new door leading to our garage. He also helped our son sort out some door and lock issues in the new house he bought -- Eddie even helped him cut out the opening for a cat door. Prompt to respond, knowledgeable, friendly and a capable locksmith. Why call anyone else? read more

You know how some people get when the find the right hair stylist? They'll swear a blood oath of loyalty and weather any obstacle to have their tips frosted by this one person. Well...I'm 47 and bald. So, a good locksmith is the next best thing. Julie is awesome! I went by Velocity with the sole key to my wife's "new" '95 Impreza. It was worn down to the width of a matchstick. In no time, Julie had 3 working keys ready to go. (I've posted a before and after photo.) Despite the short wait, my 2 year old was past due for a nap and showing it. Julie comes to the counter with a set of keys on a racing car keyring for my daughter, Audrey, to play with (free of charge, no less.) They really helped on the ride home. To top it off, Julie's 2 young sons were in the shop. They played games with Audrey and introduced her to Hailey, one of their family's dogs. So...am I gushing about a locksmith? Yes and for the first time in my life. Hell, if I still had tips, I'd even trust Julie to frost 'em. read more

Velocity Lock & Key - "Before and After". Julie was able to take this sad, worn down key you see on the left and create a brand new working copy. - Keys & Locksmiths Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I have used this company for may commercial issues. They respond quickly, and are knowledgeable and friendly. Their services are priced fairly. I've had 20 keys made and they all worked. I've also sent them out to a commercial property I manage and they they have fixed the problem quickly and efficiently both times. I would defiantly use they again and recommend them to others. read more

Friendly and helpful. Easy Access for Richmond Annex, El Cerrito, Albany. They solved a mailbox key & lock issue with great customer service. I bought a new (better) lock and had key copies made for a new mailbox I had purchased at Home Depot. Very satisfied with Velocity Lock and Key. read more

Simply call ahead to make sure that they are in the store and not out on an emergency call helping someone that has been locked out of their house or office! Yes they do mobile service too. lol. I recently took two locks in to be rekeyed so that they operate on the same key and was helped promptly and professionally and for a very reasonable price. I am a licensed contractor and will return here when I need help with anything to do with locks and keys. read more

I have had a few keys made by Velocity over the years, as they are conveniently located across from Pastime Ace. Their work is fine, but I have often felt that they have been rude or dismissive. Today I brought in a car key with a chip to duplicate. The owner said it would be $90, which seemed high to me. I asked if he thought that his was the best price. He just handed me back the key and said "I'm not going to answer that. Have a good day." I understand that Mom & Pop can't always compete on price, but they make it up with good service. If he had smiled and said, "I might cost a bit more, but you're here now, so why don't you have it done?" I would have said, sure, why not? But his surly attitude put me off this shop for good. BTW, I had the key made at Honda for $60, and they could not have been nicer. read more

I needed my a key made - no key to copy - for my Honda FourTrax ATV, and the first three places I called couldn't help or were skeptical about being able to. One place wanted me to remove the entire ignition switch and bring that in even though the ATV was already in the back of my truck! I eventually went by Velocity, gave the owner (?) the code from the ignition switch, and had three keys several minutes later at a very reasonable price. We did conduct the first part of the transaction through the front door, a COVID precaution, but I went inside to close the deal. (I'd rather proprietors be careful than negligent!) I didn't get his name, but the man who made the keys was friendly and helpful. I'll be looking around for other keys I need copied and going back! read more

Whoever answers the phone at this place is a rude little man. I've called twice and both times talked to the same guy who has been unnecessarily rude and dismissive. I asked if they were available to do a very simple job, changing out some locks, and this guy acted like I was asking the stupidest question he'd ever been asked. It was actually amusing how rude this guy was after he hung up on me the second time. I should have known from the first time not to call them again. Seriously call someone else so you're not subject to this guys bad attitude. read more

I had to get a key made for a Stanley lock. Neither ACE or Home depot could make the lock so they told me to go to a locksmith. I found Velocity Lock & Key on yelp and they were located right around the corner from where I live so i decided to give them a call. The owner said he was in so I dropped by. He took a look at the key and said he'd seen it before. A few minutes later he walked out with a working copy of the key for my lock and it only cost me $3. I'm definitely bringing my keys to be made by them from now on! I was very impressed. read more

The serviceman fixed a lock that we bought from Home Depot. He was incredibly helpful. He went beyond what we needed to make sure we understood what had happened with the lock that we needed fixed. read more

As others have said, this is where Yelp really shines. You hear on the news: LOCKSMITHS!!!!! EEEK!!!!! SOME ARE CROOKED!!!!! And then, you read some reviews, you make your judgments based on how credible the reviewers are (for those of you not in the know, here's the criteria: have they written a lot of reviews, or just two? do they have a lot of "friends" on Yelp? are they intent on being a reliable source of information, or did they just register with Yelp to praise/slam a company??) Where was I? Right, so, Yelpers who seem to know which end is up recommended Velocity, and they are not wrong. 5 stars!!! Timely service, reliable, knowledgeable, friendly. read more

I join the others who have been shunned by the owner Eddie Pledger. Julie Pledger is professional and helpful. Eddie is unfriendly and unwilling to help. I came in with a car key that needed a new battery. It went as follows: Me: I've had trouble opening the casing. Eddie: blank stare Me: Do you know how to open these? Eddie: You have to pry them open. Me: Yeah, I tried that and it started to crack. Eddie: They can be hard to open. Me: Well, do you know if you have the right batteries to go with this? Eddie: I might, but I don't know unless its opened. Me: Do you have a special tool to pry them open? Eddie: I don't know, I might. I've made tools in the past to do it. Me: Well, I sure don't want to leave here without getting the battery in. I could try to open it again. Can you let me use one of your tools to open it. Eddie: I don't let people use my tools. Empty stare. That was it. I left the shop empty-handed and went to Al Lashers in Berkeley (best shop ever!). They spent 10 minutes working it, got the right battery and sent me away happy. Eddie Pledger from Velocity just left me with an inspiration to write to Yelp. Repeat customers are the bread and butter of any business. Wouldn't hurt you to learn that. And...don't turn customers away that come in to solve basic key problems. Solve the problem, charge the fee and get a good Yelp review. Or don't and fill up your review column with single yellow stars. read more

Thanks again Yelpers for letting us know about Velocity! Eddie arrived right on time. We had more of a door problem than a key issue. Our front door wasn't opening or closing without using brute force. And since I am an overweight 90+ lb weakling I would usually not leave or enter the house unless my hubby or son was there with me. Eddie toiled away for slightly over an hour and "voila" the door was fixed! Now we are once again a family with a "normal" front door! Now if we could only fix our entire house from leaning and sinking we'll be free of door troubles forever. read more

Like a Jack Ass, I manage to lock my keys in my car just as I was leaving to meet "Mr. Velocity" to have my house re-keyed. He drove BACK from my house, got my keys out the car, then drove TO my house again and then re-keyed the door. He didn't complain, didn't charge me extra for his time and he saved me money because I thought the lock plate needed to be replaced...it didn't. I don't give many 5 stars so you know these guys are good! read more

I had another lock problem. Julie educated me and advised me regarding a lock replacement. The service and quality of materials at this shop are outstanding. read more

I've had mixed experiences with other companies in the past - unfortunately this is an industry where there are plenty of businesses that take advantage of people who are often in a vulnerable position when they need the services of a locksmith. This is where Yelp really shines, and helps to separate the great businesses who operate with integrity and take care of their customers (like Eddie and Velocity) from the less reputable businesses. Like all of the other reviewers, I had a fantastic experience with Velocity. Eddie showed up quickly, did exactly what he said he would do, and gave me a very fair price. Thanks to all of the other Yelpers who helped my find Velocity, and thanks to Eddie for a great experience. read more

The sign on the door said to knock. I did, and Eddie (I assume) immediately appeared and welcomed us in. He was quick to understand our situation, explained some alternatives (including aspects I hadn't considered), and sold us what we needed for the option we preferred. He made the third key we wanted and tossed it in for free. The parts fit and solved our problem. Of course the parts would have been a little cheaper online, but Eddie's guidance in getting us to the right solution was more than worth the difference. No nonsense, just a guy who knows his business. I will definitely go back the next time I need a locksmith. read more

Went to three different hardware stores in attempts to copy a not so common key. None of them could do it.. the shop made me a copy of the key in one minute. Thank you! read more

WOW! Very Very impressive! We needed several locks changed & keys made ASAP at work this afternoon.... I called our usual place & they couldnt come before Friday. So I went on yelp & found a random locksmith in the area which happened to be Velocity. I gave them a call & the gentleman was here in 10 minutes! Very professional & very pleasant. Did everything we asked for very fast & efficiently. It cost us way less than we thought it would. From now on we will ONLY use Velocity for our Locksmith needs & will definitely recommend them to others. Very Very satisfied... Thank you! read more

I needed a spare key for my 2013 Mazda and called the dealer. It would be $300 and I would have to make an appointment and waste half a day in addition to forking out $300. Fortunately, I thought to call Velocity. They checked to see if they had the key in stock (it has a special radio transmitter inside) and told me they did. I went over right away, got the key made, and it worked. Total damage: $80. Total time: 10 minutes. The owners are friendly. Velocity, good freaking job. Thanks a lot! read more