Emergency Lock Repair

We don't believe in replacing locks that can be economically repaired. If your lock has a worn cylinder but solid body, we'll quote cylinder replacement rather than a complete lockset. If realigning your strike plate solves the problem, that's a $50 fix rather than a $150 lock change.

That said, some locks aren't worth repairing. Builder-grade hardware that's worn out after 10 years is better replaced with quality hardware that will last 25 years. Locks that have been damaged by break-in attempts may have compromised security even if they still function. Obsolete models may have unavailable parts that make repair impractical.

We'll give you honest assessment of your options. If repair is reasonable, we'll quote it. If replacement makes more sense, we'll explain why. You make the decision based on your budget and security needs - we don't push unnecessary replacements to inflate the ticket.

For emergency calls where you need to secure your home tonight, we may recommend temporary repair followed by proper replacement during business hours. Getting you secure is the priority; optimization can happen afterward.

Lock failures don't respect business hours. You might discover your back door won't lock when you're getting ready for bed, or your deadbolt jams on Saturday morning when you're trying to leave for a family event. We staff repair-capable technicians around the clock for exactly these situations.

Night and weekend repair calls involve the same process as daytime service. We diagnose the problem, provide a quote, and fix it with your approval. Our pricing is consistent regardless of when you call - we don't add 50% upcharges for after-hours service.

Our trucks carry common repair parts: cylinders for major brands, springs, pins, replacement deadbolts, and strike plates. For typical residential lock failures, we can complete repairs on the first visit. Specialty parts for less common locks may require a follow-up, but we can usually provide temporary solutions that secure your home until parts arrive.

If you're calling after hours because a lock failed, prioritize the call. Your home security shouldn't wait until Monday. We'd rather get you fixed up at 11pm Saturday than have you sleeping with an unsecured door.

Most lock failures announce themselves before they happen. A lock that's getting harder to operate, a key that's becoming difficult to turn, a deadbolt that doesn't fully extend - these are warnings that the mechanism is wearing out.

Annual lock maintenance prevents many failures. A locksmith can clean internal components, apply proper lubricant (not WD-40, which attracts dust), check for wear, and identify developing problems. Think of it like an oil change for your locks - a small investment that prevents expensive repairs.

Austin's climate demands attention to locks. Summer heat expansion and winter contraction stress mechanisms. Humidity promotes internal corrosion. Dust from construction sites throughout the region works its way into cylinders. Proactive maintenance accounts for these local conditions.

If your locks are original to a home built before 2000, consider preemptive replacement. Twenty-plus year old locks have given their best service and are likely nearing failure. Upgrading to modern hardware with better security features and fresh mechanisms makes more sense than repairing aging hardware multiple times.

When we repair your lock, we'll point out any other entry points that show signs of wear. Addressing multiple locks in one visit is more efficient than calling us back repeatedly as each one fails.