Home locks wear out slowly, so it is easy not to notice until the key needs jiggling or the deadbolt will not reach the strike. We visit homes all over Monrovia to fix that kind of problem, rekey after a move and fit new locks that suit both the door and the way your household lives.
What we do for homes
- Rekeying after buying or renting, or when a key goes missing.
- Lockouts — opened without damage wherever the lock allows.
- Deadbolts installed or upgraded, with reinforced strike plates.
- Smart and keypad locks fitted, programmed and tested.
- Keying alike so one key opens the front, back and garage side door.
- Lock repair for sticking, loose or misaligned locks.
- Spare keys cut on site.
- Broken key extraction.
- Mailbox, gate and garage locks.
- Master keys for duplexes, ADUs and small apartment buildings.
Older homes
Monrovia’s older bungalows and cottages often have original doors with mortise locks or hardware that has been painted over many times. We can usually clean, rebuild or rekey these so they work smoothly again. Where a separate deadbolt makes sense, we place it so it does not fight the original trim.
New to the house? Rekey first
After closing on a home, you have no way of knowing how many keys are still out there. Rekeying swaps the pins in each lock so every old key stops working, and gives you a fresh set. If your locks are different brands, we will tell you which ones can share a key.
Smart locks done properly
A keypad or app-controlled deadbolt is handy for families, short-term rentals and guest units. We check the door first — a smart lock on a door that does not close cleanly will drain batteries and jam. Then we install, set up codes with you and confirm the mechanical override works.
Rentals, duplexes and ADUs
If you rent out a unit or a backyard ADU, we can give each tenant their own key while you keep a master. Between tenants, only the unit that changed hands needs rekeying. Tenants: please check with your landlord before changing a lock.
Heat, dust and sticky locks
Hot afternoons and dry, dusty conditions can make locks gritty and doors swell or shift. If a key has started to drag, avoid oily sprays that attract dust; a dry lubricant made for locks is better. If that does not help, the door may need adjusting so the bolt meets the strike — something we can do on the same visit.
Call 626-537-2150 for a quote, check our price list, or ask for a callback.
Frequently asked questions
Can you keep my original Craftsman door hardware?
Often, yes. Many older locks can be rekeyed or rebuilt. If a lock is beyond repair, we look for replacement hardware that suits the door.
Do smart locks work in the summer heat?
Most are rated for outdoor temperatures, but heat can shorten battery life on sun-facing doors. Change batteries when the lock warns you and keep the backup key handy.
Can I rekey an apartment lock myself?
Check your lease first — most require the landlord’s approval and a copy of the new key.