Category: Home Locks
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How to Rekey a Lock Yourself to Match an Existing Key
You can rekey a new lock to match an existing key, as long as the new lock uses the same keyway (key brand) as your current key. A locksmith repins the cylinder to your key’s cut depths so that the key will turn the cylinder and open the lock. If the keyways differ, they cannot…
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Best Ways to Lock Cabinet Doors
Cam Locks | Double Door Locks | Electronic Cabinet Locks | Magnetic Cabinet Locks | Plunger Locks | Showcase Locks In our article “How to Lock Drawers” we discussed several types of locks that also lend themselves well to locking cabinet doors. The nice part about cabinet door locks is that there is always a…
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ANSI Lock Grades Explained: Grade 1 vs 2 vs 3 (Full Specs)
ANSI lock grades rank a lock’s strength and durability from Grade 1 (best) to Grade 3 (basic). The grade comes from how many open-close cycles the lock survives, how many door strikes (hammer blows) it takes, and a weight test. Grade 1 is commercial-strength, Grade 2 is solid for homes, and Grade 3 is the…
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How Much Does It Cost to Rekey House Locks in 2026?
Rekeying a house costs about $170 to $395 for three doors in Phoenix when a locksmith comes to you. Locksmiths price a rekey per keyhole, usually $25 to $35 each, or per door. We price home rekeys at $90 per door, no matter how many keyholes are on it. Service calls in Phoenix typically run…
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Yale Assure Connect by August Smart Lock Review
Product Highlights | Detailed Review | Upgradable to WIFI | Keyless Version | Lock Control & Monitoring | What’s in the Box | Comparison to Other Locks | Video Review Overview of the Yale Assure Connect by August (CBA) lock The Yale Assure Smart lock is ACME Locksmith’s favorite smart lock. It is a BHMA…
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Best Door Lock Brands of 2026: A Locksmith’s Top 6 Picks
The best door lock brands fall into two groups. For everyday off-the-shelf locks, Schlage edges out Kwikset and Yale on strength, its Grade 1 deadbolts are best in class. For serious security, the best brands are Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, and ASSA, whose patent-protected, pick-, bump-, and drill-resistant locks are what banks and government buildings use. These…
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How to Reinforce a Door Frame in Phoenix: The 3-Inch Screw Fix
The easiest way to reinforce a door is to swap six of the short screws in the door hinges and strike for 3-inch screws that reach the wall studs. It takes minutes, costs a few dollars, and improves the door’s kick resistance by at least 3X. Add frame, door and lock upgrades after that if…
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Best Padlocks of 2026: Locksmith Recommended Picks
For most people the best overall padlock is the Abus 83/45, which a locksmith can key to your house key so one key runs your doors and padlocks. Best low-cost: Master Lock commercial. Best combination: Abus 190CS/60 (see our best combination padlock guide). Strongest standard-key: Abus Rock 83/80. Strongest high-security pick: Mul-T-Lock. Best for storage…
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Best Sliding Glass Door Lock: Locksmith Picks
The best sliding glass door lock is a double bolt lock (such as the Cal Double Bolt), mounted above your existing lock. It secures the door at the top and bottom so it cannot be lifted off its track, resists up to 1,000 lbs of force, and adds a child safety mechanism. The one thing…
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Do Locksmiths Verify Ownership
Though some states do not require it, all legitimate locksmiths will verify ownership before opening any property, whether it be a car, home, safe, etc… Verification of ownership can be a title, registration, photo ID, piece of mail or other document with your name on it and the property address. If you don’t have something…