Cat Jumping in Mosler Safe after a Safe Lockout Fix

An update from Scott, Lockbusters’ Lockbuster’s strongbox ninja:

I’d been looking for a big, bad safe to really get in my corner of the New York City safe-busting market. The kitten-mob that came with it was optional.

I got my wish for a challenge when a prospective client called with an antique Mosler safe that had no combination. When any safe technician worth his salt hears the Mosler name, he knows he’s in for a complex game of wits — man against an intricately constructed crypt of corrugated steel. Mosler has made safes and vault doors that have survived nuclear attacks, housed the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and weighed up to 138 tons. You get the idea.

Lockbusters gave one of our signature guaranteed quotes and I got the go-ahead. As soon as I arrived at the site, I was inundated by the aforementioned throng of playful, loving kittens. If you read my last post, you know that kittens and safes are my two favorite things. This day could not get any better.

The thing about working on safes is sometimes you have to assume some very awkward positions to get a good angle on it. Working on the Mosler safe lockout gave me new respect for contortionists. I will say, though, that several hours of locksmith yoga goes by a lot quicker with a sprinkle of kitties keeping you company.

In the end, I got the safe open — it’s a feeling of satisfaction you really can’t beat. The client was very kind and appreciative, and I’m happy I was the one to help. I love my job!

More often than not, when you accidentally lock yourself out (and with the exception of super high security locks), it’s a relatively simple job for a licensed, honest pro to get you back in. Unfortunately, a more shady type of business has become the standard; since I started Lockbusters, my mission has been to do the exact opposite. The Today Show segment caught drill-wielding, sloppy scammers red-handed, calling themselves locksmiths and wracking up massive charges for what should have been a simple emergency home lockout.

It was a pretty ingenious set-up: the Today Show had an employee pose as the locked-out homeowner who called a series of locksmiths to request service. A reputable professional observed every interaction via hidden cameras, and many of the “locksmiths” made a big show of drilling through locks, ripping off doorknobs, and generally destructing perfectly workable, new hardware. Later, they charge insane amounts for it — we’re talking upwards of $600 and $700 — and demand cash in a really sleazy, scary way. As the legit guy points out, nothing needs to be destroyed to handle this simple job.

Check out the video; though unsettling, it’s worth a watch. And be sure to keep Lockbusters’ number in your phone (if not, as one our reviewers suggests, tattooed on your forearm). I promise that no matter the circumstances, time of day or night, a true professional with genuine regard for your time, safety, and wallet will show up at your door. As always, our quotes are flat-rate lowest and guaranteed (and yes, we take cards).

(212) 960-8585

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My favorite quote from one of the shadesmiths: “I didn’t say I’m professional!”

Hi! Jay here, owner of Lockbusters.

Now in our third year of New York City Locksmith service, I’m thrilled that we’re getting great feedback and our business is growing. I hope I’ve even made some progress on my mission in starting Lockbusters. My goal is to transform the way New Yorkers think about the business of locksmithing: from skeevy “shadesmiths” to courteous professionals who genuinely care about your time and security.

For our success as a small business, I try to pay it forward whenever I can. I especially like helping out my furry friends:

picture of Jay + Rocky

This is me and pooch, Rocky. I adopted him from East Village animal shelter Social Tees, and he makes my life better in so many ways!

Your comments, reviews, and recommendations are the greatest reward for a job well done, but some of you are moved to add a gratuity. Please note that tipping the owner of this business is not expected! So when someone says “keep the change,” I make sure to pass it along to someone in need.

So far, we’ve donated to several shelters for out-of-luck ani-pals: Social Tees, Animal Haven, Lil Monsters, and this week, Waggy Tails. We’ve also given to the Vermont flood relief effort in Hurricane Irene’s aftermath, Smile Train, and a charity for grieving children in Massachusetts, The Children’s Room.
I wanted to let you know that your generosity is helping out more than this small business, even if in small amounts. If you have a pet cause you want me to know about, drop us a line! We’re working on our holiday giving strategy right now.

Lastly, know that all of the shelters I mentioned are temporary homes for a lot of great four-legged guys and girls who would just love to find their forever homes…

Jay Sofer meets NYC Mayor

It just so happens that this month is also Lockbusters third anniversary. Three years ago, no one knew us as any different from the hundreds of other locksmiths all over New York City. Thanks to Yelp.com, Lockbusters has since earned real differentiation from the rest, thanks to Yelp reviewers who shared their experiences online.

Yesterday, Yelp opened its East Coast headquarters in Union Square; Lockbusters was invited to speak from the experience of a small, local business owner who’s experienced remarkable success via Yelp. (Read more about the event here.)

We owe the real thanks to you, our customers. Thank you for inviting us into your homes and offices, for allowing us the privilege of making your space more secure. Thanks for all the feedback — in person, in online reviews, via recommendations to friends and family, or by becoming repeat customers; you tell us what we’re doing right. Our third year was an amazing one, and our growth is a direct result of your caring support. Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts!

Jay Sofer meets the Mayor of NYC

Image Credits to: New York City Counsel’s Photostream on Flickr

Read more press on this event with Yelp and LockbustersNYC by clicking the link (scroll to page 4)

Scott with his cat Winx, an expert lounger + escape artist extraordinaire.

Did you know that the safest safes on the market have the integrity they do because nobody – not anybody – knows exactly how to get into them? Often their doors and body are made of new composite materials that advanced science and military labs are experimenting with. That’s part of what makes my job so cool: every time I’m called to a job with a safe like that, I’m exploring uncharted territory.

I’m Scott Darrow, Lockbusters specialty New York City safe technician. A tinkerer and amateur scientist, one of my hobbies is creating my own science experiments. But when it comes to your safe, I have it down to a very exact science.

From upstate New York originally, I trained at The Charles Stuart School and in a legendary Arizona lockshop. One of the more intense jobs I went on out west involved penetrating the safes of a recently busted drug ring whose members did a lot of home invasions. There were SWAT teams, multiple brand-new safes, and a whole lot of weaponry.

In New York I’m mostly working with clients who are upgrading security or have accidentally been locked out of safe, maybe by shorting out the electronic keypad or because the dial on an elderly safe is just too antiquated. It’s an honor to be invited into people’s homes to help them reaccess their most precious belongings, and I love my job.

A safe job can take as little as 10 minutes up to many, many hours of problem solving and scrutinizing next steps. To do my work I use specialized tools, like a borescope – which has optical fibers to let you see down curved, narrow channels – years of experience, and what I like to think of as a little bat-sense for security. Did I mention I’m a ninja?

Give me a call (212) 960-8585 for any type of New York City safe service: upgrades and repairs, to reaccess your lockbox, or just with any questions you may have about security and safes. I’m always happy to talk locks.

Turn your smartphone in a virtual survivor’s kit! Here’s what you need to install and save:

Must Have Survival Apps for New York City

iTrans app. Your guide to all of NYC transit. Find directions, timetables, the best way to walk to your destination. Works EVEN when you’re not connected to a network, which is super important on the subway — one big cellular dead zone.

Yelp app. You could say New Yorkers like to give their opinion. Residents post honest reviews of everything — everything!! — you can buy, experience, do, and see in this city. Location-based search can tells you the best Mexican joint, tattoo artist, flower shop… within two blocks of wherever you’re standing.

Your superintendant’s number. Put this in your phone stat if not sooner! The second your toilet overflows, uninvited furry guys visit the kitchen, or a window is stuck shut in the heat, you’re gonna want that dude on the line.

Your trusty superhero locksmith’s number. First off, get your place secure. You want to be the only person who’s lived in your space with your exact locks and keys! Plus, we can pretty much guarantee that one night or another will end in an accidental lockout. A shady, late-night rip-off is not a New York must-have experience — so keep Lockbusters in your phone at all times.

Weather Channel app. Weather can change on a dime. Before you leave home, check the hour-by-hour forecast. Be prepared!

311. Rented a car and don’t know where you can park it? Has your water turned brown? Strange maple syrup scent wafting in through the windows? Call 311; they almost always have the answer.

Car service number. Sometimes the ubiquitous yellow cab can’t be found when you need one most. Case in point: you stayed out all night at a party in far-out Brooklyn. Call a car service for a sleepy ride back home at sunrise.

Number for the corner store that delivers. Pretty soon, you’ll grow attached to your favorite little bodega, even if they do charge you triple for T.P. Many deliver, so keep that number in your phone for those days you’re just not gonna make it out of your apartment…

Headphones. You will encounter many situations that you will want to pretend aren’t happening but can’t quite run away from. 1.) Insert earbuds 2.) Almost-close eyes in feigned enjoyment of music 3.) Bob head accordingly. You never saw the bum sitting across from you on the subway grotesquely picking his nose and staring at it.

The app for your bank account. New York has a tendency to magically delete money from your wallet without you noticing it. Keep an eye on your spending. This city’s no fun when you’re broke.

Games. Shooting Angry Birds at angrier pigs may not be your thing, but download a few games that work without cellular connectivity. Sometimes that rush hour subway ride can get looong.

NYCWAY. Tell the app whether you’re a resident or a tourist, and it’ll find you anything. Need absolution? It can point you to a church. Broke? Find local job listings… or look under the “free stuff” tab to find entertainment for nothing.

CityPockets. Did we mention NYC is expensive? That’s why the gods invented daily deal coupons that grant you steep discounts for just a little effort. Organize all your vouchers and coupons with this app you’ll be reminded to use them.

Relax & Rest Guided Meditations. Sensory overload! Go all zen and unfry your NYC-addled brain as deeply peaceful, assured voices convince you to settle down… and breathe.–

Typical NYC Lockouts

NYC Lockouts

How to survive New York City - a guide for the tourist

Locksmiths are often in very unique positions; potential customers need our services for a number of reasons. Often the reasons for calling a locksmith aren’t always pleasant. Being locked out, relationship trouble, or problem with roommates are some of the extreme examples we see. Locksmiths often find themselves playing the role of psychiatrist or mediator when responding to these types of service calls. The more typical residential work we do involve move-ins, new lock installations, new deadbolts for doors, etc. Regardless of the reason to call a locksmith, every service call involves an element of trust from the customer. After all, a person is inviting a complete stranger into their home to handle the most important item they have, the keys accessing all their possessions! This brings me to the reason for starting my business, LockBusters TM.

In recent years, New York City residents trust has been betrayed by rip-off artists in the locksmith industry. Because locksmith service hasn’t been cheap, we started our business as a response to the glaring inadequacies in the profession. Hidden charges, less than up-front pricing, and outrageous rates are some of the horrible examples these rip-off artists have been getting away with, but not any longer! The LockBusters are here to provide service at guaranteed lowest prices that we proudly display on our website. Our mottos are “Never Get Ripped Off”, and “Never Overpay” for locksmith service in New York City. Our goal is to provide excellent prompt service at the most affordable price. More importantly, I want to restore the trust and fairness that was a hallmark of my father’s success and the best part of my upbringing in New York City.

In this blog I will provide the best insider’s information to customers about the locksmith industry including pricing, overcharging, locks, deadbolts, emergency service, etc. Locksmithing in New York City started off as an honest industry before it deteriorated to what we see today, we at LockBusters are very grateful for the opportunity to correct that.

What to expect from a Locksmith:

Truthfully, you should expect nothing less than professionalism from any service industry. First, demand up-front pricing on the phone before the technician actually arrives. Second, when the locksmith does arrive, review the price discussed on the phone to prevent any sudden hidden charges. Ask to see the item being offered and make sure it’s new. Its very important to ask a locksmith if the price given includes installation. Also, ask if there is a “locksmith service” added on top of the charge.

Rip-off artists thrive on a customer’s ignorance, we recommend reading our site’s glossary to familiarize you with locksmith terms. Also, check out our pricelist complete with flat rate prices and pictures of the different types of locks, deadbolts, etc. Locksmith pricing is important; get the best value you can from your hard earned dollar by understanding why locksmiths overcharge and how to avoid it.