Residential service
Lock repair and maintenance in Ottawa
Locks rarely fail without warning.
613.801.8531
Call 24/7 — we answer
Same day
Typical arrival in Ottawa
$95
Typical starting price
Insured
Insured and bonded, 12+ years
How it works
Locks rarely fail without warning. Instead they stiffen, stick and need a specific angle for months first. Consequently most emergency callouts were avoidable. Urban Locksmith services residential locks across Ottawa before they strand anyone outside.
- Step 1
Fault diagnosed
Cylinder, latch, or frame alignment.
- Step 2
Cleaned and lubricated
Dry lubricant, never oil.
- Step 3
Strike adjusted
Because most binding is alignment, not the lock.
- Step 4
Tested open and closed
The test that reveals frame movement.
The warning signs people ignore
First the key needs a particular angle. Then it needs a wiggle. Eventually it needs force. Similarly, a deadbolt that must be lifted into place is telling you the door has dropped. Furthermore, a latch that only catches when the door is pushed indicates a strike alignment problem. Consequently none of these improve on their own, and all of them are cheap to fix early.
What maintenance actually involves
Cleaning the keyway removes years of dirt and dried lubricant. Afterwards a dry graphite or PTFE lubricant goes in, because oil attracts more dirt and makes things worse over time. Meanwhile the strike gets checked and adjusted, and hinge screws get tightened. Consequently a lock that felt tired often works like new. Therefore replacement is frequently unnecessary.
Typical starting price
$95
Usually, considerably. Therefore we always quote both.
Never use oil on a lock
WD-40 and household oil both feel like they help initially. However, they attract dust and gum up within months. Consequently the lock ends up worse than before. Therefore use a dry graphite or PTFE product designed for locks. Furthermore, if a lock needs lubricating twice a year, something else is wrong. Naturally that is worth investigating rather than repeating.
Seasonal checks worth doing
Ottawa freeze-thaw movement is hard on exterior doors. Consequently a check each autumn catches problems before the cold arrives. Specifically, test every deadbolt with the door open and then closed. If it throws freely open but binds closed, the strike needs adjusting rather than the lock replacing. Above all, that five-minute test prevents a large share of winter callouts.
Questions about lock repair and maintenance
Should I oil my locks?
No. Oil attracts dirt. Consequently use dry graphite or PTFE instead.
My deadbolt works with the door open but not closed. Why?
Strike misalignment. Therefore adjusting the plate usually fixes it.
Can a stiff lock be saved?
Often yes. Cleaning and rekeying restores many of them.
How often should locks be serviced?
An annual check each autumn catches most problems.
Is repair cheaper than replacement?
Usually, considerably. Therefore we always quote both.
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Where we cover
Across Ottawa and every community within an hour’s drive — 47 areas in total, from downtown out to Kanata, Barrhaven, Carleton Place, Kemptville and Rockland. You get an honest arrival window on the phone rather than a number chosen to win the booking.