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Lock Change Services

Lock change services are a vital part of maintaining security in both homes and commercial properties. Whether due to a security concern, lost keys, tenant turnover, or hardware failure, replacing your locks helps ensure that only authorized individuals have access to your property.

At Locksmith Guarantee, we provide professional lock change services tailored to the specific needs of residential and commercial clients. Our technicians install high-quality locks that meet current safety standards and provide dependable protection for your property.

Benefits of Lock Change Services

✔ Enhances security by removing access from unauthorized individuals

✔ Helps maintain compliance with property management and safety policies

✔ Offers an opportunity to upgrade to more secure or modern lock systems

✔ Restores functionality to damaged or malfunctioning locks

✔ Available for a wide variety of lock types and door materials

Lock Change Services for Residential Properties

Changing locks is one of the most important steps in securing your home. Whether you’re moving into a new residence, replacing outdated hardware, or addressing a lost or stolen key, we provide lock change services that match your lifestyle and security preferences.

We change locks for:

  • Apartments and rental units
  • Single-family homes and townhouses
  • Interior doors, gates, and garages
  • Entry doors and sliding glass doors

Our technicians ensure a clean, secure installation and can recommend upgrades to smart locks or high-security options if needed.

Lock Change Services for Commercial Properties

Businesses often require lock changes due to staffing changes, break-ins, or routine security upgrades. Our commercial lock change services support security and compliance across a wide range of industries and facility types.

We replace locks for:

  • Office buildings and coworking spaces
  • Retail stores and shopping centers
  • Industrial and warehouse facilities
  • Restaurants, schools, and medical offices

We offer lock changes that integrate with access control systems, master key systems, and commercial-grade hardware.

Types of Locks We Replace

  • Deadbolts — Single or double-cylinder models for residential and commercial doors
  • Mortise locks — Common in commercial buildings and older homes
  • Keyed knob and lever locks — Interior and exterior use
  • High-security locks — Pick-resistant and drill-resistant options
  • Smart locks — Keypad, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi enabled models
  • Padlocks and gate locks — For fences, garages, and utility areas

 

Professional Lock Change Services in Maryland

Residential, commercial, and automotive lock replacement by licensed and insured locksmiths serving Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.

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Understanding Lock Change Services

A lock change involves removing your existing lock hardware and installing a new lockset in its place. This is different from a lock rekey, which keeps the original hardware but alters the internal pin configuration so old keys no longer work. Both are valid security measures, but the right choice depends on the condition of your current hardware, the security level you need, and how much control you want over key access going forward.

At Locksmith Guarantee, we handle lock changes for homes, apartments, rental properties, retail businesses, and office spaces across Maryland. Our technicians carry a wide selection of Grade 1 and Grade 2 ANSI-rated hardware on every service vehicle, which means most jobs can be completed in a single visit without ordering parts.

When a Lock Change Makes More Sense Than Rekeying

Rekeying is a cost-effective option when the existing hardware is structurally sound. However, there are several situations where replacing the lock entirely is the better approach. If the cylinder is worn or stiff, if the lock has been forced or drilled, if you want to upgrade from a Grade 3 builder-grade lock to a higher security grade, or if you’re switching from a keyed lock to a smart lock, a full change is the way to go. We can assess your current hardware and give you an honest recommendation before any work begins.

Residential Lock Change Services

Maryland homeowners in communities across Montgomery County and Prince George’s County rely on us for lock changes in a wide range of situations. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, experienced a break-in, or simply want to modernize older hardware, our residential lock change services cover everything from standard deadbolts to smart lock installations.

New Home Lock Change When you move into a previously owned home, you have no way to account for every key that was cut over the years. A full lock change on all exterior doors removes that uncertainty entirely and gives you a clean starting point with your own set of keys.
Post-Forced Entry Replacement Break-in attempts frequently damage the lock body, door frame, and strike plate. We replace the compromised hardware and install reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws for significantly better resistance to kick-in attempts.
Smart Lock Installation We install and program keypad and app-connected locks from Schlage, Yale, and August. Smart locks are a good solution for households that manage access for multiple family members, housekeepers, or short-term guests. Our residential locksmith team handles setup from wiring to app pairing.
High-Security Grade 1 Upgrades Many homes were built with builder-grade hardware that meets minimum code but offers limited resistance to picking or drilling. We upgrade these to ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts, including brands like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock that offer patented keyways and hardened steel construction.
Key-Alike Lock Sets If you’re replacing multiple locks on the property, we can set all of them to operate on a single key. This eliminates the need for a heavy keyring while keeping individual doors independently secured.
Rental Property Turnovers Landlords and property managers in areas like Laurel and Silver Spring use our scheduled services to change locks between tenants. We keep records of hardware models to ensure consistency across units.
Commercial Lock Change Services

Commercial lock hardware handles far greater daily use than residential locks, and the consequences of a failure or a security gap are more significant. Our commercial locksmith services cover office buildings, retail storefronts, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and multi-tenant properties throughout Maryland.

One of the most common commercial requests we handle is lock changes following employee departures. When a staff member leaves without returning all keys, changing the affected locks is a straightforward way to restore key accountability. For businesses that want a longer-term solution, we can install an interchangeable core (IC) system, which allows for professional cylinder swaps without disassembling the entire lockset. This is particularly useful for businesses in high-turnover industries.

We also handle storefront door hardware including mortise locks, cylindrical locksets, and rim cylinders. Storefront doors see heavy use and the hardware wears reliableer than interior residential locks. A sagging or misaligned commercial door is one of the most common causes of a cylinder that’s difficult to turn, and in many cases the issue isn’t the lock itself but how the door sits in the frame. Our technicians check the door alignment before recommending a full hardware change.

For businesses that need to comply with fire egress codes, we work alongside our panic bar and exit device installations to ensure your lock hardware meets local requirements. We also handle commercial push bar installation and push bar repair for retail and office properties.

How a Lock Change Works: Step by Step
1

On-Site Assessment

We examine the existing hardware, the door condition, and the frame. If there’s any misalignment, worn strike plate, or damage that needs addressing before a new lock is installed, we identify it at this stage so you have a complete picture of the work involved.

2

Hardware Selection

We carry a selection of residential and commercial locksets on every service call. Based on the door prep size, your security goals, and your budget, we recommend the right hardware. You’re welcome to specify a brand or model if you have a preference.

3

Removal and Installation

We remove the old lock, clean the door prep area, and install the new hardware. For smart locks, this includes running any required wiring and mounting the interior assembly. We test the lock multiple times before moving on.

4

Strike Plate and Frame Check

A lock is only as strong as its strike plate installation. We confirm the strike plate uses long screws that reach the wall stud behind the door frame. On older homes this step is often skipped by general contractors but makes a significant difference in forced entry resistance.

5

Key Handover and Programming

We cut your new keys on-site and test each one in the installed lock. For smart locks, we complete the app pairing and walk you through adding user codes or granting remote access. Old keys are collected if requested.

Lock Change vs. Lock Rekey: Which One Do You Need?
Situation Recommended Service Why
Moved into a new home, hardware in good shape Lock Rekey reliableer and less costly when hardware is functional
Lock is stiff, worn, or difficult to operate Lock Change Internal components are failing; a rekey won’t fix the mechanical issue
Want to upgrade to a smart lock Lock Change New hardware is required; existing lockset cannot be converted
Lost a key, hardware is fine Lock Rekey Renders lost key useless at a lower cost than replacement
Home was broken into Lock Change Forced entry typically damages hardware; frame and strike plate also need inspection
Employee left without returning keys Lock Change or Rekey Either works; IC core systems allow future rekeying without full hardware replacement
Want to consolidate multiple keys into one Lock Change (key-alike) New locksets can be keyed to match during installation
Lock Brands We Work With

We stock and install a wide range of hardware to match different security needs and budgets. Our technicians are trained on the installation requirements for each brand, which matters because improper installation can void a manufacturer’s warranty and reduce the effectiveness of even premium hardware.

Schlage Widely trusted Grade 1 residential and commercial locks. Good balance of security and everyday usability.
Kwikset Affordable Grade 2 and Grade 3 options for standard residential use. SmartKey models allow for owner rekeying.
Medeco High-security cylinders with patented keyways and hardened steel construction. Ideal for high-value residential or commercial entry points.
Mul-T-Lock Telescopic pin technology with restricted key duplication. Frequently specified for commercial master key systems.
Yale Known for smart lock product lines including keypad and Z-Wave connected deadbolts for home automation integration.
Baldwin Architectural-grade hardware for upscale residential properties. Available in a range of finishes to match door hardware aesthetics.
Automotive Lock Services

Lock changes aren’t limited to buildings. Our automotive locksmith team handles door lock cylinder replacements on cars, trucks, and SUVs across Maryland. This service is commonly needed after a break-in where the cylinder was punched or drilled, or when a damaged cylinder makes it difficult to insert or turn the key.

We also handle situations where a vehicle key fob has failed and the mechanical key override is the only way to enter the car. Our mobile units carry the tools to replace door lock cylinders on most vehicle makes and models without requiring a trip to a dealership. For lost vehicle keys or transponder key programming, see our car key replacement service.

Safe and Cabinet Lock Services

We also change locks on residential and commercial safes, filing cabinets, and desk drawers. If you’ve acquired a safe without the combination or keys, or if a cabinet lock has been damaged, our technicians can replace the locking mechanism without destroying the unit. See our mechanical safe lockout service, electronic safe lockout service, and cabinet and desk lock service for more information.

Areas We Serve

Locksmith Guarantee provides lock change services throughout Maryland. Our mobile technicians cover the following communities and surrounding areas:

If you’re in a community not listed above, call us to confirm coverage. We serve a wide radius throughout central Maryland and our mobile dispatch covers most areas within Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a lock change and a lock rekey?

A lock rekey changes the internal pin configuration so only new keys will work with the existing hardware. A lock change replaces the entire lockset with new hardware. Rekeying costs less and works well when the hardware is in good condition. A full lock change makes sense when hardware is worn, damaged, or when you want to upgrade to a different type of lock.

How long does a lock change take?

A standard residential deadbolt replacement typically takes 20 to 30 minutes per door. Smart lock installations may take 30 to 45 minutes due to wiring, programming, and app setup. Commercial hardware such as mortise locks or panic bars can take 45 to 90 minutes depending on door prep requirements.

Can I get all my new locks keyed the same?

Yes. We offer a key-alike service where multiple new locks are set to operate on a single key. This is convenient for homeowners who want to use one key for all exterior doors. We can also set up a master key hierarchy for commercial properties where different staff members need different levels of access.

What lock brands do you install?

We work with Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Yale, and August, among others. We stock Grade 1 ANSI-rated hardware on every service vehicle and can source specialty hardware for specific requirements.

Do I need a lock change after a break-in?

After a break-in, a full lock change is usually the right approach. Forced entry often damages the lock body, strike plate, and the door frame around the latch. We assess all three areas and replace any compromised components, including upgrading to longer strike plate screws for better frame resistance.

Do you provide lock change services across Maryland?

Yes. Locksmith Guarantee serves residential and commercial customers across Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and surrounding areas including Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Laurel, Columbia, and many more communities throughout Maryland. View our full service areas list for details.

Schedule a Lock Change in Maryland

From single deadbolt replacements to full commercial re-hardware projects, our licensed technicians are ready to help. Written estimates provided before work begins, with no hidden fees.

(240) 931-0762 Get a Free Quote