Lock Change & Replacement

Not all locks suit all situations. Historic homes in Hyde Park and Clarksville often have non-standard door preparations that limit which modern locks will fit. The original mortise pockets in 1920s bungalows need specific hardware - you can't just drill new holes in a period door without affecting both function and value.

Modern tract homes in Mueller, Circle C, and Pflugerville typically have standard preparations that accept any major brand. Here, the choice becomes about security grade and features. Grade 3 locks (what builders install) handle normal residential use. Grade 2 provides better pick resistance and durability. Grade 1 offers commercial-grade protection for homeowners who want maximum security.

We stock and install all major brands: Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Emtek, and high-security options from Medeco and Mul-T-Lock. Each has strengths for different applications. Schlage's B60N deadbolt offers excellent security at a moderate price. Baldwin's estate-grade hardware suits luxury homes in Westlake and Tarrytown. Medeco provides pick-proof, drill-resistant protection for anyone wanting the highest available security.

A professional lock change takes 15-30 minutes per door depending on complexity. We start by removing your existing hardware and inspecting the door prep - the holes and reinforcements that the lock fits into. Often, we find previous amateur installations that compromised security: oversized holes packed with wood filler, missing strike reinforcements, or latches that don't fully extend into the frame.

We correct these issues during installation. A lock is only as strong as its mounting. We install proper strike plates with 3-inch screws that anchor into the door frame stud, not just the soft wood of the jamb. We add reinforcement plates if the door prep has been damaged. We check that deadbolts extend a full inch into the frame - anything less can be kicked open.

After installation, we test operation extensively. The lock should engage smoothly without forcing. The key should turn without binding. The door should close and lock without having to lift or push. We adjust as needed until operation is perfect, then provide all new keys cut to your new lock.

The choice between changing locks and rekeying depends on your locks' condition and your security goals. Rekeying costs less - $25-45 per lock versus $75-150 for a full change with new hardware. But rekeying only makes sense when your existing locks are in good condition and provide adequate security.

We recommend full lock changes when: your locks are visibly worn or sticky, your locks are builder-grade and you want better security, your locks are old enough to be vulnerable to modern attacks, you want to upgrade to smart locks or high-security hardware, or your door has been damaged and the lock prep needs rebuilding.

We recommend rekeying when: your locks are quality hardware in good condition, you simply need to invalidate old keys (new house, departed roommate, lost key), your locks are relatively new and function smoothly, or budget is a primary concern and your current security level is adequate.

When you schedule a service call, we'll assess your specific situation and give you honest advice about which option makes sense. We'd rather do a $100 rekey on quality locks than sell you $300 in new hardware you don't need.