Repair first — replace only when necessary
Most lock problems don't require a new lock. A deadbolt that sticks is usually a misalignment or lubrication issue. A cylinder that turns stiffly often has worn pins or debris in the keyway. A handle that feels loose has a set screw that's backed out. These are repairs, not replacements — and we treat them that way.
We diagnose before we recommend. If a lock can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of replacement, we'll tell you. If replacement is genuinely the right call — worn beyond repair, security upgrade needed, incompatible with your door — we'll tell you that too, and explain why.
Common repairs we handle
Sticking or stiff deadbolts
Usually caused by door frame misalignment, worn bolt mechanism, or lack of lubrication. We diagnose and fix the root cause — not just the symptom.
Worn or damaged cylinders
Keys that turn hard, slip, or no longer operate the lock reliably. We rebuild or replace cylinders while keeping the existing lock body where possible.
Broken key extraction
Keys snapped off in the cylinder. We extract cleanly without damaging the lock — and duplicate a new key from the original profile.
Loose or failing hardware
Handlesets, lever sets, and knobs that have worked loose over time. We resecure, adjust, and replace worn internal components as needed.
Misaligned strikes & bolts
Doors that don't latch cleanly, bolts that scrape on entry — alignment issues that put unnecessary stress on the lock mechanism.
Seized or frozen locks
Locks that won't turn at all — often caused by corrosion, debris, or internal component failure. We open and restore without forced entry where possible.
Antique & historic lock restoration
The Upper West Side has some of the most architecturally significant residential buildings in New York — prewar co-ops, landmarked brownstones, and historic townhouses with original hardware that's been in place for a century or more. We specialize in restoring these locks rather than replacing them.
Our technicians work with vintage mortise locks, skeleton key systems, ornate escutcheons, and decorative locksets — cleaning, rebuilding, and retuning mechanisms to full function while preserving the original design. We've been trusted with restoration work on some of the neighborhood's most significant properties, including the Ukrainian Institute of America on 79th Street.
Ukrainian Institute of America — 79th Street
We were honored to be entrusted with restoring antique mortise locks at the Ukrainian Institute of America, located on 79th Street between 5th and Madison Avenues — one of the Upper West Side's most recognized landmarked buildings.
The work required careful disassembly, cleaning, and mechanical tuning of century-old lock mechanisms — preserving the original hardware while returning it to reliable, secure operation. Every component was treated with the precision and care the building's historic status demands.