Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
How Much Does Lock Installation & Rekey Cost in Los Angeles?
Our Lock Installation & Rekey services in Los Angeles typically cost between $95 and $165 per cylinder for rekeying, while full lock installation ranges from $145 to $380 per door, depending on the hardware grade and the complexity of the door preparation. These prices cover the labor and the mechanical adjustments required to ensure the latch and deadbolt operate smoothly, and at Novak Lock & Security, we provide these figures in writing before any work begins, adhering to our Clause 1 policy that the price quoted on the phone is the price on the invoice.
When you call (213) 632-4875, you are speaking to a person, not a call center or an automated queue. We understand that security in Los Angeles is not just about a key turning in a cylinder; it is about the documented integrity of your home or business. Since 2002, Daniel Novak has built this business on the principle that the customer deserves to know the exact cost of a service before a technician touches a screwdriver to their door.
Lock Installation & Rekey Cost Breakdown (2026)
Pricing for locksmith services in Los Angeles is driven by three variables: the type of hardware, the condition of the door, and the security level of the cylinder. We categorize our pricing transparently to ensure you know what you are paying for.
| Service Type | Price Range (Per Unit) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rekey | $95 - $165 | New pins, 2 keys per cylinder, cylinder testing. |
| High-Security Rekey | $160 - $240 | Proprietary key control, patent-protected pins. |
| Standard Deadbolt Install | $145 - $220 | Grade 2 hardware, alignment, strike plate reinforcement. |
| High-Security Lock Install | $280 - $380 | Grade 1 hardware (Medeco/Mul-T-Lock), drill protection. |
| Emergency Lockout Service | $125 - $250 | 24/7 response, non-destructive entry attempt. |
These figures represent the current market reality in Los Angeles. If you are receiving quotes significantly lower than this, it is often a sign of a bait-and-switch operation that will inflate the price once the technician arrives at your property. We prohibit this practice at Novak Lock & Security. Our home page outlines our commitment to the Haven Standard, which ensures that our technicians are background-checked, uniformed, and contractually bound to the price quoted by our dispatch team.
What Affects Lock Installation & Rekey Pricing in Los Angeles
Locksmithing is a trade of precision. The cost of a job is rarely arbitrary. It is a reflection of the time required to perform the work correctly and the quality of the hardware being installed. In Los Angeles, where architectural styles range from mid-century modern homes with original hardware to contemporary high-security commercial buildings, the variables are numerous.
- Hardware Quality: A standard Kwikset or Schlage lock is designed for residential convenience. A high-security lock from brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Abloy is designed for physical resistance. Installing a high-security lock requires more time to align the strike plates and ensure the tolerances are tight enough to prevent bypass attempts.
- Door Material: Installing hardware into a solid wood door requires different tools and time than installing into a hollow-core door or a steel commercial frame. Steel frames often require precise cutting and sometimes specialized mounting plates to ensure the deadbolt throws correctly without binding.
- Cylinder Complexity: A standard pin-tumbler lock is straightforward to rekey. High-security cylinders often utilize sidebars, rotating pins, and proprietary keyways that require specific manufacturer tools and training. If you have a high-security system, the rekeying process takes longer because the pins are smaller, more delicate, and require a higher level of calibration.
- Door Alignment and Frame Condition: If your door is sagging or the strike plate is misaligned, a new lock will not function correctly. We often have to shim the hinges or adjust the strike box to ensure the bolt extends fully. If we do not address these issues, the lock will wear out prematurely, and we would be failing our 365-Day Done Right Promise.
- The Los Angeles Climate: We see significant thermal expansion in Los Angeles. Wood doors swell in the humidity and shrink in the dry heat. If a lock is installed without accounting for these seasonal shifts, it will eventually bind. We calculate these tolerances into every installation to ensure the lock remains functional year-round.
The Anatomy of a Rekey: Why It Is More Than Just Changing Pins
A rekey is the process of changing the internal pins of a lock cylinder so that your old keys no longer work, and a new set of keys is issued. Many people believe this is a simple mechanical task, but it is a security procedure. When we perform a rekey at Novak Lock & Security, we do not simply dump the old pins and insert new ones.
First, we disassemble the cylinder. We inspect the plug and the housing for signs of wear. If the brass is worn, or if the springs are losing their tension, rekeying is a temporary fix that will lead to a failure in the near future. We inform you of the condition of the hardware before we proceed.
Second, we clean the cylinder. Over time, Los Angeles dust and debris collect inside the lock, causing the pins to stick. We use professional-grade lubricants that do not attract dirt, ensuring the smooth operation of the mechanism. This is part of our standard service.
Third, we re-pin the cylinder to your new key. We check the shear line, which is the point where the key pins and driver pins meet. If the pins are not perfectly flush with the plug, the key will feel gritty or may stick. We test the operation multiple times before we consider the job complete. When we finish, we provide a documented photo record of the work, which is part of our standard procedure under the Haven Standard.
Safety and Security: A Note on Professional Installation
We see many homeowners in Los Angeles attempt to install or modify their own locks. While changing a knob is relatively safe, working with deadbolts and high-security hardware carries risks. A deadbolt that is not properly aligned is a security failure; it can be bypassed with a simple nudge or, conversely, it can lock you out permanently if the bolt binds inside the strike plate.
Furthermore, high-tension springs within many lock mechanisms can cause injury if the cylinder is opened incorrectly. If you are dealing with a lock that is stuck or failing, do not force it with a screwdriver or a hammer. This often causes internal damage that makes a simple repair impossible, forcing a complete replacement of the hardware. If you are unsure about the state of your lock, call (213) 632-4875. We can provide a free estimate and advise you on whether a repair is viable or if the security of your home requires a new installation.
How to Save on Lock Installation & Rekey
Saving money on locksmith services is not about finding the cheapest hourly rate; it is about avoiding the need to do the job twice. Here is how you can manage costs effectively:
- Group Your Services: If you need multiple doors rekeyed, do them all at once. The cost of the service call is the primary expense. Having a technician come out to rekey one door and then returning a week later to rekey another is inefficient. We offer a flat rate for additional cylinders performed during the same visit.
- Ask for a Second Opinion: If you have a quote from another provider that seems suspiciously high, or if you are unsure about the hardware they are recommending, call us for a free second opinion. We will review the estimate and tell you honestly if the work is necessary or if there is a more cost-effective way to secure your home.
- Avoid “Emergency” Fees: If your lock is failing but not yet broken, schedule the service during standard business hours. While we provide 24/7 emergency response, scheduling in advance avoids the premium associated with after-hours, weekend, or holiday dispatch.
- Choose the Right Hardware Grade: You do not need a Grade 1 high-security lock for a laundry room door. You do need one for your front entry or a garage-to-house door. We help you balance your budget by putting the high-security hardware where it matters and standard, reliable hardware where the security risk is lower.
At Novak Lock & Security, we believe in upfront pricing. We are contractually prohibited from changing the price once we arrive at your door. This prevents the “surprise” fees that are common in the industry. Daniel Novak established this rule in 2002 to ensure that our customers never feel pressured to agree to a higher price while a technician is standing in their living room.
How We Ensure Quality: The Haven Standard
Every job we perform is governed by the Haven Standard. This is not a marketing term; it is a documented quality framework that we apply to every service call across all ten Haven brands. When you hire us, you are not just getting a locksmith; you are getting a process that has been refined over 60,000+ service visits.
The Haven Standard includes Clause 1: the price on the phone is the price on the invoice. It also includes the requirement for a documented photo record. At the end of every visit, we take a photo of the completed work. This serves two purposes. First, it provides you with a record of the hardware installed and the condition of the door. Second, it serves as a quality control measure for our management team. If we see a photo that does not meet our standards, we address it immediately.
We also back every service with our 365-Day Done Right Promise. If a lock we installed or rekeyed fails due to a workmanship issue within 365 days, we fix it at no cost to you. This is our commitment to the residents of Los Angeles.
FAQs - Lock Installation & Rekey Cost
How much does it cost to rekey a standard house lock in Los Angeles?
Rekeying a standard residential lock typically costs between $95 and $165 per cylinder, which includes the labor, the new pins, and two new keys. This price is fixed before we arrive, and we guarantee no price changes upon arrival. Call (213) 632-4875 for a specific quote based on the number of locks you need to rekey.
Is it cheaper to repair a lock or replace it?
Repairing a lock is often cheaper if the issue is minor, such as a loose screw, a misaligned strike plate, or a buildup of debris, with costs typically ranging from $95 to $150. However, if the internal cylinder is worn out or if the hardware is obsolete, replacement is the more cost-effective long-term solution to avoid recurring issues. We will always assess the hardware and provide a written estimate for both options so you can make an informed choice.
Can you install a high-security lock on a standard door?
Yes, we can install high-security locks from brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy on most standard residential doors, provided the door thickness and frame structure support the hardware. High-security installation typically ranges from $280 to $380 per door. We will inspect your door first to ensure it is compatible and provide a written quote before starting.
How quickly can you respond to a lockout in Los Angeles?
We provide 24/7 emergency response for lockouts, and our dispatch team will provide an estimated arrival time when you call (213) 632-4875. Our goal is to provide a swift, safe, and professional solution, and we always quote the price of the lockout service before we are dispatched to your location.
What brands do you recommend for residential security?
We work with a full range of brands, from entry-grade Schlage and Kwikset for interior doors to high-security Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy for exterior security. The right choice depends on your specific security needs and the architectural style of your home. We can discuss these options during a free estimate and help you find the right balance of security and budget.
Pricing reflects the Los Angeles market as of 2026. Novak Lock & Security Los Angeles offers free estimates - call (213) 632-4875.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security, serving Los Angeles since 2002.
What Our Customers Say
"Honest. Told me the existing deadbolt was good quality and only needed the strike plate reinforcing."
- Sal V."Quoted forty-five on the phone, paid forty-five at the door. I had been burned by a company that quoted nineteen and then wanted three hundred."
- Theresa Q."Locked out at eleven at night. A person answered, gave me a time and a name, and both were right."
- Franklin D.