Residential service
Lock replacement in Ottawa and area
Sometimes rekeying is not the answer.
613.801.8531
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Typical arrival in Ottawa
Quoted
Typical starting price
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Insured and bonded, 12+ years
How it works
Sometimes rekeying is not the answer. A cylinder with worn pins, a chewed keyway or a failing latch has reached the end. Urban Locksmith replaces residential and commercial locks across Ottawa, and will tell you plainly when replacement is unnecessary.
- Step 1
Diagnosed first
Because rekeying may solve it for less.
- Step 2
Measured properly
Backset, bore, thickness and handing.
- Step 3
Grade chosen
Grade 2 minimum on residential exterior doors.
- Step 4
Fitted and tested
Square, smooth, and matched to your hardware.
When replacement is genuinely needed
Replace when the mechanism is failing rather than the key situation changing. Specifically, a cylinder that binds even after cleaning, a latch that no longer retracts cleanly, or a body with visible wear. Additionally, replacement makes sense when upgrading security grade. By contrast, if the lock works and you simply want new keys, rekeying does the job for less. Therefore we diagnose before quoting.
Choosing the right grade
Locks are graded, and the difference is measurable rather than marketing. Grade 3 suits interior and low-risk doors. Grade 2 covers most residential exterior use. Meanwhile Grade 1 is commercial-duty and handles far more cycles. Consequently a busy family front door benefits from Grade 2 as a minimum. Furthermore, a long strike screw reaching the stud matters more than the grade badge on the box.
Typical starting price
Quoted
Typically under an hour per door once the parts are right.
Matching hardware to the door
Not every lock fits every door. Backset, bore diameter, door thickness and handing all constrain the choice. Moreover a steel door behaves differently from a solid wood one. Therefore Urban Locksmith measures before ordering rather than assuming. Consequently the replacement fits properly, sits square, and does not need packing out with shims to close.
Keeping the look consistent
Replacing one lock on a house with five matching handles creates an obvious odd one out. Consequently we check finish and family before ordering. Furthermore, many manufacturers offer the same trim across several functions, so a replacement can match existing hardware exactly. Naturally that matters more on a period property, where a modern lever beside original brass looks wrong.
Questions about lock replacement
Should I replace or rekey?
Rekey if the lock is sound. Replace if the mechanism is failing or you want a higher grade.
What grade should a front door be?
Grade 2 as a minimum. Consequently it handles family use for years.
Can you match my existing handles?
Usually. Many ranges share a finish across functions.
Do you supply the locks?
Yes, or we can fit hardware you have already bought.
How long does a replacement take?
Typically under an hour per door once the parts are right.
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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.