The story begins in 1968. Dr. E.O. Thompson Sr., known as "Tom" since college, was an optometrist at Plymouth Optical in Winona. After a change in personnel, he had the local hardware store re-key the office lock. The new keys didn't work very well. Disappointed, and ever the perfectionist, he disassembled the locks and made it work better.
This gave him the idea that Winona needs a real locksmith. For a man that had to stay busy all the time, the locksmithing correspondence course was so slow he opened Tom's Lock Service before completion in June of 1969. Keeping overhead expenses to a minimum, he ran the business from the back porch of his home.
This gave him the idea that Winona needs a real locksmith. For a man that had to stay busy all the time, the locksmithing correspondence course was so slow he opened Tom's Lock Service before completion in June of 1969. Keeping overhead expenses to a minimum, he ran the business from the back porch of his home.
Services
We can help you with all automotive lock and key issues. Transponder keys and programming, factory remotes, and a multitude of repair services are available. We are a full-time and full-service locksmith company. Two fully equipped service vans bring the repair center to your door. Each van features key-machines and fabrication tools to make keys and repair locks for your home, auto, or business.
With more than 50 years of experience in the field, Tom's Lock Service offers efficient and outstanding service in the shop or on the job. If stranded, we come to you with one of our full-service rescue vans to do the repair on site. We offer a wide variety of key chain accessories, including, but not limited to, key caps, bottle openers, sports teams, lanyards, and wrist bands.
Vials of tear gas, shown on the right, were commonly used in safes beginning in the 1920s and ending in the early 1950s. The gas tubes were meant to prevent theft by breaking upon forced entry into a safe. The non-lethal gas emitted from a theft makes breathing difficult and severely irritates the eye, causing tearing, pain, and occasionally blindness.
Has been a locksmith since 1977 and owner of Tom's Lock Service since 1983. He's a graduate of Winona State University with degrees in Business and Economics. Emerit is a Winona native and lives here with his wife and three daughters. He loves cruising in his convertible, drawing with pen & ink, woodworking, and (once again) loves cruising in his convertible.
Reviews (5)
Cherie Harkenrider
Oct 31, 2021
Report
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
In addition to the above list of "Good quality" "Good value" "Professional" and "Responsive' ... the Incredibly pleasant customer service REALLY impressed me ... a RARITY from many businesses or independent 'contractors'. Tom's Lock Service hasn't been in business for over 50 years without earning it. Thank You!
In addition to the above list of "Good quality" "Good value" "Professional" and "Responsive' ... the Incredibly pleasant customer service REALLY impressed me ... a RARITY from many businesses or independent 'contractors'. Tom's Lock Service hasn't been in business for over 50 years without earning it. Thank You!
Russ Mahlmeister
Aug 15, 2021
Report
Mark Ellefson
Jun 17, 2021
Report
Aaron J.
Aug 26, 2020
Report
Boardwalk F.
Jan 18, 2012
Report
