Lock Change
in Winnetka

Should I change the lock or just rekey it?

It depends on the lock you've got. If the hardware still works smoothly and you only want the old keys to stop working — say you just moved in — a rekey is faster and cheaper. Change the lock when it's worn, sticky, damaged, or when you want a higher security grade than what's on the door. On a lot of older Winnetka homes the original set is worn enough that a change is the better spend.

Which lock grade should I get?

Locks are rated Grade 3 (basic), Grade 2 (solid residential), and Grade 1 (heaviest, commercial-level). For most Winnetka front doors a good Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt is the sweet spot. If security is the whole reason you're calling, we can fit a high-security cylinder that resists picking, bumping, and drilling and uses keys that can't be duplicated at a hardware store. Back and side doors can run a step lighter to save money.

How long does a lock change take?

A single deadbolt is usually swapped and tested in twenty to thirty minutes. A whole house — front, back, side, garage entry — keyed to match runs closer to an hour or two, depending on how many doors. We stock the common grades and finishes in the van, so most Winnetka jobs are finished in the one visit.

Can all my locks open with one key?

Yes. Whether we're changing the hardware or rekeying it, we can set every exterior lock — front, back, side gate, garage door — to a single key so you're not juggling a ring. If you'd rather keep a separate key for one door, like a rental unit or a workshop out back, we can do that too.