In short
We put in deadbolts, knobs, levers and smart locks, set the strike so the bolt slides fully, and set up codes or the app with you. Smart locks usually fit the existing deadbolt holes, and we check the backset and door thickness from your photos before you buy.
Your photo checklist
- The door edge with the deadbolt faceplate
- The current knob and deadbolt from inside
- The strike plates in the frame
- The smart lock box or listing
- The door’s thickness, measured
Covered on a Rosemead visit
- Deadbolts and knob or lever sets replaced on front, back and garage entry doors
- Keypad and app-controlled smart locks fitted to standard deadbolt bores
- Several locks keyed alike so one key opens every exterior door
- Strike plates reinforced with long screws into the framing
- Old hardware holes filled when the new lock has a smaller footprint
- Sticking bolts fixed by realigning the strike or easing the door
Outside what we take on
- Cutting new openings for doors or windows.
- Glass replacement; a glass shop handles panes and sealed units.
- Garage door openers, springs and tracks.
Locks on older Rosemead doors
With Rosemead’s median home built in 1959, a lot of front doors have been through two or three sets of hardware. That leaves odd backsets, oversized bores, and strike plates held by short screws into a soft jamb. A new lock has to account for all of that or it will bind or rattle within a month.
Smart locks add a step: the door has to close and latch cleanly every time, or the motor strains and the battery dies early. Before fitting one, we fix the door so it shuts without a push, then set the lock and run it through a dozen cycles.
From old lock to new
Measure the door
We check door thickness, backset and bore size, and confirm the lock you picked will fit before anything comes off.
Remove and prep
The old hardware comes out; worn or oversized holes are filled or fitted with a reinforcing plate so the new lock sits tight.
Install and set strike
The lock goes in, then the strike is moved or chiselled so the bolt throws fully, and long screws reach the framing.
Pair and program
For smart locks we pair the app, set codes, and show you how to change batteries and use the backup key.
Bigger jobs, free estimate
High-security cylinders, master key systems, safes and opening locked cars are outside our scope. Hard-wired access systems or doorbell wiring get their own free estimate.
While we’re out for this, Rosemead customers often add door latch and knob repair, peephole installation, storm door installation, interior door repair, sliding glass door repair, doorbell and video doorbell installation or weatherstripping and door sweeps.
What to text
A photo of each door’s lock from inside and outside, the edge of the door, and the model of any lock you already bought.
Lock questions
Why does my smart lock keep jamming?
The bolt rubs the strike. We adjust the strike.
How much does smart lock installation cost?
It depends on door and lock. Tell us the model.
Can you reinforce a door that was kicked?
Yes. We replace the split strike area with a reinforcing plate and long screws. A badly split jamb may need a carpenter.
Do you install door viewers and chains?
Yes, peepholes, chain guards and flip latches can go in too.
Can you fit a lock on a side gate?
Yes, lockable gate latches and padlock hasps fit most wood and metal gates.
Can you swap knobs for levers?
Yes. Levers are easier for small children, older hands and full arms, and fit the same bore in most doors.
What happens to my old locks?
We leave them with you or take them away, whichever you prefer.
Do I need to be home?
Yes, at least at the start and end, so we can test keys and codes with you and hand everything over.
Should I rekey or replace?
If the hardware is in good shape, rekeying is enough. Worn, mismatched or sticky locks are better replaced.
Do smart locks work without Wi-Fi?
Many keypad models work fully offline. App access may need a hub or Wi-Fi; we explain the trade-offs.
What if the batteries die?
Most smart locks warn you ahead of time and have a physical key or terminals for a backup battery.
.jpg){kind=link}
Can one key open all my doors?
Yes, if the locks share a keyway. We can key them alike when installing.
Will a smart lock fit my old door?
Most fit a standard bore. Thick or thin doors may need a kit; we check before you buy.
Can you change locks for a rental unit?
Yes, for owners and managers between tenants, and we hand over all keys.
Does a smart lock work with Google Home?
Many smart locks work with Google Home, Alexa or Apple Home, but not all. Check the box. We set up the app with you after installation.
Can you replace a deadbolt?
Yes. We remove the old one, check the backset, install the new deadbolt, and align the strike so it throws fully.
Jobs that pair with this one
- Door latch repairLatches.
- Interior door repairDoors.
- Peephole installationViewers.
- Storm door installationStorm doors.
Before you text: our notes on hollow core door repair, for anyone booking lock and smart lock installation.
Just outside Rosemead? We take these jobs in Alhambra (locks and smart locks in Alhambra) and San Gabriel (locks and door hardware in San Gabriel) as well.
Door tips for Rosemead homes
- Hollow-core doors: holes, sags and latch troubleHow we repair the hollow-core doors common in Rosemead's 1950s ranch houses: punched holes, loose hinges, misaligned latches, and swapping a slab.
- Sealing drafty exterior doorsLight, dust or drafts around your front door? How to check weather stripping, sweeps and thresholds on Rosemead homes. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Jobs like this one are everyday work for our Rosemead handyman service, from the blocks off Garvey Avenue to the streets near Rosemead Park. A photo by text gets you a quote first.
Part of door and cabinet repair. You can also browse all our services or read about repairs in postwar Rosemead homes.