Lock Replacement

When Should You Replace a Lock Instead of Rekeying?

Replace when the hardware is physically worn, damaged, or outdated. If your lock cylinder turns rough, the deadbolt doesn't throw smoothly, or the knob wobbles, it's time for new hardware. Rekeying a bad lock just gives you new keys to a bad lock.

Also replace if you're upgrading security. A builder-grade Defiant knob from Home Depot is ANSI Grade 3, the lowest rating. That means it fails after about 200,000 cycles and offers minimal resistance to forced entry. An ANSI Grade 1 Schlage B60N deadbolt withstands 250,000+ cycles and resists 10 strikes of 75 pounds of force. The upgrade costs $40-60 more for hardware that lasts 5 times longer.

Other situations where replacement beats rekeying:

• The lock was damaged during a break-in attempt (scored cylinder, bent housing)
• The finish is corroded from South Florida salt air exposure
• You're converting from a knob to a deadbolt (adding security)
• You want to switch to a smart lock or keypad lock
• The lock is more than 15 years old and shows wear

How Much Does Lock Replacement Cost in South Florida?

$75-$250 per lock, including hardware and labor. The price depends on the grade and brand you choose. Here's a breakdown:

• Basic Kwikset knob + deadbolt set: $75-$120 installed
• Schlage B60N Grade 1 deadbolt: $120-$160 installed
• Schlage B60N deadbolt + matching lever: $180-$220 installed
• Medeco high-security deadbolt: $250-$350 installed
• Matching front entry handleset (Schlage or Baldwin): $200-$400 installed

According to Consumer Reports' 2025 home security testing, the Schlage B60N is the best value deadbolt on the market. Grade 1 rated, bump-resistant, and available in 8 finishes. It's our #1 recommended replacement for South Florida homes.

What Lock Brands Does Triton Locksmith Install?

Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, Baldwin, Emtek, Medeco, and Mul-T-Lock. We stock the most popular models in our vans so there's no waiting for a supply run. If you want a specific model or finish we don't carry, we can source it same-day from our local distributors.

For South Florida homes specifically, we recommend satin nickel or satin chrome finishes over polished brass. The salt air along the coast and the humidity inland eat through brass finishes within 3-5 years. Satin nickel holds up much better. Matte black is popular right now but shows water spots and oxidation faster in our climate.

How Does the Lock Replacement Process Work?

30-60 minutes per lock for a standard swap. Here's what happens step by step:

1. We remove the old lock hardware (interior and exterior trim, cylinder, bolt assembly)
2. We check the door prep holes. Standard residential doors have a 2-1/8 inch face bore and 1 inch edge bore. If your door matches (most do), the new lock drops right in.
3. We install the new lock body, cylinder, and trim pieces
4. We install the strike plate with 3-inch screws (this is the detail most DIYers miss. Factory screws are 1 inch and only grip the door frame trim. Our 3-inch screws anchor into the wall stud, making the door dramatically more kick-resistant.)
5. We test everything. Key in and out smooth. Deadbolt throws fully. Latch retracts clean. Door closes and latches without forcing.

If you need a new hole drilled (adding a deadbolt where there wasn't one, or the new lock has a different bore size), add 15-20 minutes and $25-50 to the job. We carry hole saws and installation jigs in the van.

Can You Match the New Lock to My Existing Keys?

Sometimes. If you have Kwikset SmartKey locks, we can rekey the new lock to match your old key using the SmartKey tool. For Schlage and other brands, we can repin the new cylinder to match an existing key if the keyway is compatible.

The better option for most people: have us rekey all your locks to one key during the same visit. Replace the worn locks, rekey the good ones, and everything matches. One key for the whole house. We do this combination job regularly and it saves you a second service call.

Why Use 3-Inch Screws on the Strike Plate?

Because short screws are the #1 weakness in most residential door security. The factory strike plate comes with 3/4 inch screws that only grip the thin door frame trim. One solid kick snaps those screws and the door flies open, deadbolt or not.

Our 3-inch screws go through the trim, through the frame, and into the wall stud behind it. That's 2 inches of solid wood anchoring the strike plate. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a properly anchored strike plate increases forced entry resistance by 3-5x compared to factory screws. It costs us $2 in hardware and 2 minutes of time. We do it on every single lock we install.

Where Does Triton Locksmith Replace Locks in South Florida?

Across 48 cities in Broward and Palm Beach counties. We replace locks on homes in Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and everywhere in between. Average response time is 20 minutes. We carry the most popular lock models in the van so most replacements are same-visit, no waiting for parts.

Related Services