Lock repair
Door lock repair for locks that stick, bind or won't latch
Most lock problems build up slowly: a key that needs jiggling, a deadbolt you have to lift the door to throw, a latch that misses. Many are fixed by servicing and adjusting what is already there.
- 24/7Every day, including holidays
- 7+ yearsOperating locally
- Own techniciansLocksmiths who work for Mr Locksmith
- InsuredActive liability insurance
- English & EspañolAsk for either on the phone
Common repairs
- Deadbolt drags or won't throw fully. Usually the strike, not the lock. The door has settled; moving or filing the strike fixes it.
- Key sticks or turns roughly. Dirt, old oil or worn pins. Cleaning and a dry lubricant help; worn pins can be replaced.
- Loose knob or lever. Tightening or replacing the mounting screws and spindle.
- Latch won't catch. A worn latch spring, or a strike out of line with the latch.
- Exterior lock corroded or frozen. Freeze-thaw moisture and road salt take a toll on Illinois door hardware; corroded parts are cleaned or replaced.
Frozen locks: what to do and what not to do
Use a lock de-icer, or warm the key (not the lock) and insert it gently several times. Do not pour hot water into the lock: it melts the ice, then refreezes deeper inside the cylinder. Do not force the key — a cold, brittle key is easy to snap. Once the lock works again, a dry graphite or PTFE lubricant helps keep moisture out for the rest of the season.
Service Areas
Mobile service from Buffalo Grove
Mr Locksmith is based in Buffalo Grove and works within roughly 20 miles across Cook and Lake counties. There is no storefront — the technician comes to you.
How a call works
- Calls are answered 24/7
- Ask about the price on the phone
- Car, home and business work from the same mobile unit
- Insured — active liability coverage
Common questions
Why is my deadbolt hard to lock?
Most often the door has shifted and the bolt rubs the strike plate. Adjusting the strike usually fixes it without replacing the lock.
Should I spray WD-40 in my lock?
It is better to avoid it. Oily sprays attract dust and grit. A dry graphite or PTFE lock lubricant is the right product.
Is repairing a lock worth it?
If the lock is good quality and the problem is wear or alignment, yes. If it is damaged or very cheap, replacement is usually better value.
Locked out or need a lock fixed? Call (312) 478-6125.
We answer 24 hours a day, every day. Tell us where you are and what happened, and ask about the price before a technician is sent.