Locked out of the house, just got the keys to a new place, or finally replacing a lock that has been sticking for a year. We handle all of it, usually the same day, anywhere in Columbus and Central Ohio.
You reach us directly when you call. No call center, and we do not hand your job to whoever bids lowest. Our own technician comes out in a marked 844 Ohio Key van, so you know who is at your door before you open it, and the price is agreed before any work starts.
House rekey after moving in
The most common call we get. You bought or rented, and you have no idea how many keys are out there: previous owners, a realtor, contractors, the neighbor who watered the plants.
A rekey changes which key opens the lock, using the hardware already on your door. It is faster and cheaper than replacing locks, and the result is the same: every old key stops working.
If your doors use the same keyway, we can match them all to one key, so the front door, back door and garage entry all open with the same key. Worth asking about while we are there, since it costs less than doing it later.
Doing a whole-house rekey? See our current specials.
Home lockouts
Front door, bedroom, bathroom, closet. Interior doors lock by accident constantly, usually with a child or a pet on the wrong side of them.
We pick the lock first. That is our default, and drilling is a last resort, not an opening move. Most residential locks open without damage, and your hardware keeps working afterward. If a lock genuinely cannot be picked and has to be drilled, we tell you before we do it, and we can install a replacement on the spot.
Lock installation and new deadbolts
If there is no deadbolt on the door at all, we can add one. That means boring a new hole in the door and frame, fitting the deadbolt and the strike plate, and making sure it closes properly rather than needing a shove.
We also install locks on doors that never had them: home office doors, basement doors, storage rooms.
Smart locks and keypads
Keypad deadbolts and smart locks are worth it if you are tired of hiding a key or handing out copies. We install the ones you buy, or recommend what actually holds up.
We set up the codes with you before we leave, and show you how to add one for a cleaner or a dog walker without giving them permanent access.
Lock repair and replacement
When a residential lock fails, replacing it usually costs about the same as repairing it, because the individual parts cost nearly as much as a whole new lock. So we tell you honestly which makes sense for your door instead of billing for a repair that will not last.
We also carry high security locks if you want something harder to pick or bump than a standard hardware store lock.
Mailbox lock replacement and keys
Lost the only key to the mailbox, or moved into a condo and never got one. We can usually pick the lock open and cut new keys from there, so the lock stays as it is.
The one thing we need first is permission. For a condo, that is a letter from USPS confirming which box belongs to your unit. For an apartment, the leasing office handles it, so we start there. If the box is part of a USPS cluster unit, we will have you set a time with your mail carrier to open the main door, which also confirms which box goes with which unit before we work on it.
It sounds like a hassle, but it is a short call, and it is what separates a real locksmith from someone willing to open any mailbox for anyone.
What it costs
| Service | Price |
| Service call | $85, covers coming out to you in the Columbus area during the day |
| Home lockout | $45 for the first lock, plus the service call |
| Standard residential rekey | $20 to $30 per cylinder |
| Keypad, profile cylinder and other rekeys | More per lock, since they take longer to work on |
A typical three-door rekey is the service call plus a cylinder charge per lock. We confirm the full price with you before starting, so nothing changes once we are there.
Where we work
Columbus and Central Ohio, including Hilliard, Dublin, Grove City, Westerville, Worthington, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg, Whitehall, Bexley, Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights.
We are open every day from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Common questions
How long does a house rekey take?
Most rekeys take under an hour for a few doors, depending on how many locks there are and what type they are.
Can all my locks use the same key?
Usually yes, as long as they are the same keyway. We check when we arrive and tell you before doing the work.
Do I need to replace my locks after moving in?
Usually not. A rekey stops every old key from working, which is what you actually want, and it costs less than new hardware.
Can you open an interior door without damaging it?
Most of the time, yes. Interior locks are simple, and opening them rarely requires drilling.
Will you drill my lock?
Only as a last resort. We pick first. If drilling is the only way in, you will know before it happens.
Do you install locks I bought myself?
Yes. Check the deadbolt-or-handle question and the backset first. Locks you supply are not covered by our warranty.
How do I pay?
Card, tap to pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cash, Venmo, Zelle or Cash App. Payment is due when the work is finished. Businesses with an account can be invoiced if we agree that in advance.