Rekey & Door Knob Locks

Rekeying changes the internal pins inside your existing lock cylinder so the old key no longer works — the hardware on the door stays in place. Replacing a door knob lock means removing the entire knob assembly and installing new hardware. Rekeying is appropriate when the lock is mechanically sound but key control has been compromised. Replacement makes more sense when the knob is worn, damaged, misaligned, or you want to upgrade the security grade or style. Our technicians assess both options on-site and tell you honestly which one fits your situation before any work begins.

The final price depends on several factors: the type of lock (standard cylindrical knob, mortise lock, smart lock door knob, keypad lock door knob), the number of locks being serviced, whether parts need to come from van stock, the time of day, and travel distance to your location in River Forest. We do not quote a price until we've assessed the job, and we confirm the full cost before touching anything. There are no surprise charges added after the work is done.

Not exactly — mortise locks use a different cylinder format and a more complex internal mechanism than a standard cylindrical knob. The rekeying process requires mortise-specific pin kits and, in some cases, a replacement cylinder that fits the original mortise pocket dimensions. Our technicians are experienced with the antique and legacy mortise hardware common in River Forest's pre-war housing stock and carry the tools to service them properly on-site.

It's understandable to look for a quick fix when you're locked out, but attempting to pick or force a lock yourself — even your own — carries real risks. An incorrect technique can break internal components, damage the cylinder, or jam the lock entirely, turning a straightforward lockout into a more expensive hardware replacement. The safer approach is to check for a spare key, verify whether another entrance is accessible, and then call a trained, insured locksmith who can open the door using professional non-destructive methods. We're available 24/7 at (708) 294-2643.

For interior applications like bedrooms and home offices, we install privacy knobs — door knob with lock for bedroom use — that operate with a push or turn button on the inside and a small emergency release pinhole on the outside. These do not use a keyed cylinder. We also install passage knobs (no lock), keyed interior knobs for rooms requiring actual key control, and where clients want a modern upgrade, keypad lock door knob or smart lock door knob options that eliminate physical keys entirely. We match finish and style to your existing hardware where possible.

Yes. Our commercial locksmith services cover office buildings, multi-family properties, retail storefronts, and mixed-use buildings throughout River Forest. Commercial jobs often involve higher-grade hardware, master key systems, mortise lock sets on heavy-duty doors, and access control integration. The factors that determine pricing on commercial work are the same as residential — hardware type, number of locks, parts required, and timing — but commercial jobs are quoted per-project so building managers know the full scope before we start.