Lock Repair in Washington DC | Mr. Locksmith DC

Lock not working properly in Washington, DC? Mr. Locksmith DC repairs sticking deadbolts, jammed latches, loose handles, worn cylinders and locks with broken keys inside, for homes and businesses. Lock repair starts at $85, and we tell you honestly when a repair is not worth it. Open every day, 6:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Call (202) 630-4979.

A failing lock gives warnings. The key needs a wiggle, the deadbolt only throws if you lift the door, or the handle droops a little more each month. Fixing it at that stage is cheap. Waiting usually ends with a lockout.

Mr. Locksmith DC repairs door locks across Washington, DC. Many problems are solved in one visit without buying a new lock.

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Common lock problems we repair

Deadbolt repair

A deadbolt that will not extend fully is usually out of line with the strike plate. DC humidity swells wooden doors in summer and shrinks them in winter, and the bolt stops meeting the hole. We realign the strike, deepen the bolt hole or adjust the door so it throws cleanly again.

Key hard to turn, or stuck

Dirt, worn pins or a worn key are the usual causes. We clean and service the cylinder, replace worn pins and cut a fresh key from code where the old key is too worn to copy.

Broken key in the lock

Do not push another key in after it. We extract the broken piece with purpose-made tools and can normally cut a new key on the spot.

Latch will not catch or retract

A latch that sticks in or will not spring back has a worn or broken mechanism. On many locks we replace the latch alone.

Loose or drooping handles

Loose set screws, a worn spindle or a tired return spring. This is a quick repair on most lever and knob sets.

Mortise lock repair

Older DC rowhouses often have mortise locks that are well worth keeping. We service the lock body, replace springs and cylinders, and keep the original hardware on the door where we can.

Is it the lock or the door?

A surprising number of “broken locks” are door problems. Sagging hinges, a swollen door or a shifted frame put pressure on the bolt and make a healthy lock feel faulty.

A simple test: open the door and work the lock. If it turns freely with the door open and binds when the door is closed, the lock is fine and the alignment is off. We fix alignment as part of a lock repair visit.

Commercial lock repair

Office and storefront locks get far more use than a house lock and wear faster. We repair commercial lever sets, mortise locks, storefront deadlocks and keypad locks, and service exit hardware that has stopped latching.

A business door that will not lock at closing time is urgent. Call us and we will get a technician to you as quickly as we can during our opening hours. More on our commercial locksmith page.

Repair or replace?

We repair when the lock body is sound and the fault is a worn part, dirt or alignment. That covers most calls.

We recommend replacement when the lock was forced, the internal parts are cracked, parts are no longer made or the repair would cost close to a new lock. If that is the case, we explain why and show you the options on our lock change and replacement page.

What lock repair costs

Lock repair starts at $85. Alignment fixes and cylinder servicing sit at the low end. Mortise lock rebuilds and commercial hardware cost more because of the parts and time involved.

You get the price after we have seen the lock and before any work starts. See the full price list.

Lock repair FAQs

Why is my door lock suddenly hard to turn?

The most common causes are a door that has swollen or sagged, dirt in the cylinder or a worn key. Try a different copy of the key first. If that does not help, the lock needs servicing.

Can a deadbolt be repaired or does it need replacing?

Most sticking deadbolts are fixed by realigning the strike or servicing the cylinder. Replacement is needed when the bolt or housing is bent or cracked.

Should I spray WD-40 in a sticking lock?

It is better not to. Oil-based sprays attract dust and gum up over time. A dry graphite or PTFE lock lubricant is the right product. Our lock maintenance tips explain how to use it.

Can you repair a lock after a break-in?

Sometimes, but forced locks are usually better replaced. We check the lock, strike and frame and tell you which parts can be trusted.

Do you repair smart locks and keypad locks?

We service the mechanical side, such as a bolt that binds or a motor straining against a misaligned door, and we replace failed units. For new installs see smart lock installation.

How long does a lock repair take?

Most repairs take 20 to 45 minutes. Mortise locks and commercial hardware can take longer.

Get your lock repaired

Mr. Locksmith DC repairs locks across Washington, DC every day from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Call and describe what the lock is doing, or book a visit online.