Lock Replacement Service
Need urgent home service help?
Call to be connected with an available independent locksmith professional.
Independent providers determine availability and pricing. How matching works
Short answer
Lock replacement swaps the hardware itself, and is the correct call when the lock is damaged, seized, corroded, has been forced, or no longer matches the security you want on that door. If the lock still works properly and you only need old keys to stop working, rekeying achieves that without new hardware. Exterior door hardware in coastal South Florida also fails from salt corrosion, which rekeying cannot fix.
Lock replacement swaps out worn, damaged, or outdated hardware for a new lock or deadbolt, and is also the path for adding smart/electronic locks. Replacement is the right move when the hardware itself — not just the key — needs to change.
Last updated
When replacement is the better fit
- Lock is loose, sticky, or doesn't latch flush after adjustment
- Hardware was damaged during a break-in attempt or forced entry
- You want a higher ANSI/BHMA grade for better tested security
- You want to add a smart/electronic or keypad lock
- You're standardizing hardware finish/style across doors
Choosing a deadbolt grade
Deadbolts are commonly rated Grade 1 through 3 under ANSI/BHMA A156.36. Grade 1 offers the highest tested durability and force resistance and is often used on primary entry doors; Grade 2 is a common standard for residential exteriors; Grade 3 is typically reserved for lower-traffic or interior applications.
| Priority | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Maximum security | Grade 1 deadbolt, solid-metal strike plate with long screws |
| Standard home entry | Grade 2 deadbolt |
| Convenience/smart access | Electronic or smart deadbolt with key override |
Smart and electronic deadbolt considerations
Confirm battery type and expected battery life, whether the lock needs a hub/Wi-Fi bridge for remote access, and whether it fits your door's existing bore holes and backset without modification. Most smart deadbolts keep a physical key override for backup entry.
Installation basics
A straightforward deadbolt swap using an existing bore hole is usually quick. Installing a lock where none existed, or changing to hardware with a different backset or door-prep requirement, takes longer because the door itself needs modification.
Rekey or replace the locks?
Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work while keeping the existing hardware. It is the usual choice after moving in, after losing a key, or after a roommate or contractor turnover, provided the locks are in good condition. Replace the lock when the hardware is damaged, worn, obsolete or too weak for the door, or when you want a different lock type such as a smart lock.
| Rekey | Replace | |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps existing hardware | Yes | No |
| Invalidates old keys | Yes | Yes |
| Fixes worn or damaged hardware | No | Yes |
| Typical reason | Key control after a change in who holds keys | Hardware condition, security upgrade or new lock type |
Rekey when
- Hardware works smoothly
- You only need old keys invalidated
- You want several doors on one key
Replace when
- The lock sticks, is damaged or is worn
- You want an upgraded or smart lock
- The door hardware no longer fits the door
Should a damaged lock be repaired or replaced?
A lock that is stiff, sticking or has a key broken in the cylinder is often repairable: the cylinder is cleaned, serviced or re-pinned and the hardware stays on the door. Replace the lock when it has been forced, when the body or bolt is bent, when corrosion has reached the internals, or when the cylinder can no longer be turned smoothly after service. In coastal South Florida, salt corrosion on exterior hardware is a common reason a repair does not hold.
| Repair or service | Replace | |
|---|---|---|
| Key sticks or turns roughly | Usually | If service does not resolve it |
| Key snapped in the cylinder | Usually — extraction and service | If the cylinder was damaged |
| Lock was forced or pried | No | Yes |
| Bolt does not align with the strike | Often a door or strike adjustment | Only if hardware is damaged |
| Visible corrosion inside the cylinder | Temporary at best | Yes |
Repair when
- The hardware is sound and reasonably recent
- The fault is dirt, wear or alignment
- A key fragment needs extracting
Replace when
- The lock was forced during a break-in
- Corrosion or damage has reached the internals
- You want a higher security grade on that door
Safety note: If a door cannot be locked at all, treat securing the property as the priority and ask for a temporary secure option until permanent hardware is fitted.
Frequently asked questions
What deadbolt grade should I choose for my front door?
Grade 1 offers the highest tested durability and is a common choice for primary entry doors; Grade 2 is a widely used standard for residential exteriors.
Can any smart lock fit my existing door?
Most fit standard bore holes and backsets, but it's worth confirming compatibility with your door's existing prep before buying, especially for older or nonstandard doors.
Do smart locks still have a physical key?
Most electronic and smart deadbolts include a key override as a backup in case of battery failure or electronic malfunction.
Is replacement or rekeying cheaper?
Rekeying generally costs less since it reuses existing hardware; replacement involves the cost of new hardware plus installation but is necessary when the hardware itself needs to change.
Sources
- Avoiding locksmith scams — confirming price and identity before work starts — U.S. Federal Trade Commission
- Verify a Florida contractor or plumbing license — Florida DBPR Licensing Portal
Need lock replacement?
Tell us what you need and enter your ZIP code to find local professionals who may be able to help.
More locksmith services
Answers, costs and next steps
Lock Replacement by city
UrgentHomePro accepts requests around the clock. Availability, hours, licensing, pricing and warranties are set by each independent provider and vary — we tell you when no participating provider is available rather than implying one is on the way.
UrgentHomePro is a home-services matching platform. We help connect consumers with independent home-service providers. UrgentHomePro does not perform home repairs and does not employ the independent providers it may route requests to. Provider availability, qualifications, licensing, pricing, warranties and service terms are determined by the individual provider. Calls placed through this site may be connected to an independent provider or a partner provider network, and UrgentHomePro may be compensated for qualifying calls and requests. Availability and arrival times vary by provider, location and current demand.