Lock Change & Lock Replacement in the San Fernando Valley

Should you change your lock or rekey it?

These are two different jobs, and picking the right one saves you money. Rekeying keeps your existing lock hardware but changes the internal pins so your old keys stop working and a new key takes over. Replacement swaps the entire lock for new hardware.

Rekeying is usually the smart, budget-friendly choice when your locks are in good shape and you simply want old keys to stop working — after a move, a roommate change, or a lost key. Replacement is the better option when the hardware is worn, damaged, outdated, or when you want to upgrade to a higher security grade or a smart lock.

• Rekey when: locks work well, you just want new keys to control access
• Replace when: hardware is damaged, corroded, loose, or outdated
• Replace when: you want higher security (Grade 1/2 deadbolts, smart locks)
• Replace when: keys are lost and you're unsure how many copies exist and want fresh hardware

When lock replacement is the better option

Some situations call for new hardware rather than a rekey. If a deadbolt is loose in the door, if the key sticks or grinds, if the finish is corroded, or if the lock is a low-grade builder-basic model, replacement gives you reliability and real security you can count on.

Replacement is also the right move after an attempted break-in, when upgrading a rental between tenants, or when you want matching keyed-alike hardware across several doors so one key opens everything.

Types of locks we replace

• Deadbolts — single- and double-cylinder, Grade 1 and Grade 2 high-security
• Knob and lever sets — interior and exterior door hardware
• Smart locks — keypad, Wi-Fi, and app-controlled deadbolts
• Front-door handlesets and decorative entry sets
• Mortise locks and commercial-grade cylinders
• Sliding-door, patio-door, and garage-door locking hardware

Residential vs. commercial lock replacement

Homes and businesses have very different needs. Residential replacement focuses on entry doors, deadbolts, smart locks, and keeping the whole house on one convenient key. Commercial work involves heavier-duty, code-compliant hardware — mortise locks, panic bars, master-key systems, and access control — where downtime and liability matter.

We handle both. If your project is a storefront, office, or multi-door facility, our commercial door lock replacement service is written specifically for that work.

Smart lock upgrades

Smart locks let you unlock with a code, phone, or fingerprint, share temporary access with guests or cleaners, and stop cutting physical keys altogether. They're especially popular for busy families, short-term rentals, and anyone tired of hiding a spare key.

We help you choose a reliable smart lock that fits your door, install it correctly, and show you how to set it up so it actually stays secure. Not every smart lock is worth the price — we'll give you an honest recommendation.

What happens during the service call

• You call and describe the situation; we give a free estimate over the phone
• A licensed technician arrives — estimated 15–30 minutes across the SFV
• We confirm the diagnosis and exact price before any work begins
• We install your new hardware cleanly and test every door
• You get new keys (or codes) and old keys stop working

Service areas in the San Fernando Valley

OE Lock & Safe is a local, mobile locksmith serving the entire San Fernando Valley and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods. Because our technicians work out of fully stocked service vans, we bring the hardware and tools to your door and finish most lock changes in a single visit.

Warranty and pricing

Lock changes start from $69, with the exact price confirmed after we know the door, hardware, and job type — never a surprise at the end. We use quality hardware and stand behind our installation, so your new locks work smoothly and securely.

You always get upfront pricing and a free phone estimate before we begin. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch.