Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
Trusted Residential Locksmith Nationwide
A residential locksmith in Los Angeles handles the locks, keys and door hardware that keep your home secure. At Loxley Locksmith & Security, that means one thing above all: you get a written price before any work starts, and that price is what you pay. No figure that changes at the door. No surprises on the invoice. We’ve been doing it this way since 2007, as the residential and commercial locksmith branch of the Kingswell family of companies. Every technician who arrives at your door is background-checked, uniformed, and held to one written standard. If you’ve been burned by a no-show or a doubled quote, call (682) 281-8985. A live person answers 24/7, and we’ll tell you exactly what to expect before anyone gets in a truck.
Lock Rekey
Lock Rekey means we change the internal pins inside your existing lock cylinder so your old keys no longer work, while the lock itself stays in place. You’d do this after moving into a new home, after losing a key, or after a roommate or contractor returns only some of their copies. Rekeying a standard Schlage or Kwikset deadbolt typically runs $55-$120 per lock, including service. It’s the most economical way to establish key control without replacing perfectly good hardware. Loxley Locksmith & Security technicians carry pin kits for Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Baldwin, so we can often rekey mixed-brand homes in a single visit.
When a rekey makes more sense than replacement
If your lock itself turns smoothly and the finish is in decent shape, a rekey preserves that hardware and saves you money. We’ll inspect the lock, confirm it’s mechanically sound, and tell you straight if replacement would serve you better. Our written estimate covers rekeying the cylinder, testing the new keys, and making sure every old key is rendered useless before we leave.
How we handle lost or unreturned keys
A lost key doesn’t always require new hardware. We rekey the affected cylinders, cut you new keys, and document how many keys exist for each lock going forward. You’ll know exactly who has access. If you’d like a different key for every exterior door, or one key that works everywhere, we can explain both options and price them before we start.
Door Lock Repair
Door Lock Repair covers anything that keeps a lock from doing its job: a loose knob, a latch that won’t catch, a key that sticks or turns with resistance, a deadbolt that grinds. Most residential door lock repairs run $85-$165 depending on whether we’re replacing worn internal parts or realigning the strike and latch. Loxley Locksmith & Security treats a failing lock as a security issue, not a nuisance, because a lock that works intermittently today will fail completely at the worst possible moment. We stock internal components from Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale, plus Baldwin hardware for higher-end homes, and we fix the lock on-site whenever the hardware allows it.
Common failures we see most often
A deadbolt that drags against the strike plate usually means the door has settled or the hinges have worn. We realign the strike and, where needed, adjust the bolt throw so the deadbolt seats fully without forcing. A key that turns but won’t retract the latch often points to a broken spindle or a disconnected tailpiece. We open the lock, replace the failed part with a factory component, and torque everything back to spec.
Repair versus replace: our honest rule
If the lock costs more to repair than to replace, we tell you that in the estimate and show you the numbers-read DIY vs Professional Residential Locksmith: What’s Safe to Do Yourself to understand when to call us. We don’t push new hardware when a $40 internal part fixes the problem for five more years. When we do recommend replacement, it’s because the cylinder is too worn to hold a rekey or the housing is cracked, and we’ll explain that reasoning in plain English before you approve anything.
Locked Out of House
Locked Out of House means exactly that: you’re on the wrong side of your own door and the key isn’t in your pocket. Our standard lockout response runs $75-$125 in most areas, including travel, and we aim to have a technician to you within 60-75 minutes of your call. Before we touch the door, you’ll get a written price for the lockout plus any rekey or repair you decide to add. Loxley Locksmith & Security answers every lockout call with a live person at (682) 281-8985, day or night, and we don’t drill a lock unless it’s truly necessary. Most residential lockouts are opened without damage.
How we get you back inside without wrecking the lock
We start with non-destructive entry methods: a pick set for standard pin-tumbler cylinders, a bypass tool for privacy locks, or a shim where the latch allows it. The goal is to preserve your existing hardware so you’re not forced into an unplanned replacement. If the lock has been damaged by a previous attempt, or if it’s a high-security cylinder from Medeco or Mul-T-Lock, we’ll tell you what the realistic options are before proceeding.
After the door is open
Once you’re inside, we don’t vanish. We’ll ask whether you want the lock rekeyed, especially if a key is genuinely lost rather than simply misplaced. Our technician will walk you through your options, price them on the spot, and leave with the door working exactly as it should. You get the written guarantee on any repair we perform that day.
Deadbolt Installation
Deadbolt Installation adds a second locking point to an exterior door, usually a single-cylinder deadbolt above the doorknob. Standard deadbolt installation runs $95-$180 per lock for basic hardware, and $150-$300 for higher-security models from Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Baldwin, including labor and door preparation. A deadbolt is one of the lowest-cost upgrades that meaningfully changes how hard your home is to force open. Loxley Locksmith & Security installs deadbolts to the manufacturer’s spec, not just drilled in fast: correct backset, correct bore diameter, proper strike plate anchoring, and a smooth bolt action when we hand you the keys.
What we prepare and reinforce
Most doors come pre-bored for a standard 2-1/8-inch deadbolt hole. If yours isn’t, we use a jig to bore precisely and a spade bit sized for the brand of deadbolt going in. We also check the strike plate. A deadbolt is only as strong as the screws holding that plate, so we replace short builder-grade screws with longer hardened screws that reach into the door frame. That alone prevents a lot of kick-in failures on suburban homes.
Choosing the right deadbolt grade
We carry residential Grade 3 deadbolts for interior and secondary doors, Grade 2 for primary exterior doors, and Grade 1 commercial-grade hardware when you want the strongest residential option available. We’ll talk through what each grade means in terms of cycles and physical abuse testing, then let you choose with the price in writing before we start. No upsell required.
Lock Replacement
Lock Replacement means removing your current locking hardware entirely and installing new hardware in its place. You’d replace a lock when the existing one is worn beyond repair, when you’re upgrading from a builder-grade knob to a proper deadbolt, or when you want a finish that matches updated door hardware across your home. Basic lock replacement typically runs $85-$180 per lock with standard Schlage or Kwikset hardware, and $150-$400 per lock for brands like Baldwin, Medeco, or Mul-T-Lock that carry higher security ratings. The quoted price includes removal, installation, adjustment, and testing.
When replacement beats repair
If a cylinder is so worn that a rekey won’t hold reliable tolerances, or the internal chassis is loose from years of use, you’ll keep paying for repairs that outlast the lock’s useful life. We’ll show you what we found, tell you how much longer a repair would buy you, and let the numbers decide. Our technicians don’t work on commission, so a repair recommendation costs us nothing and saves you money when it’s the right call.
Matching hardware and keying schemes
If you replace one lock, we can key it to match your existing house key so you don’t walk around with three keys for three doors. If you’d rather start fresh, we’ll establish a new key for the new lock and rekey the rest of the house to match on the same visit. Either way, you’ll know exactly how many keys exist when we leave, and the written guarantee covers our installation for a full year.
Smart Lock Installation
Smart Lock Installation puts keypad, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi-enabled deadbolts on your doors so you can lock and unlock with a code, app, or fingerprint instead of a traditional key. Installation typically runs $120-$250 per lock, including installation, alignment, and pairing with your phone or home hub. The price depends on the lock model and whether your door needs additional boring or strike adjustments; we’ll show you the full number before any work begins. Loxley Locksmith & Security installs smart locks from Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale, and we’ve handled enough of them to know the common failure points: misaligned bolts, weak Wi-Fi, and dead batteries. We set up the lock, test it with you at the door, and make sure the mechanical override works.
What to have ready before we arrive
If you’ve already bought the smart lock, have it out and charged. If you haven’t, tell us your door’s backset and we’ll bring options. We’ll also ask whether you want the smart lock to work with your existing house key as a backup, which most people do. That keeps you from being locked out if the batteries die, and we can key the cylinder to match your other doors while we’re there.
Pairing, firmware, and the honest limitations
We connect the lock to your phone and home Wi-Fi if it supports it, update the firmware, and delete any default codes the factory left on the device. Then we show you how to add and remove user codes yourself. We’ll also tell you straight if a particular smart lock isn’t a good fit for your door’s alignment or your home’s signal coverage, and suggest a model that will actually work.
Sliding Door Lock Repair
Sliding Door Lock Repair addresses the weak points on patio doors and glass sliders: bent latches, stripped handle sets, broken foot locks, and worn roller assemblies that let the door sit out of alignment so the lock won’t seat. Most sliding door lock repairs run $90-$180 depending on whether we’re replacing the locking hardware alone or also adjusting the rollers and track alignment. A sliding door that doesn’t lock is one of the most common entry points in break-ins, because burglars know these doors are often the most neglected hardware in the house. We stock replacement latches and handle sets for major sliding door brands and can have most repairs done in a single visit.
The two problems that usually come together
When the lock won’t catch, the problem is rarely just the latch. Rollers wear down, the door drops a fraction of an inch, and suddenly the bolt no longer lines up with the receiver. We check both. A technician will adjust the rollers, set the door height, and then install or repair the locking hardware so everything lines up correctly. That’s the only way to keep the repair from failing again in a month.
Upgrading to a secondary sliding door lock
Many sliding doors come with a simple flip latch that a determined push can defeat. We offer secondary locks: pin-style locks, foot bolts, and auxiliary deadbolts that anchor the door to the frame. We’ll explain what each option costs and does, and you pick. The written price covers installation and adjustment, and the whole job is covered by our 365-day guarantee.
Locked Out of Apartment
Locked Out of Apartment means you’re outside your unit, usually in a building with common-area access, and your keys are inside. Apartment lockouts typically run $75-$125, same as home lockouts, with the same live-answer phone line at (682) 281-8985. One important note: some apartment communities require management or a leasing office to authorize lockout service, since the unit door may be on a master key system. If you’re a tenant, have your lease or a management contact ready. If you’re the property owner, we can document the lock after entry and advise whether the cylinder should be rekeyed between tenants.
Navigating building access for technicians
Before we dispatch, we’ll ask about the property: is there a call box, a concierge, or a secured garage? Our technician needs a way to reach your unit door. If the building requires a work order or permission slip, tell us and we’ll coordinate. The written estimate you receive before dispatch stays the same whether entry takes five minutes or requires working through a managed building’s process.
After we get you back inside
We’ll test the lock, make sure nothing was damaged during entry, and ask if you’d like a rekey if the key is really gone. If the apartment uses a restricted keyway like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock, we’ll confirm with management what’s allowed under the building’s keying agreement before altering any cylinders. Our guarantee covers any repair we perform, and you’ll know the full price before we start.
Brands We Service
Loxley Locksmith & Security technicians train on and stock hardware from the brands homeowners actually have on their doors. We carry key blanks, cylinders, and replacement components for Schlage and Kwikset, the two workhorses of American residential locks, plus Yale, Baldwin, and Sargent for homes with higher-end finishes or older hardware. We can tell you whether a 30-year-old Baldwin mortise lock is worth rebuilding or replacing, and we’ll give you that answer in plain language.
We also handle high-security residential cylinders from Medeco and Mul-T-Lock. These aren’t locks you rekey at a big-box store. They use restricted keyways and patented key control, which means the key blanks are only available to authorized dealers. We’re set up to service both, cut authorized keys, and rekey existing cylinders without sending you back to the original installer. Whether you have a Medeco deadbolt on the front door or a Kwikset knob on the garage, we can keep it working.
Signs You Need a Pro Right Now
- Your key turns but the deadbolt doesn’t fully throw. You may think the door is locked when only the latch is holding it. We see this often on doors that have settled, and the result is a door that can be opened with a credit card or a shoulder. A locksmith checks the strike alignment and bolt travel on the same visit.
- A key broke off in the lock, or one of your keys is now missing. A broken key usually means a worn cylinder or a bad copy. More importantly, a missing key means anyone who finds it can get in. We extract the broken piece and rekey the cylinder so old keys stop working that day.
- The door lock is visibly loose, or the knob spins without engaging. This is often a broken spindle, a disconnected tailpiece, or loosened mounting screws. The door won’t hold, and forcing it only does more damage. We replace the failed part and torque everything down before we leave.
- You just moved into a new place and don’t know who has a key. Former owners, their relatives, cleaners, contractors, pet sitters. You have no way to know. A rekey invalidates every old key in one visit, and you get a documented count of how many keys exist going forward.
- You had a break-in or an attempted break-in. After any forced entry, the lock and frame often have damage you can’t see from the outside: a bent strike plate, a cracked jamb, a cylinder that’s been drilled. We assess the door as a system, not just the lock, and give you a written scope of what needs fixing and what it costs.
Our Process, Step by Step
- 1
Call us, or check the home page for service details. A live person answers at (682) 281-8985. You describe what’s happening, we ask a few questions about your door, your lock, and what you need done. No phone tree.
- 2
We give you a written price before the work starts. Not an estimate with wiggle room. A written price that covers the service call, the labor, and the parts. If the job changes, we tell you before we change the price. This is the Kingswell Way, and it’s been our rule since day one.
- 3
A uniformed, background-checked technician arrives in the quoted window. You’ll know the technician’s name before they arrive. They’ll show identification, take a look at the door, and confirm the price is still correct before touching anything.
- 4
The work is done on-site, with you watching if you want. Most residential locksmith jobs are completed in under an hour. We test the lock with you, hand you the keys, and leave the work area cleaner than we found it. The guarantee goes in writing before we leave.
- 5
If the repair fails within 365 days, we come back free. You don’t need to find the paper or argue with a call center. You call, we schedule the return visit, we fix it. That’s the Done Right Promise, and it’s written on every invoice.
How Much Does Residential Locksmith Cost?
Residential locksmith pricing in the U.S. generally runs $75-$400 depending on the service. A lockout call typically lands between $75 and $125. Rekeying a standard Schlage or Kwikset deadbolt runs $55-$120 per lock. Door lock repair usually falls between $85 and $165. Deadbolt installation runs $95-$300 depending on hardware grade. Lock replacement ranges from $85 for basic hardware to $400 for high-security brands like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock. Smart lock installation typically costs $120-$250 per lock. These are honest ranges based on what we charge across the country, and the phone quote matches the invoice.
Several things move the price: the number of locks, the brand and grade of hardware, whether the door needs additional boring or strike reinforcement, and how far the technician has to travel. You avoid overpaying by getting the price in writing before dispatch and refusing any company that won’t commit to that. Every Loxley estimate includes the trip, the labor, the parts, and the written guarantee. There’s a free estimate on every call, so phone our team at (682) 281-8985 and ask for your number. No obligation, no surprise charges.
Where We Work
Loxley Locksmith & Security serves homeowners and businesses across the United States through local crews held to the same written Kingswell standard. Each location is independently owned and operated, which means you get a locksmith who knows the local area but works under one national rulebook: price agreed before the work starts, arrival window kept, job site left clean, and every repair backed by a written guarantee. Wherever you’re calling from, a live person answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Locksmith
A residential locksmith is a tradesperson who installs, repairs, rekeys, and opens locks on homes and apartments-see The Complete Residential Locksmith Guide for Los Angeles Homeowners for a deeper look at what we do. That covers deadbolts, doorknobs, smart locks, sliding door locks, and key duplication. At Loxley Locksmith & Security, every residential locksmith is background-checked, uniformed, and trained on hardware from Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, Baldwin, Medeco, and Mul-T-Lock.
Most residential jobs are finished within 30 to 90 minutes on-site. A standard lockout takes 15 to 30 minutes once the technician arrives, and a single-lock rekey or repair is usually done in under an hour. We’ll give you a realistic arrival window when you call, and we keep it.
Plan on $75 to $125 for a lockout, $55 to $120 per lock for a rekey, and $85 to $400 for most repairs, replacements, and installations depending on hardware. Every quote from Loxley Locksmith & Security is written before work starts, and the price on the phone is the price on the invoice. Call (682) 281-8985 for a free estimate on your specific job.
Yes. We carry key blanks, cylinders, and internal components for all those brands, including restricted keyways from Medeco and Mul-T-Lock. If you have a different brand, we’ll tell you up front whether we can service it or whether replacement is the more practical route. Most common residential hardware is serviceable the same day.
Yes. A live person answers our phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. If you’re locked out of your house or apartment, we dispatch a technician as soon as possible and give you a real arrival window. There’s no different price for nights or weekends when the call is a straightforward lockout.
Every repair and installation carries our 365-Day Done Right Promise. If the work fails inside a year, we come back and fix it at no charge, parts and labor included. That’s a written guarantee on every invoice, not a verbal promise, and it applies to the locks and hardware we install.
Have your address ready and a phone number where you can be reached. If you’re locked out, stay somewhere safe and wait for the technician to call on arrival. If the job involves a smart lock, have the lock and its app login nearby, and if it’s an apartment, check whether your building requires management approval. We’ll handle the rest.
Schedule Your Residential Locksmith Service Today
If your lock is acting up, or you’re on the wrong side of the door, call (682) 281-8985. We’ll give you a written price before anyone is dispatched, a real arrival window, and a written guarantee on the work. A live person answers 24/7, and the estimate is free. No pressure, no surprise charges. Just a straight answer and a locksmith who shows up.
Written by Sam Rourke, Owner at Loxley Locksmith & Security, serving homeowners and businesses since 2007.