Lock Installation and Repair Near My Area
A lock is a mechanism that converts rotary motion (turning the key) into reciprocating motion (sliding bolt). Lock installation and repair are made up of different pieces designed to fit together in a specific way.
If it takes more force to turn your key or you’re finding that your door isn’t as secure as it used to be, you may need repairs or a replacement.
Residential
Residential locksmiths can help homeowners upgrade the security of their property by installing a variety of new locks. They can also rekey existing locks to work with a different key. They can even install a lock box on homes to allow emergency personnel inside without forcing entry during medical or other emergencies.
Changing Lock installation and repair can be necessary when you move into a new home, after break-ins or burglaries and if the previous owners’ keys have been lost. It’s recommended to use American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Grade 1 locks for doors that open outward.
To start with, the locksmith needs to drill holes into the door and the doorframe that are the correct size for the lock. It’s important to get these right because if they are too big, the bolt won’t extend properly into the door and if they are too small, they may splinter or not reach. Next, the locksmith needs to make sure that the internal components of the lock are aligned and screw them in place.
Commercial
Businesses need robust locks to secure inventory, valuables, equipment and more. Commercial locksmiths can install a range of lock styles including deadbolts, cylinder locks and electronic locks. They also offer rekeying, lock replacement and ADA upgrades to help business owners comply with ADA standards.
Sometimes, a broken lock can lead to costly damages that can be difficult to repair. It is important to seek a professional immediately to avoid further complications. The locksmith can diagnose the problem accurately to make sure that the door and lock are functioning properly.
Unlike residential locks, commercial hardware is evaluated by a governing body called the BHMA to ensure quality, safety and performance. Based on the evaluation, a lock is given a grade, which helps determine its overall strength and security. BHMA also verifies that lock products meet building and fire codes. Only 80% of commercial lock manufacturers have earned this certification. Having this accreditation is a sign of quality.
Automotive
When your car door lock is faulty it’s best to let the professionals take a look. A quick fix by a car locksmith may prevent further damage and save you from having to replace the entire door panel.
The most common problem is a broken power door latch actuator inside the door handle. The actuator can be replaced with a new unit and a new key. It’s also possible that a door lock cylinder needs to be replaced.
Replacing the cylinder requires disassembling the handle housing and removing the plastic retainer clip. Then the cylinder can be removed and cleaned thoroughly. The pins or wafers in the cylinder need to be replaced with fresh ones. If a cylinder is damaged beyond repair it should be replaced. A new cylinder will have fresh wafers or pins that match your vehicle’s key and key fob. A licensed locksmith can perform this simple task with ease. They can also replace the trunk latch cylinder to solve trunk lockout problems and give you more security and convenience.
Industrial
Industrial locks are designed to meet the specific needs of commercial, automotive, institutional, residential and other specialized use markets. These locks must be resistant to abuse, destruction and unauthorized removal. Many of our industrial locks are certified for durability and strength. The American National Standards Institute and Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association have developed dozens of tests to evaluate products for their strength, security and finish durability. The results are published as grades for each product: Grade 1 offers the highest level of performance, while Grade 2 and 3 offer lesser levels of strength.
The authorized person should identify the machine, equipment or process that requires lockout, and what sources of energy must be controlled. They should also indicate why the system is being locked out, and how long it will remain locked out. The lock should be labeled to identify the authorized person, and it should only be removed by that individual. See the OSH Answers Hazardous Energy Control Programs for more information about lockout and other methods of hazardous energy control.
