Lock Replacement & Upgrade: before you call

The lever on the side door droops toward the floor and rattles in your hand. The latch no longer springs back on its own, so the door drifts open behind you unless you pull it shut and check it twice.

Worth answering before the call

Can you photograph each lock from outside, inside and along the door edge? Is there glass in or beside the door? Are you interested in a keypad or smart lock on any door?

Can you match the new lock to my other door hardware?

Yes. Manufacturers make deadbolts, handlesets, knobs and levers in matching finishes and styles, so a replacement deadbolt can sit above your existing handle without looking like an afterthought. Bring or photograph the hardware you want to match, including the interior side, and note whether it is a warm brass, a satin nickel, an oil-rubbed bronze or a matte black. Where an exact match is not made, the locksmith suggests the closest family.

How long does a lock replacement take?

A straightforward like-for-like deadbolt or knob set on a standard door is often a matter of an hour or less including testing. Add time for a reinforced strike, for keying several locks alike and cutting keys, for a smart lock's setup and pairing, and for repairing a split jamb or adapting an older door. When several entrances are done together, the locksmith gives a realistic window before starting so you can plan the day.