What we do
- Deadbolts, knobsets and lever sets replaced
- Battery-powered smart locks and keypad deadbolts installed and paired
- Strike plates moved or reinforced so bolts throw cleanly
- Long screws into the framing for stronger strikes
- Locks rekeyed to match using new keyed-alike sets
- Old mortise lock hardware adjusted where parts allow
In Alhambra homes
About 77 percent of Alhambra’s homes were built before 1980, a city housing report finds, and older doors often carry decades of hardware changes: filled holes, shifted strikes, and bores that do not match today’s standard spacing. We check backset, bore size and door thickness before you buy a new lock, so it fits the first time.
Get a quote in one text
Send a photo of the door edge with the old lock, the inside and outside hardware, and the new lock model if you have one. Our number for photos is (626) 684-3505, and the price comes back before any work is booked.
Why a bolt sticks
A deadbolt that drags almost always means the door has sagged or the strike is off. Forcing it wears out the lock. We adjust hinges or move the strike so the bolt slides in by fingertip, and only then replace the lock if it is still worn.
Smart locks
Most battery smart locks replace a standard deadbolt on the same holes. We install the lock, calibrate it to the door, pair it with the app if you want, and test lock and unlock from both sides. Wired doorbells and hardwired access systems go to an electrician.
Stronger strikes
Standard strike screws only reach the jamb. Three-inch screws into the framing behind it make the door much harder to kick in, and we fit them on every exterior lock we install.
Older doors
Thick solid doors or vintage mortise locks may need adapter plates or a different lock body. We look first, tell you what fits, and patch old holes neatly when hardware changes size.
Keying
New locks bought in matching packs can share one key. We can also install keyed-alike sets across front, back and side doors so you carry one key.
Not ours
Safe work, commercial access control and lockout services go to a locksmith.
Choosing a smart lock
Look for one that fits a standard deadbolt bore, matches your door thickness, and uses batteries rather than wiring. Keypad models let guests in without a phone. We can recommend models that fit older doors before you buy.
Levers for easier use
Lever handles are easier to open with full hands or for older hands than round knobs. We swap knobs for levers on the existing bores, and patch the old holes if sizes differ.
Sliding and side doors
Patio sliders and side gates get the same attention: a foot lock or a lockable gate latch can be added during a lock visit.
Garage entry and back doors
Side and garage entry doors are often the weakest locks in the house. A deadbolt with long strike screws on those doors closes an easy gap.
Sticky keys
A key that turns hard usually needs a dry graphite lubricant, not oil. If the cylinder is worn, a new lock is the better fix.
Keys after moving in
After buying a home, you do not know who still has keys. Rekeying or replacing every exterior lock on move-in day is the simple fix.
Sources: City of Alhambra, housing needs report (age of housing stock).
Repair guides for this job
- Why original wood doors stick, and how we free them upWhy solid wood and arched-top doors in Alhambra's older homes stick or drift open, the simple hinge fixes, and how we adjust them without harming the wood.
- Keeping original built-in cabinets and hutches workingHow we repair original built-in hutches, linen cabinets and cupboards in Alhambra's 1920s homes: sagging doors, sticky drawers, worn catches and glass.
- Getting the house ready for Santa Ana windsHow to get ready for Santa Ana winds in Alhambra: doors and gates, loose screens, outdoor items, power outages and the small repairs that keep dust and drafts out.
Looking for a handyman in Alhambra for more than one job? Send the whole list and we’ll price it together.
We serve Alhambra first, plus Monterey Park, San Gabriel and other nearby cities. Have a question? See the handyman FAQ.