Locksmith service in Washington, DC
Lock changes and deadbolts in DC
Replace a lock when it is worn out or not the kind you want; rekey it when you only need old keys to stop working. Fixr's published range for changing locks is $150 to $550, and Thumbtack's for a new lock installed is $203 to $240.
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Signs a lock should go
- The key only turns if you lift or push the door.
- The deadbolt doesn't fully throw, or the door has settled so the bolt misses the strike.
- The cylinder spins, or the lock was damaged in a break-in.
- You want a keypad, a smart lock or a sturdier grade.
DC's housing is old: the median home was built in 1958 (Census ACS 2020-2024). Old doors shift, and a lock fighting a sagging door is often a door problem first. A good locksmith adjusts the strike before selling you a lock.
What it costs
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Change locks | $150 to $550 | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| New lock installed | $203 to $240 | Thumbtack, Oct 2026 |
Grades, briefly
ANSI/BHMA grades rate locks by testing. This Old House summarizes Grade 1 as 800,000 cycles, Grade 2 as 400,000 and Grade 3 as 200,000. For a front door on a busy street, the usual advice is a higher grade.
Mortise locks
Many prewar DC doors use a mortise lock: a box set into the edge of the door, with one cylinder and sometimes a thumb latch. Swapping it for a modern deadbolt means more woodwork, and a period door may be worth keeping as is. Often the cylinder alone can be replaced or rekeyed. Old rowhouse locks.
Questions people in DC ask
Can I put a new lock on my rental's door?
Only with the landlord's written OK in most leases, and they will need a key. Ask them to do it, or get permission first.
Rekey or new lock after a break-in?
If the lock was forced or damaged, replace it. If it is fine and only keys went missing, rekeying is cheaper.