About Us

San Mateo Lock Works' long tradition of craftsmanship began with Fred Strebel Sr, a machinist and tool and die maker from Switzerland. Strebel Sr. established the business in 1946 on Baldwin Avenue at the site of a former lock shop operated by Van Velan since 1927. Fred Strebel Jr. took over in 1956, laying the foundation for the business to evolve from a small shop to the multi faceted lock, safe, and security company it is today.

In 1978 Fred Strebel Jr, along with his two "key" employees, Gary and Steve DeSantis, moved the business to it's present location at 321 Second Avenue in Downtown San Mateo. At that time San Mateo Safe Center was inauguerated and became an integral part of the business.

San Mateo Lock Works now has five service vehicles, including a safe delivery truck, serving the Peninsula and San Francisco Bay Area.

Open  six days a week (Monday - Saturday) the location at 321 Second Avenue in Downtown San Mateo is unique for it's collection of antique locks, keyhole shaped brick entrance, and complete showroom featuring all brands of hardware and safes.

Meet The San Mateo Lock Works Team!

Gary DeSantis and Steve DeSantis, along with the experienced Lock Works Team, including Sid Shimabuku, Deryl Nation and the others shown here, continue the tradition of excellence that sets San Mateo Lock Works apart.	Gary DeSantis, Co-owner Gary oversees all the daily operations. He has been a "key" part of San Mateo Lock Works since 1970. Trained by a master locksmith he is an expert in master key systems, commercial and residential hardware.	Steve DeSantis, Co-owner Steve started as teenager sweeping the floors, which led quickly to learning the trade. Trained by a master locksmith his vast knowledge and experience accumulated over many years is invaluable.
Sid Shimabuku Sid is a partner in the business and has been with the company since 1979. He has experience in all areas of master keying, residential and commercial installations and service. Sid is also one of our mortise lock repair experts.	Jesse DeSantis An integral part of San Mateo Lock works since 1992, Jesse specializes in mortise locks and mortise lock installations. He is also expert in master key systems, access control and modern automotive locks, transponders and remotes.	Jorge Trujillo Jorge has been with the Lock Works since 1998. He is excellent at master keying, lock repair and automotive lock specialist. Hailing from Central America he also speaks fluent Spanish.
Mark Clark Mark has been with the company since 1999. Mark specializes in lock repairs and antique locks.	Gabriel Cunningham Gabe is well rounded in all phases of lock work. Automotive transponder keys, auto remotes and master key systems are his specialty.	Deryl Nation Deryl brings 25 years of contracting experience to our firm. He is our resident contractor, carpenter, door specialist, cabinet-maker and all-around repair expert.