Certified Locks, Keys, & Security

Over the weekend I helped my friend Alison move in to her new apartment at 118^th and Manhattan Avenue. We were rushing to get done so we could return the U-​Haul truck in time, and the last time we went out I left the keys in the apartment, locking us out of not only her apartment but the building as well. We had returned the truck before I realized I didn’t have the keys. This was Saturday, the coldest freaking day of the year (of course) so by the time we got back to the building it was about 5 degrees outside. We tried buzzing other units to get in, but no one was answering and the super doesn’t live in the building, so we searched on my phone for a nearby locksmith and found the number for Certified Locks. They told us they’d be «right over», and we were planning how to tag team waiting outside for them; one of us would stand at the building while the other warmed up in the deli around the corner, and every 15 minutes we’d switch. I was expecting to wait at least 30 minutes, but before we even decided who would warm up first, the locksmith pulled up in his van! It was maybe 15 minutes from the time we called.
Seriously, I was expecting trouble at every turn, but it just never materialized. Somehow he got in the front door without breaking the lock (I was just picturing telling her landlord that we had broken the front door lock of the building because I locked us out), so we were inside in minutes. Right away that was a big relief. It was COLD outside! Then we went to her apartment. He tried to shim the lock but it wouldn’t budge, and it was the kind of cylinder you can’t pick, so he drilled it and replaced it with the same kind of lock she had. The total charge was $ 110 + tax; that price included the service call on a Saturday, getting us in the front door, drilling her lock and replacing it. From the time we called until he left took under an hour total.
I now have these guys on speed dial, even though I hope I won’t need it. They go anywhere in the city and even if I had to wait on them a bit, since I live farther downtown, it would be worth it. Highly recommended!