Rekeying is almost always the more affordable choice when your locks are in good working condition. It changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work without touching the hardware, and costs a fraction of a full replacement. Lock replacement makes sense when hardware is worn, damaged, or you want to upgrade to a higher security grade. Not sure which you need? Call Mike and he will tell you straight before anyone is dispatched.

The cost depends on the number of doors, the type of hardware, and whether you are sticking with standard locks or upgrading to smart or high security products like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Schlage Primus. Mike's Locksmith gives you a firm quote before any work begins and that is the number you pay, with no surprises and no add-ons after the job is done.

Any legitimate locksmith should disclose their full service fee before dispatching, and that number should be included in your total quote rather than added on as a surprise when the technician arrives. Bait-and-switch pricing is one of the most common problems in this industry, where an unusually low quote gets you to call and the technician arrives claiming additional complexity to justify a much higher charge. Mike's Locksmith gives you the complete price over the phone before anyone leaves the shop.

A licensed and properly equipped locksmith can open virtually any residential lock non-destructively given the right tools and technique. The situations where drilling becomes necessary include severely damaged cylinders, locks that have been tampered with and jammed, or certain electronic locks with no mechanical override. A professional should always attempt non-destructive entry first and drilling should only happen as a last resort. If a locksmith reaches for a drill without trying to pick the lock first, that is a red flag.

You are not legally required to hire a locksmith to change your own locks, but proper installation matters more than most people realize. Strike plate depth, deadbolt throw, frame reinforcement, and cylinder alignment all determine whether a lock actually holds under force. Maryland also requires anyone performing locksmith services for compensation to hold a valid license through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Mike holds MD DLLR License #229 and backs every installation with a guarantee on labor and materials.

A handyman can swap out lock hardware, but Maryland law requires anyone performing locksmith services for compensation to hold a valid locksmith license, which most handymen do not carry. Beyond the legal issue, proper lock installation involves more than turning a screwdriver. Strike plate depth, deadbolt throw, frame reinforcement, and cylinder alignment all determine whether a lock holds under force. Mike's Locksmith guarantees every installation and if something is not right, we come back and fix it at no extra cost.