Category: Home Locks
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How to Rekey a Lock 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 $250 to $350 for three doors in Phoenix for a basic rekey when a locksmith comes to you. This includes the service call, removing, rekeying, lubricating, and reinstalling the locks. In-shop rekeying is cheaper, around $20 per cylinder, and a DIY rekey kit runs about $10 to $30. Rekeying is…
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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: 5 Steps from a Locksmith
To reinforce a door against kick-ins, attack the three weak points: the frame, the door, and the lock. Replace the short strike-plate and hinge screws with 3-inch screws that bite into the wall stud, reinforce the door frame with a strike-plate or door-frame reinforcement kit, wrap the door edge on the lock and hinge sides,…
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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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Locksmiths Will Verify Ownership
Though some states doe not require it, all legitimate locksmiths will need to 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…