A lock change means we take out your old lock and put in new hardware. You get a new lock body, new cylinder and new keys. It is the right choice when your locks are worn out, broken, too weak, or simply don’t match. If your locks work fine and you only need old keys to stop working, a rekey service is usually faster and costs less.
Public Locksmith is a fully mobile, licensed locksmith (NC License #2721) based in Ballantyne. We change locks at homes, apartments and businesses across Charlotte, Matthews, Pineville, Weddington, Waxhaw, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Tega Cay and Rock Hill.
Change or Rekey? How to Tell
Both options leave you with new keys and make old keys useless. The difference is whether the hardware itself needs replacing.
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Locks work well, you just moved in | Rekey |
| Lock is loose, sticky, or the latch fails | Change (or repair) |
| Builder-grade deadbolt you want to upgrade | Change |
| Mixed brands and finishes on one house | Change |
| Lock was damaged in a break-in | Change |
| You want one key for every door, same brand already | Rekey |
For a deeper look at this choice, read our guide on whether to rekey or change your locks.
Signs You Need New Locks
- The key turns hard or only works if you jiggle it.
- The deadbolt won’t fully extend unless you push or pull on the door.
- The knob or lever wobbles, even after tightening screws.
- Someone kicked, pried or drilled the lock.
- Your front door has a different brand and finish than every other door.
- You carry three or four keys for one house.
- Your deadbolt came with the house and you have no idea what grade it is.
Upgrading to a Grade 1 or Grade 2 Deadbolt
Residential locks are graded under ANSI/BHMA standards. Grade 1 is the strongest and is built for heavy use and forced-entry resistance. Grade 2 is a solid step up from the basic Grade 3 hardware found on many newer homes.
For exterior doors, we usually suggest Grade 1 or Grade 2. A strong deadbolt only helps if the door is set up right, so we also check:
- Strike plate screws. Short screws only bite the trim. We can install longer screws that reach the stud.
- Bolt throw. The bolt should extend a full inch and seat fully in the frame.
- Door alignment. If the bolt rubs, the lock wears out fast. We adjust the strike so it closes clean.
If you want more protection against picking and key copying, ask about high-security locks.
Matching Finishes and Keyed-Alike Sets
Many homes end up with a patchwork of hardware. A lock change is a good time to fix that.
Finishes. Common choices include satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, polished brass and chrome. Tell us what your hinges and other hardware look like, or send a photo, and we’ll match it as closely as possible.
Keyed alike. We set every new lock to the same key, so one key opens the front door, back door and garage entry door. For businesses, we can key some doors alike and keep others separate, or plan a master key setup.
Bringing Your Own Locks
You are welcome to buy locks yourself and have us install them. A few tips first:
- Measure the backset (center of the hole to the door edge). Most doors are 2-3/8” or 2-3/4”. Many locks adjust to both.
- Check door thickness. Most residential doors are about 1-3/8” to 1-3/4”.
- If you want all locks on one key, buy the same brand and keyway, or buy a keyed-alike pack. We can usually rekey matching brands on site so everything works on one key.
- Keep the boxes and all parts until we finish.
What We Do On Site, Step by Step
- Look over each door. We check the door, frame, existing holes and how the current lock works.
- Confirm the hardware. We go over the grade, style and finish you want, or inspect the locks you supplied.
- Remove the old locks. We take out the knob, lever, deadbolt and strike plates.
- Prep the door if needed. If the new lock needs a different size hole or latch pocket, we adjust it.
- Install the new locks. We mount the latch, deadbolt, trim and strikes, using long screws on exterior strikes.
- Key them alike. If needed, we pin the cylinders so one key runs every lock.
- Test every door. We lock and unlock from both sides with the door open and closed.
- Hand over keys. You get the new keys and we cover how to care for the locks.
What Affects Time and Cost
We don’t quote a flat number because every job is different. These things change the price:
- Number of doors and locks. A single deadbolt is quick. A whole house takes longer.
- Who supplies the hardware. Your own locks versus locks we bring.
- Lock grade and type. Grade 1, smart, keypad and high-security locks differ in cost.
- Door prep. New holes, enlarged bores or a damaged frame add time.
- Keying alike. Matching several locks to one key adds a little work per cylinder.
- Time of day. Night and weekend calls cost more than scheduled daytime work.
- Location. Distance within our service area.
See what affects locksmith pricing in Charlotte, or call 704-905-6600 for a quote based on your doors.
What to Have Ready
- Proof you live at or manage the property (ID, lease, or business authorization).
- A count of the doors and locks you want changed.
- Photos of the current locks and the door edge, if you want a quote first.
- Your preferred finish and grade, or the locks you bought, still in the box.
- Landlord approval if you rent. Check your lease before changing locks.
When a Lock Change Is Not the Right Service
- Locked out right now? You need an emergency lockout first. We can change the lock after you’re inside if needed.
- Locks are good, keys are the problem? A rekey is faster and keeps your hardware.
- One part is broken, the lock is otherwise fine? Try lock repair first.
- Want to stop using keys? Look at keypad door lock installation.
We schedule lock changes during the day, seven days a week, and handle urgent security jobs after a break-in. Our technicians speak English and Spanish, and we accept cash and credit cards.