Lock repair in Emeryville & the East Bay

Common lock problems we fix

• The key is hard to turn or only works if you jiggle it.
• The deadbolt doesn't line up with the door frame, so it won't extend all the way.
• The door won't latch, or the latch sticks.
• The knob or lever is loose or wobbles.
• The key won't go in, or it goes in but won't turn.
• A key broke off inside the lock. See broken key removal.

Repair before you replace

Most sticking and binding problems come from worn pins, dirt inside the cylinder, loose screws, or a door that has shifted out of line with its strike plate. Those are usually quick fixes. We'll only suggest a new lock when a repair doesn't make sense, and we'll tell you why. If you do need one, see lock installation.

Door alignment and latch problems

Doors swell and settle over time, especially in older East Bay homes. When the bolt rubs against the strike plate or misses it completely, we adjust the strike and hardware so the bolt slides in smoothly and the door locks the way it should.

Quick tip: Avoid spraying oily lubricants into the keyhole. They collect dust and can make a sticky lock worse. A dry graphite or PTFE lock lubricant is a better choice.

Commercial lock repair

For businesses, we repair storefront locks, panic bars and door closers, so your doors lock at closing time and open when they should.

Pricing

The price depends on the lock and what's wrong with it. Our $25 service call is added to the price of the job.