Able Locksmiths

What Able Locksmiths does

Able Locksmiths, L.L.C. is a privately held, family-owned locksmith and physical security services company headquartered at 304 West Patrick Street in Frederick, Maryland. Founded in 1979 by Chester Christie and now led by second-generation owners Chris Christie (Managing Member) and Chelsea Christie (Director of Operations), the firm has operated continuously for over 45 years serving the Mid-Atlantic region — specifically Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

The company operates a hybrid distribution model combining a walk-in retail storefront in downtown Frederick with a fleet of fully equipped mobile locksmith vehicles providing on-site service. Core service lines span commercial locksmithing (master key systems, high-security Medeco locks, electronic access control, fire marshal compliance), GSA/DOD-certified government lock services (Kaba Mas X-09/X-10, LKM7000/10K, S&G 2740, SCIF-class lock installation), residential rekeying and smart lock installation, automotive key and ignition services, antique lock restoration using 3D printing, safe sales and service as a dealer for Amsec, Fire King, and Gardall, and tactical/outdoor gear retail. The firm holds Maryland Locksmith License #90, Maryland Security Systems Agency License #24PLU-SS38487, and Virginia DCJS license #11-21630, plus GSA Safe & Vault Technician and Inspector certifications.

Revenue is generated primarily through professional services billed on a quote-based pay-as-you-go model, complemented by hardware sales (safes, tactical gear) and recurring commercial credit account billing for property managers, institutions, and government/defense clients. The company is service-disabled veteran-owned and holds membership in ALOA (#55250) and SAVTA (#107855), with key staff trained at Lockmaster Security Institute.

Name

Able Locksmiths

Legal name

Able Locksmiths, L.L.C.

Website

https://www.ablelocksmithsllc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

A family-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned locksmith and physical security firm founded in 1979, providing commercial, GSA/DOD-certified, residential, automotive, antique, and safe services across the Mid-Atlantic via a Frederick storefront and mobile fleet.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Locksmith and Physical Security Services

NAICS

Locksmiths (561622), Security Systems Services (56162)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Key Management, Duplication & Locksmith Services (HSAHAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Keyholding, Lock/Unlock & Premises Control Services (BPABAMAM), Retail Access Control & Key/Lock Management (Store-level) (BPAKAJAJ)

Keywords

• Commercial locksmith services
• GSA approved locksmith
• Emergency lockout services
• Safe sales and service
• Antique lock restoration

Headquarters

HQ city

Frederick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Locksmith Services: Core locksmith services including emergency lockout service, rekeying, lock repair, key cutting, and lock installation for residential, commercial, automotive, and government customers. Services provided both at walk-in shop and via mobile fleet.
2. Safe Sales: Sales of new safes including gun safes, fire safes, jewelry safes, cash safes, home safes, wall safes, floor safes, pistol safes, and GSA containers. Dealer of American Security (Amsec), Fire King, and Gardall brands.
3. Tactical Gear and Accessories: Retail sales of tactical gear including knives, clothing, body armor, self-defense products, pepper spray, flashlight, ammunition, stun guns, and outdoor gear. Factory direct dealers for Condor Outdoor, Strikes Industries, and New Frontier Armory.
4. Commercial Account Billing: Commercial credit accounts allow approved business customers to request services and purchase hardware with streamlined billing and invoicing for ongoing locksmith, door hardware, and security service needs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Able Locksmiths provides residential, commercial, emergency, automotive, antique lock, safe, and GSA/DOD locksmith services to the Mid-Atlantic region. Services are delivered via a walk-in retail storefront in downtown Frederick and a fleet of fully equipped mobile locksmith vehicles providing on-site services, with 24/7 emergency lockout response. The company also sells safes (Amsec, Fire King, Gardall) and tactical gear, and operates as a GSA-certified locksmith serving federal agencies and defense contractors.

Product overview

Able Locksmiths offers a comprehensive suite of physical security and locksmith services through a single-service business model with multiple specialized service lines. The core offering centers on commercial, residential, automotive, and government (GSA/DOD) locksmith services, complemented by dedicated divisions for safe sales and service, antique lock restoration, and tactical gear. The company distinguishes itself through specialized GSA-certified services for federal agencies and defense contractors, and offers modern technology integration including access control systems, smart locks, and hands-free entry solutions. All services are delivered through a combination of walk-in shop locations and a fleet of mobile service vehicles, with emergency response capabilities available 24/7.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Commercial Locksmith Services Professional locksmith and security services for commercial clients including property managers, landlords, apartment complexes, office buildings, institutions, colleges, hospitals, banks, and government facilities. Includes master key systems, high-security Medeco locks, interchangeable core systems, electronic locks, card systems, security access control, and fire marshal compliance.
• GSA / DOD Locksmith Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 45 years of continuous operation since 1979
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and notable.

• GardallcoreTechnology or IntegrationDealer of Gardall safes for residential and commercial security applications.
• Winchester SafessecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPerforms warranty work for Winchester Safes in addition to sales services.
• Liberty SafessecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPerforms warranty work for Liberty Safes.
• Cannon SafessecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPerforms warranty work for Cannon Safes.
• Fire KingcoreTechnology or IntegrationDealer of Fire King safes, providing sales and service for fire-resistant safe products.
• Carroll County Health DepartmentnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerAble Locksmiths partnered with Carroll County Health Department to install wave switches for hands-free technology, ensuring safety and security of their team and clients. This installation was highlighted in a Norton Door Controls case study, showcasing the company's capability in providing touchless access solutions.
• American Security (Amsec)coreTechnology or IntegrationAble Locksmiths is a dealer of American Security (Amsec) safes, offering sales, installation, and warranty service for Amsec products.
• Sargent & GreenleafcoreTechnology or IntegrationFactory trained to work on and install Sargent & Greenleaf safe locks, including the S&G 2740 Series certified for GSA use.
• Kaba MascoreTechnology or IntegrationFactory trained on Kaba Mas safe locks including X-09 and X-10 series high-security pedestrian exit devices.
• SecuramcoreTechnology or IntegrationFactory trained to work on Securam safe locks including SafeLogic Series and SafeLogic Xtreme EMP Proof Safe Lock. Certified in servicing these electronic safe lock systems.
• Condor OutdoorcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFactory direct dealer for Condor Outdoor Gear, offering tactical clothing, plate carriers, and outdoor equipment.
• Strikes IndustriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFactory direct dealer for Strikes Industries tactical gear and accessories.
• New Frontier ArmorysecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFactory direct dealer for New Frontier Armory products including gun parts and accessories.
• Blue Ridge KnivescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDealer for Blue Ridge Knives, offering quality knives at the Frederick shop.
• MedecocoreTechnology or IntegrationProud Medeco dealer. Medeco is their high-security lock option offering highest standards in pick and drill resistance as well as patented key control. Chris Christie holds Medeco KeyMark x4 Design and Servicing certification.
• Lockmaster Security InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnicians attended Lockmaster Security Institute of Nicholasville, KY for specialized locksmith training in government security and GSA lock servicing.
• ALOA Security Professionals AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive membership #55250 in Associated Locksmiths of America. ALOA sets industry standards and provides professional development for locksmiths.
• Safe & Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive membership #107855 in SAVTA, the professional association for safe and vault technicians. Helps maintain guild-like standards for safe security.
• Norton Door ControlsnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership highlighted in Norton Door Controls case study regarding Carroll County Health Department wave switch installation. Demonstrates capability in hands-free access technology integration.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Pop-A-Lock: Pop-A-Lock is the largest national locksmith franchise in the U.S., offering residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith services through a network of locally owned franchises. Directly comparable to Able Locksmiths in core service categories and emergency lockout response, with a similar mobile service delivery model.
• Mr. Locksmith: Mr. Locksmith is a national mobile locksmith service brand offering residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith services with emergency response. Operates a similar on-site service model to Able Locksmiths and competes in the same consumer and SMB locksmith segments.
• Anderson Lock Company: Anderson Lock Company is a regional commercial locksmith and security integrator serving institutional, corporate, and government clients with master key systems, access control, and GSA-grade lock services. Highly comparable to Able's commercial and government service lines and target customer base.
• SOS Locksmith: SOS Locksmith is a multi-location mobile locksmith service providing residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith services across multiple U.S. markets. Operates a comparable mobile fleet service model with similar customer segments to Able Locksmiths.

Emerging players

• KeyMe: KeyMe operates self-service key duplication kiosks in retail locations plus an app-based platform that bypasses traditional locksmiths for key cutting. Represents an emerging, technology-driven alternative to traditional locksmith services that competes directly with Able's residential key cutting and lockout revenue streams.
• MinuteKey: MinuteKey deploys self-service key duplication kiosks in retail stores (e.g., Walmart, Lowe's), enabling customers to copy keys without a locksmith. Competes with Able's basic residential key cutting services and represents the broader shift toward automated, lower-cost alternatives to traditional locksmiths.

Others

• Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco is a leading U.S. high-security lock manufacturer and one of Able Locksmiths' key technology partners. While not a direct competitor (Medeco manufactures, Able distributes/servicing), Medeco's channel partner network of authorized locksmiths overlaps heavily with Able's customer and installer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ablelocksmiths
• Facebookfacebook.com/AbleLocksmithsLLC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/able-locksmiths-llc
• Instagraminstagram.com/explore/locations/415885485133322/able-locksmiths-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Able Locksmiths