We get calls every single day from Sherman Oaks homeowners asking about lock changes. A lot of them start the same way: “I just realized my front door only has a knob lock.” If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Plenty of homes around Moorpark Street, Dickens Street, and the neighborhoods south of Ventura Boulevard still have builder-grade knob locks that offer almost zero security.
Here are the questions we hear most often — straight answers from the Locksmith HQ Team.
Is a Knob Lock Really That Easy to Break Into?
Yes. A standard doorknob lock can be forced open in seconds. All it takes is a firm kick, a credit card shimmy, or a cheap tool from the internet. Knob locks were never designed to be your primary security — they’re mostly there so the door latches shut.
We’ve done for dozens of homeowners who learned this the hard way. One family near Hazeltine Avenue called us after a break-in where the intruder literally twisted the knob off. A deadbolt would have stopped that cold.
What’s the Actual Difference Between a Knob Lock and a Deadbolt?
A knob lock uses a spring-loaded latch. Push it hard enough from the outside and it gives. A deadbolt uses a solid metal bolt that slides into the door frame and stays there until you turn the key or thumbturn. There’s no spring mechanism to exploit.
Grade 1 and Grade 2 deadbolts (from brands like Schlage and Kwikset) are what we recommend for residential doors. They resist forced entry, drilling, and picking far better than any knob lock ever will. For most Sherman Oaks homes, a Grade 2 deadbolt hits the sweet spot between security and budget.
How Much Does a Lock Change in Sherman Oaks Cost?
For a straightforward swap — removing an old knob lock and installing a new deadbolt — you’re typically looking at $90 to $180 per door, including the lock hardware. The price depends on the brand you choose and whether your door needs any modification to fit the deadbolt.
Some older homes along Magnolia Boulevard and in the Chandler Estates area have non-standard door preps, which can bump up the cost slightly if we need to drill a new hole for the deadbolt. We always let you know upfront before starting any work.
If you already have a deadbolt and just want a fresh one, that’s usually on the lower end since the door is already prepped. And if you’re looking at a instead — say your locks are in good shape but you just need new keys — that’s a cheaper option starting around $25-40 per lock.
Can You Add a Deadbolt If My Door Doesn’t Have One?
Absolutely. This is one of the most common jobs we do. We drill the bore hole, install the deadbolt, and cut the strike plate pocket into the frame so the bolt seats properly. Takes about 30 to 45 minutes per door for an experienced locksmith.
The key detail most people miss: the strike plate matters just as much as the deadbolt itself. We install strike plates with 3-inch screws that anchor into the wall stud behind the frame — not the flimsy half-inch screws that come in the box. That alone makes a huge difference in kick-in resistance.
Should I Go with a Smart Lock or a Traditional Deadbolt?
Depends on how you live. Smart locks like the Schlage Encode or Kwikset Halo are popular with Sherman Oaks homeowners who rent out guesthouses, have dog walkers, or just hate carrying keys. You can give out temporary codes and delete them whenever you want.
Traditional deadbolts are simpler, cheaper, and have no batteries to die. For a side door or back door off Van Nuys Boulevard that you rarely use, a standard deadbolt makes perfect sense. For your front door where convenience matters, a smart lock might be worth the upgrade.
We install both. During a lock change Sherman Oaks appointment, we can walk you through the options with the actual locks in hand so you can feel the difference.
How Fast Can You Get Here to Change My Locks?
We’re mobile and we cover all of Sherman Oaks — from the residential streets near Sherman Oaks Galleria down to the neighborhoods bordering Encino and Van Nuys. Most days we can be at your door within 20 to 30 minutes of your call.
Lock changes don’t always have to be emergencies, though. A lot of our customers schedule appointments for a Saturday morning, get all their exterior doors upgraded at once, and knock it out in a couple hours. We bring multiple lock options on the van so you can choose on the spot.
Check out our full range of Sherman Oaks locksmith services to see what else we can help with — from car lockouts to commercial lock installations.
Ready to Upgrade Your Locks?
If your Sherman Oaks home is still relying on basic knob locks, a deadbolt upgrade is one of the simplest and most effective security improvements you can make. Give the Locksmith HQ Team a call at (818) 398-9391 and we’ll get your doors sorted out.
