Carlos Castañeda Antique & Locksmith

Just used Carlos once again, to add more locks. We also had a great conversation about additional security. I really appreciate his knowledgeability and customer service. I’ll continue to use him!

AMAZING service! I called Carlos in an emergency and he and his colleague, Romeo, were at my house within 30 minutes. Super professional, friendly, fast and amenable. They changed 8 cylinders in and around my house in less than an hour, left me multiple copies of the keys, and each one worked perfectly. They’re my new go-​to people. Thanks guys; I’m very grateful.

Carlos is a true artisan! And he seems to fit his famous name — as a locksmith and antiques mystic:)
I drove around and around looking for a «Locksmith» sign. Finally parked on Sycamore (2 hour free parking one block east!!!) and carried the long metal lock mechanism that I had painstakingly from my 19^th Century French cabinet that had been gifted to me recently.
I walked into 618 S. La Brea figuring I was in the wrong place. But I was wrong!
There was Carlos sitting in the back at a workspace surrounded by an impressive and eclectic collection of antique lamp parts, drawer pulls, door knobs, you name it.
I showed the lock to Carlos and he immediately knew what it was and what to do. He explained that he’d have to make a key and then we would see if the hand-​crafted metal gears of the lock would work.
(By the way, I knew that that this piece was about 200 years old, but wasn’t sure if it was a reproduction or the real thing. Carlos pointed out a very small carved sign in the lock that said «Paris» along with a few hard to discern French words:)
Carlos chose a reproduction antique French style blank skeleton key and explained what he was doing. He had to drill the hollow barrel of the key out further because the pin in my cabinet lock is long. He did that and then eyeballed the mechanism and actually carved (by filing) the key to fit the lock! It was really something to see. He kept trying the key until he got it just right and then ***click*** the magic happened and the lock opened!!! I could also see that he enjoys this work and takes pleasure in his finely honed skills.
I enjoyed my adventure today and am so happy that my cabinet can now be opened and closed properly.
I highly recommend Carlos for antique locksmith and lighting needs. You really have to see his collection of antique lights if you are in the market for this. He is an expert and lots of fun to visit. I hope to come back soon.
Thank you, Carlos!

We have an old 1928 spanish house and the front door lock had literally fallen off in my hands. I found Carlos and called him. He knew exactly what the problem the second I described it. We made an appointment and he showed up on time– very important to me– and was able to fix it perfectly.

I have a 95 year old home with 95 year old locks! My front door handle broke – and I searched via Google for a locksmith and took a chance calling Carlos. Not only was he immediately responsive, but he amazingly fixed my ancient handle, was able to bring a replacement for a piece that had been missing for years – and charged a pittance! He is honest! And, he is gifted at his work. I cannot recommend him more highly. He is himself a gift.

I have a 1920’s spanish house. I gave Carlos a call to restore/​fix/​rehabilitate our front door original lock and door handle. He came on time. He took the door handle with him and he came back the next week at the scheduled time and completed the work on the door with the level a work that an expert level craftsman should have. I would recommend Carlos to anybody looking to restore any of their original fixtures or hardware.

Bought an antique lock from him for my hand-​carved gate. He made the key. He’s so so nice. I was very happy. He was the only one in town who could have done it. And of course, with his name, he must be able to open the eso teric locks. ..

I saw this light fixture in a restaurant that was really beautiful and simple, industrial and antique looking. I contacted the vendor and it was $ 2,000. It seemed so simple to make, however not having any skills with lamp making I decided to look for help. I stumbled on Carlos looking for parts to make the lamp and realized that Carlos would do a much better job then I ever could. I drew out the design but asked him to use his own imagination and make it his own.
I have the most amazing dining room chandelier. It turned out better then the original. Now for the matching sconces! Carlos is the man! And seriously, I think he should just sell my new lamp. If that other guy was asking $ 2,000, Carlos can charge half that and make a killing.

I sought out Carlos, in large part based upon his positive reviews on Unilocal.I needed a specialty locksmith to open a 100 year old china cabinet full of antique china. As others have indicated, Carlos was knowledgable and charming on the telephone. He can only work onsite two days a week, so I committed an appointment with him for 9am in the morning on a Tuesday. At 8:40am Tuesday he called me to say that he had left his tools at the shop so he could not make it. I was understanding and rescheduled for the following Tuesday at 9am. I called three times to confirm as well as to remind him to put his tools in his car. It’s Friday night, I don’t think he’s coming. He hasn’t called me. He hasn’t returned any of my three calls from Monday or Tuesday. I would give him only a single star, but as I say, he was cordial and knowledgable on the phone. If that is all you need, Call Carlos. If you need work performed onsite, call someone else.

Carlos is awesome! I needed a piece for the front door of an old brass locking unit, but since he was backed up, he let me refinish the fixture myself. Thanks Carlos!

Carlos is THE MAN. He found what I needed instantly (a super cool, old key), and was awesome to talk to. Great location, great shop right on La Brea and 6^th.

Damn, where can I park? Another undefined lot amplified my tow-​away terror. Where ARE Rita Flora’s spaces (usually park on La Brea)? Is ANYWHERE OK? All I wanted to do was send pink roses to my friend who had breast cancer surgery earlier this week; shouldn’t take long in store or lot.
Pulled into a space on the westside of the lot, but before killing the engine I interrupted two gentleman in conversation, to ask if it was cool to park there, explaining where I was going and my time frame. The younger, darker, handsomer of the two said the space was his but to please use it.
«Are you sure?» He smiled and nodded.
Returning to my car, I noticed my benevolent, new friend seated on a bench quietly smoking a cigarette.
«Thank you so much for letting me use your space.»
He dragged, exhaled and smiled. Normally I hate cigarette smoke. Whatever brand he was smoking was not unpleasant at all.
«So, what is your business all about?»
«I am the Carlos of Carlos Castaneda Antiques. Fine furniture. I rewire lamps. I am a locksmith.»
«That is good to know.» (I have lamps that NEED rewiring. I expect to speak to actual service soon!)
«My name is very famous, you know.»
«Yes, I know. Castaneda the shaman.»
We both smiled and chatted a bit more.
As we parted, I recalled reading about the other Castaneda’s spirit of adapting to energy that contributes to the integrity of the community; not unlike the good business, good will his namesake had just imparted. I’ll be back.