Crown Hardware & Lock Comparative Summary

Few locksmith companies earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award, which means they’ve been independently rated Highest in Quality. Even fewer can also claim more than 50 years in the industry, but that’s exactly the case for Crown Hardware & Lock—the family-owned and operated company has been offering its services to San Francisco residents since 1957. “Our experience and industry knowledge make us uniquely qualified to help our clients with all types of lock- and security-related problems,” says co-owner Joe Schoepp. “We’re the store people are directed to when they need a complex issue solved or are trying to locate rare parts.”

Crown Hardware & Lock provides a wide range of residential and commercial locksmith services, including key duplication and replacement, lock picking and rekeying, and lock installation and repair. “We’re one of the few companies that still repairs locks,” says Office Manager Linda Shaw. “Compared to replacement, that’s often a less expensive option for our clients.” In addition to its general locksmith capabilities, the company installs and repairs high security key systems, access control systems, phone entry systems and intercoms, and closed-circuit TV/surveillance systems.

Unlike locksmith companies that limit their services to installations and repairs, Crown Hardware & Lock also sells a wide variety of locks, keys, safes and other security products at its Balboa Street storefront—a comprehensive business approach that allows the company to act as a one-stop shop for its customers. “People walk in here, look at our wall of products and are amazed at the vast amount of choices,” says Ms. Shaw. “Our knowledgeable sales staff is trained to identify the right product for each customer’s specific situation.”

Another distinguishing feature of Crown Hardware & Lock is its highly trained employees and technicians, all of whom have at least five years of industry experience and some of whom have been with the company for more than 18 years. “Our technicians do everything,” says Ms. Shaw. “Each has his own specialty, but they’re all cross-trained to be as versatile as possible. They can handle all types of installations, and they’re excellent at diagnosing and fixing problems.”