Two locksmith companies serve Normal Heights 92116, with The Key Crew Locksmith operating from 3501 Adams Avenue since 1998 as a AAA-contracted mobile and storefront locksmith — the shop handles vehicle lockouts, residential rekeying, key fob programming, and commercial lock installations seven days a week.
3501 Adams Ave Suite B, San Diego, CA 92116
+1 619-209-3554
Verified3019 Meade Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
+1 619-605-0818
VerifiedThe Key Crew Locksmith operates a storefront at 3501 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights and runs mobile emergency locksmith service across San Diego County around the clock. The company has been in business since 1998, holds locksmith license LCO3665, and has maintained a AAA contract since 2004 — making it one of the longest-operating businesses on the Adams Avenue commercial corridor.
The shop is open seven days a week for walk-in key cutting, fob programming, and lock changes. Mobile technicians handle vehicle lockouts, residential lockouts, and commercial lock installations anywhere in San Diego County. For vehicle key replacement and push-to-start fob programming, The Key Crew prices 30 to 50 percent below dealership rates according to the company's published pricing.
Locksmith service calls in San Diego typically start at $30 to $75 for a basic residential lockout, with car lockouts running $50 to $150 depending on the vehicle and whether key cutting or programming is required. Residential lock rekeying costs $20 to $40 per lock, making a full-house rekey for a three-lock home $60 to $120 — significantly cheaper than replacing the locks entirely.
Car key replacement is where costs vary most: a standard metal key duplicate costs $5 to $25, while a transponder chip key runs $75 to $200 and a push-to-start proximity fob runs $150 to $400 — still substantially less than dealership pricing, which often exceeds $300 to $600 for a single fob. Emergency and after-hours locksmith calls add $20 to $50 to the standard rate.
The Key Crew at 3501 Adams Avenue (Suite B, entrance on 35th Street) is the primary storefront locksmith on the Adams Avenue corridor. The shop handles walk-in key duplication, lock purchases, fob inventory, and consultations on residential and commercial security upgrades including keypad and keyless entry systems.
KeyMe Locksmiths is also listed in the locksmith and security subcategory for Normal Heights 92116. KeyMe operates a kiosk-based key duplication model rather than a traditional locksmith shop. For home security systems, alarm installations, and camera setups beyond what a locksmith handles, the general contractor subcategory includes firms that can integrate security systems into broader home improvement projects.
California requires locksmiths to hold a locksmith company license (LCO number) issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Ask for the LCO number and verify it through the California Department of Consumer Affairs license lookup at dca.ca.gov. Licensed locksmiths must also carry individual locksmith employee registrations, undergo fingerprinting, and pass state and federal background checks.
The Key Crew holds license LCO3665 and has been AAA-contracted since 2004, which requires an additional layer of vetting. Watch out for locksmith scam operations that advertise low prices online and then charge significantly more once they arrive — a common tactic nationwide. A legitimate locksmith provides a price estimate before starting work and does not inflate the bill after the job is done. For locksmith services beyond what's listed in 92116, North Park and Hillcrest home services directories list additional options.
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