What goes wrong
We handle the common emergencies that stop you from getting in or out: a key snapped in a mortise cylinder, a deadbolt jammed so the thumbturn won't turn, a latch frozen in the strike, or an electronic keypad that won't accept codes. Residential lockouts, apartment doors with warped frames, and mailroom or office locks that have been forced are all within what we do. If you call from Roxborough we drive out from Havertown and tell you straightaway how soon we can get there; that way you know whether to wait or make other arrangements.
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What the job involves
On site we assess what the hardware actually is: cylinder with a long tailpiece, a knob set with a rosette, a reinforced deadbolt with a heavy bolt, or a rim lock with an external cam. Depending on the failure we pick the least invasive method that will restore operation: cylinder extraction, core removal, picking when the keyway permits, or removing the lock from the door to work on it off the jamb. We carry replacement cylinders, spindle sets, and a range of hardened bolts so we can fit the correct part and return the door to proper alignment.
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Good to know
While you wait, clear an unobstructed approach to the affected door and unlock or open any secondary entrances we might need to access the lock from inside. Have photo ID and proof of ownership or tenancy available; for vehicles we’ll ask for registration and the key code if you have it, plus whether the car has an immobilizer or remote start. If it’s an apartment or shared building, contact building management if you’re not the leaseholder. A light on and an unlocked interior door make the work safer and faster.
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Worth knowing
We use non-destructive entry whenever the lock and damage allow, and explain tradeoffs when replacement is the better option: extracting a broken key can preserve a cylinder, but a heavily scored plug or a forged bolt may be safer to replace. We can rekey a cylinder to your current key, swap in a keyed-alike cylinder, or fit a reinforced strike and longer screws where the door frame has split. In Roxborough and nearby neighborhoods like Manayunk or East Falls we aim to leave the lock functioning cleanly, with parts matched to the door and hardware rather than a temporary fix.
