Lock replacement and installation in Koreatown

Replace, or just rekey?

If the lock works and you only need old keys to stop working, rekeying is cheaper. Replace it when the lock is damaged (including after a break-in), worn and sticking, or when you want a stronger lock.

Choosing a lock

• Grade. Residential locks are commonly rated ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, 2 or 3, with Grade 1 the most durable. For an exterior door, a solid Grade 1 or 2 deadbolt is a sensible baseline.
• High-security cylinders. Brands such as Medeco, Abloy and Mul-T-Lock resist picking and drilling and often use keys that can't be copied at a hardware store. They cost more; your technician can tell you whether your door is worth it.
• The door matters as much as the lock. A strong deadbolt in a weak frame is still a weak door. Longer strike-plate screws are a cheap, effective upgrade.

Older Koreatown doors

Many older buildings here use mortise locks — a box set inside the door rather than a round bored lock. They need matching replacements, and the parts can take some sourcing. Tell us the brand if you can see it, or send a photo when you book, so the technician brings the right hardware.

Already bought a lock?

Tell us the brand and model when you book. Before anything is installed, your technician checks it fits your door (backset, bore and door thickness) and confirms the installation price.

Renters and businesses

Renters usually need the landlord's OK before replacing a lock. Business locks, exit hardware and anything tied to a building system are quoted separately — see commercial locksmith.

Other locksmith help in Koreatown

Before you book anything, it's worth reading how our license and pricing work and our answers to common questions. You can also go back to all Koreatown locksmith services, or, if you manage a building, see locksmith work for property managers.

Questions people ask

Can you install a lock I already bought?

Usually — tell us the model first. The technician checks it fits your door and confirms the installation price before starting.

What kind of deadbolt should I get?

For an exterior door, a well-made Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate is a good baseline. If you want resistance to picking and key copying, ask about high-security cylinders.

Will a new lock fit my old door?

Most standard doors take standard locks. Older doors with mortise locks need matching hardware; a photo when you book helps us bring the right parts.