Why people call
People in Philadelphia County call us for lock replacement when a latch sticks, a key snaps, a lock shows heavy wear from years of use, or they want to upgrade to a stronger deadbolt or a different handle style. Sometimes the cylinder is seized or the strike plate is bent from a forced entry attempt; other times a tenant change means the building owner wants all exterior locks replaced. We remove worn, damaged, or unwanted knobs, levers, deadbolts and mortise locks and fit new hardware on the same door so the opening works reliably again. As a mobile locksmith based in Havertown, our van comes to the address to do the work where the lock is.
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What the job involves
We start by inspecting the existing lock and the condition of the door and jamb, then we explain options in plain terms and confirm which replacement the customer wants. Next we remove the existing lockset or mortise lock, check the bore and backset, fit the new lock or adapter plate if needed, anchor the strike plate and fasteners, and align the latch or bolt so it operates smoothly. We test the new hardware with the door closed and open, make small adjustments to clearance and strike alignment, and hand over the keys or rekey the cylinder if requested.
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Across the county
Work varies across the county because buildings and doors differ. In Center City and parts of Fishtown we see a lot of apartment and mixed-use entries, often metal or solid-core doors with commercial strikes. In North Philadelphia and West Philadelphia the jobs range from older rowhouse doors and multi-family entrances to newer replacement doors, each needing attention to worn frames, uneven thresholds, or painted-over hardware. South Philadelphia properties often have metal storm doors and layered locks that require careful matching. We select hardware and installation methods to suit the door material and the building type on site.
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Before we arrive
Before we arrive, clear a working area around the door: move trash bins, bicycles or other obstacles so we can set the parts down and access the jamb. Have the door unlocked if possible and keep pets and children away from the immediate work area. If you have the old keys, bring them within reach; if you know the existing lock brand or have any paperwork for the current hardware, gather that information. Also decide whether you want us to leave the new lock keyed to the old key or rekeyed to new keys, so we can bring the correct cylinders and blanks.
