Ambold's Key, Lock & Alarm

Ambold's Key, Lock & Alarm runs locksmith and security work out of its shop at 1125 Franklin Ave in Waco, Texas. The company handles key duplication, lock rekeying, burglar and fire alarm systems, safe and vault service, and related protection setups. Reviewers note the business has operated in the same spot for generations and covers both residential and commercial jobs in the area.

Customers bring in requests for car keys on Toyota and Honda models, multiple lock changes on business doors, deadbolt rekeying, smart lock installs, and new security system setups. Joe cut three Toyota keys for a low flat rate when the dealer said programming was required. Jeremy reached a car lockout fast and handled it on site. Roger showed up for mobile lock work but needed extra trips after running short on drill bits. Kenneth took a door part for ordering but later could not locate it when asked for its return. Several people mention the crew finishing key jobs in five or ten minutes and getting storage unit keys copied that other shops turned down.

Work happens from the Franklin Avenue location with calls answered during regular hours. Reviewers describe response times as quick for in-shop key jobs and same-day mobile calls in some cases. Pricing draws comments for staying reasonable on keys and rekey work, often below dealer rates. Service reaches downtown spots near Franklin and 11th as well as farther addresses, though a few accounts note repeated calls needed to sort billing or scheduling after the initial visit.

The Google listing shows a 4.4 rating though listed with no reviews attached. Feedback across other sources points to frequent praise for key making accuracy and staff courtesy alongside scattered notes on mobile delays, follow-up on parts or billing, and service cancellations that dragged on.

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“Was incredibly disappointed with Ambolds mobile service. I scheduled a mobile service while in-store because they said it would be guaranteed to be done in one trip instead of staying in shop for a long while. They quoted me a price and a timeframe. It took over three times the quoted time period and four times the cost they quoted. It took three trips because Roger didn’t bring enough drill bits and wasn’t able to open locks even though I specified which kind of lock, etc. before he came. The reason the price was so high because of the three trip charges where he simply ran out of supplies. I asked for a ballpark price all three times he came. He didn’t give me a price until before his last trip, which was already much higher than I was expecting. But then I got the final bill and it was over $100 more. On top of that, he damaged one of the units and didn’t even offer an apology. I’ve had good luck taking keys to them getting them done while I wait but would highly NOT recommend getting their mobile service. I hate leaving poor reviews and rarely do, just think folks should be aware.”

“We called Ambold’s to come out and change multiple locks at one of our companies, The Findery. The guy was so kind and so respectful. He was super efficient and the work was outstanding. Thank you Ambold’s for the amazing customer service and work!”

“Every time I have the opportunity to use their service, I have no complaint. They are courteous and helpful. I will use them again.”

“Ambolds did a great job setting up my new security system. Love my new system and the ease of using it. Entire crew was very thoughtful and helpful.”

“This place loves problems. 3 Toyota keys, $12. The dealer insisted they needed to be programmed. Joe is great Downtown, Franklin and 11th”

“They were able to handle everything i needed. Been going to them for a good while.”

“Since my original rating, Things have gone from bad to worse. We cancelled this company's service on July 21, 2021. In October of 2022 they started randomly billing us again. I have emailed them and called them each month for the last four months and they continue to bill us for a service we have not used in more than one and half years. At this point it feels like harassment. Just like in the original review, "I talk to the same person EVERY time I call, and EVERY time I call he says he will take care of it and then doesn't." Original Review: We use this company for our business alarm service. The alarm service is fine. The business practices are absurd. They send invoices which we have to call to pay, but never include a phone number. For years we have tried to get them to bill us annually. After agreeing to do so, they continue to bill us monthly. We were told that if we paid for a year at a time, we would receive a discount. No we are told that is not the case. I talk to the same person EVERY time I call, and EVERY time I call he says he will take care of it and then doesn't. Today he told me they don't like to bill annually because they don't have a way to track it. REALLY??”

“I have used these guys for two years anytime I need extra keys made! They are wonderful & every key I have had made by them as worked perfectly where as Lowe's and Home Depots copies did not work! Love supporting local business & these guys are worth supporting!”

“Super nice guys and blazing fast service. I needed a couple of deadbolts rekeyed and was in and out in less than 10 minutes. Love supporting local businesses, and we’ll be back again. Thank you!!”

“I've been looking for awhile for someone to make a key for a 1996 Honda Passport, and no one said they could. We called Ambold's and he said he could make it and for a shockingly low price. Thankful for this shop, the price, quality (car started right up), and it was done in less than 5 minutes. He won our business for all things locks and keys.”

“I’ve been trying to get this company to fix a powered door for longer than I care to admit. Ended up finding out what the problem was on my own and took the part I needed to Kenneth to order for me. He asked me to leave it with him for reference. I stood at his desk and handed it to him personally. Got tired of waiting and now that I’m asking for the part back, Kenneth says it was never given to him.”

“Ambold is the place to get keys made. Keys be on point every time.”

“Used Ambold’s earlier this year and again today. Excellent customer service provided by Joe…knowledgeable, friendly, & quick service. And very reasonably priced!”

“I live pretty far away and Jeremy was very quick, friendly and professional. Hopefully I don’t get locked out of my car again but if I do I know who to call... Definitely recommend”

“They are useless and very disrespectful. My alarm keep went off every morning because of sensors and nobody comes fix it. I keep calling n requesting Ambold's for service but never fix it and people who talk to you on phone are extremely rude. Regret to do business with them. People there are alot of good security services company out there, don't get fool with Ambold's. From/ city food mart”

“We used them to install some smart locks for us. They were quick to respond and it was a great value. Will use them again.”

“They kept our safe for 4 months saying that they were waiting on a key blank from the safe company..when I went up there to get the safe it was still in the waiting stage so I got the guy to help me break the safe..so now I'm out a safe”

“I went in to have locks rekeyed. The guys were great. One of the oldest businesses in Waco. Well worth the time and cheaper than other places. They know locks!!”

“Nice. They were able to make key copies for the round type storage unit locks! I have not found anybody else who could copy them in the last 3 months!!!”

“Very disappointing.they use to be such a stand up business.the former owner was a man of his word and got things done but he passed and the son runs it now.they agreed to move a safe for us but ran into issues so said they'd return next morning but did not and then said it's gonna be a few more days.in the end they never showed up and failed to call to let us know they couldn't make it so we had to lose the safe that had been part of the family for over 30 years.not good business ethics if you ask me.a call is a simple thing and doesn't take but a few minutes.”