Lock Problems, Before and After the Fix
Four of the most common problems our technicians correct, shown as simple diagrams.
- Open 24/7
- 15–25 min response
- 37 mobile technicians
- Licensed, bonded & insured
What the fix looks like
These are illustrations, not photographs of customer jobs. They show what is wrong and what is different when the work is done.
Deadbolt that will not lock without a shove
The bolt is hitting the strike plate instead of entering the hole. We realign the strike and deepen the hole so the bolt throws fully with the door closed.
Lock repair →Strike plate held by short screws
Short screws grip only the thin door jamb. Three-inch screws anchor the strike to the wall framing, which is where a forced door normally fails.
Lock change and installation →Worn key that sticks or snaps
Copying a worn key copies the wear. A key cut to the original code restores crisp cuts and stops the sticking.
Car key replacement →Door with only a knob lock
A knob lock alone is easy to force. Adding a deadbolt with a one-inch throw is the single biggest upgrade for an exterior door.
Lock change and installation →Want to do some of this yourself? See our how-to guides.
Locked out or need a locksmith now?
A technician can be at your door anywhere in Washington, DC in 15–25 minutes, any hour of the day or night.
📞 Call (240) 202-2249