Secure CRAFT LOCKSMITH
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Locksmith Service

Door Knob Lock Installation

Whether you've just moved into a home near Kettering's Ironwood Golf Course, finished a renovation on a Washington Township rental, or simply realized that the worn-out knob on your back door no longer latches properly, upgrading your door knob lock is one of the smartest investments you can make in your property's security. At Secure Craft Locksmith, our trained and insured technicians come directly to your address — no drop-off, no waiting, no guesswork — and assess exactly what your doors need before touching a single screw.

Call (937) 646-7890Get a fast quote

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week · Licensed, bonded & insured

We're a 24/7 mobile locksmith team serving Kettering, OH and the surrounding area, which means whether you're calling at 7 a.m. on a Tuesday or midnight on a Saturday, a skilled professional is on the way. From swapping a basic interior passage knob to installing a high-security mortise lock on a commercial entry door, we handle the full spectrum of door lock installation with precision tools and damage-free techniques wherever possible.

What we do

Available 24/7

Day, night, weekends and holidays — a real local locksmith answers and rolls a fully-stocked van.

Fast local response

Based in Kettering, we reach the Kettering area in well under an hour.

Insured & background-checked

Vetted technicians, up-front pricing, and no surprise add-ons when we arrive.

Damage-free entry

We pick and bypass locks the right way, so most lockouts are solved without drilling anything.

01

Professional Door Knob Lock Installation for Homes and Businesses in Kettering

A door knob with lock and key sounds simple, but the right selection depends on factors most homeowners and business owners don't immediately consider: door thickness, backset measurement, the material of the door jamb, whether the door is interior or exterior, and the level of security needed for that specific entry point. Our technicians evaluate all of these on-site before recommending or installing any hardware. Common jobs include replacing a keyed entry knob on a front or side door, adding a privacy knob to a bathroom or bedroom, upgrading an office suite entrance, and pairing a knob with a deadbolt for layered protection. We stock and install brands like Schlage and Kwikset, and we can also source specialty or commercial-grade hardware when a property demands it.

For exterior doors in particular, we strongly recommend pairing any door knob with lock with a deadbolt — knob locks alone use a spring-latch mechanism that is vulnerable to shimming. A properly installed deadbolt anchors a full inch of hardened steel into the door frame, making it dramatically harder to force entry. When we complete a door lock installation, we also inspect the strike plate, door frame, and hinge placement, because a strong lock on a weak frame gives a false sense of security. If we identify a compromised frame or strike plate, we flag it and offer reinforcement as part of the same visit.

02

Mortise Lock Installation — The Gold Standard for Commercial and High-Traffic Doors

If you operate a business along Kettering's Far Hills Avenue corridor, manage a multi-unit property, or own a building with a high-traffic entry, a mortise lock is likely the most appropriate choice. Unlike a cylindrical knob lock that sits on the surface of the door, a mortise lock is recessed into a pocket (or mortise) cut into the door edge, housing both the latch and deadbolt in a single reinforced case. The result is a mechanism that is far more resistant to forced entry, far more durable under constant use, and far more compatible with access control systems. As a commercial locksmith team, we handle the precision routing required to create or clean up a mortise pocket, fit the lock body, install the correct trim and cylinder, and ensure smooth operation without door warping or edge splitting.

Mortise lock installation is a service that demands experience — an incorrectly cut mortise pocket can weaken the door edge structurally. Our technicians have performed this work on wood, hollow-metal, and aluminum-framed doors throughout the Kettering area, including retrofits where a builder-grade cylindrical lock is being replaced with a commercial-grade mortise unit. If you're unsure whether your door can accommodate a mortise lock, we'll measure and advise during an in-person consultation at no obligation.

03

Smart Lock Installation, Upgrades, and All-Inclusive Lock & Key Solutions

Beyond mechanical hardware, Secure Craft Locksmith also handles smart lock installation for residents and business owners who want keypad entry, app-based access, or integration with a broader home or building automation system. Smart locks eliminate the problem of lost or copied keys, allow temporary access codes for housekeepers, contractors, or Airbnb guests, and can log entry and exit activity — particularly useful for small business owners managing employee access. We work with both retrofit smart locks (which replace only the interior thumb-turn and leave the existing cylinder) and full-replacement models that require new door prep.

Our all-inclusive approach means that when we complete any lock installation, we don't hand you hardware and walk away. We rekey or program all keys on-site, test the mechanism through multiple full cycles, verify the door alignment, and walk you through operation before we leave. For residents near the Kettering Recreation Complex or along Stroop Road, where older Colonial and ranch-style homes often have doors with non-standard backsets from original 1960s and 1970s construction, we bring the specialty tools and adapter hardware to make modern locks fit correctly. Every service is priced transparently — we provide an exact, confirmed quote before any work begins, with no surprise charges at the end.

04

Emergency Locksmith Response, Security Upgrades, and When to Call Us

Emergencies don't schedule themselves. If you're locked out of your home, discover a door knob lock has been damaged after an attempted break-in, or find that a tenant has left and changed the locks without authorization, our emergency locksmith team responds around the clock — 24/7, every day of the year, including holidays. We arrive in a marked mobile unit, verify ownership or authorization before any work is performed, and use non-destructive entry methods wherever possible to avoid damaging your door or frame. If a lock must be drilled as a last resort, we have replacement hardware on the vehicle and can install a new unit the same visit.

One question we hear often is how much a locksmith should cost, or what a call-out fee covers. At Secure Craft Locksmith, our pricing reflects the type of service required, the hardware involved, the time of day, and travel distance to your location in the Kettering area — all factors communicated clearly before we begin. Emergency calls after hours may carry a different rate than a scheduled afternoon appointment, and commercial jobs involving mortise lock work or door prep take more time and specialized tooling than a simple knob swap. What never changes is our commitment to giving you a firm, upfront number before a single tool comes out of the bag. For security upgrades that go beyond a single door — rekeying an entire property, installing high-security deadbolts on multiple entries, or advising on door reinforcement — call (937) 646-7890 and we'll schedule an assessment at a time that works for you. We answer 24/7, and we're always closer than you think.

05

Home, Business, and Automotive Lockout Help — Full-Spectrum Services from Secure Craft

Secure Craft Locksmith provides door knob lock installation as part of a much broader range of residential, commercial, and automotive services. Below is a snapshot of what our trained, insured technicians handle on a daily basis throughout Kettering and the surrounding communities: 1. Keyed entry door knob installation (exterior doors) 2. Privacy door knob installation (bathrooms, bedrooms) 3. Passage door knob installation (interior, non-locking) 4. Deadbolt installation (single and double cylinder) 5. Mortise lock installation and retrofitting 6. Smart lock installation and programming 7. Keypad lock installation (residential and commercial) 8. Lock rekeying (single locks and full property rekeys) 9. Master key system design and installation 10. High-security cylinder upgrades (pick-resistant, bump-resistant) 11. Strike plate reinforcement and door frame repair 12. Door knob lock repair (broken latch, stripped mechanism) 13. Damaged lock replacement after forced entry or break-in 14. Lock-out service (residential, damage-free where possible) 15. Commercial door lock installation (office, retail, warehouse) 16. Mortise lock repair and cylinder replacement 17. Panic bar and push bar installation (commercial exit devices) 18. Door closer installation and adjustment 19. Access control system integration with mortise and smart locks 20. Tenant changeover rekeying for landlords and property managers 21. Mailbox lock replacement 22. Cabinet and interior door lock installation 23. Sliding door and patio door lock installation 24. Automotive lock-out service 25. Broken car key extraction 26. Car key duplication and transponder key programming 27. Ignition lock cylinder repair 28. Safe lock installation and combination changes 29. Security consultation and multi-point entry assessment

Frequently asked questions

Answers to what our customers ask most. Still unsure? Just call.

How much should a locksmith cost per hour, and what affects my final price?+

Locksmith pricing is not a flat hourly rate — it depends on several variables: the specific service (a smart lock installation takes longer and requires more expertise than swapping a passage knob), the hardware involved, whether specialty tools or door prep are needed, the time of day the call comes in, and how far we travel within the Kettering area. Emergency calls outside business hours typically carry a different rate than a pre-scheduled appointment. At Secure Craft Locksmith, we always confirm an exact price before starting any work, so you know the full cost up front — no surprise invoices.

What is a locksmith call-out fee, and does Secure Craft Locksmith charge one?+

A call-out fee (sometimes called a service call fee or dispatch fee) covers the cost of getting a technician to your location, particularly for emergency or after-hours visits. Whether and how a call-out fee is applied depends on the nature of the job, the time of day, and distance. When you call us at (937) 646-7890, we'll give you a clear explanation of all charges before we send anyone out, so there's never any confusion about what you're agreeing to pay.

What locks can a locksmith not open?+

A skilled locksmith can open the vast majority of residential and commercial locks through legitimate, non-destructive methods — including standard knob locks, deadbolts, mortise locks, padlocks, and most smart locks. Certain ultra-high-security locks with patented keyways, biometric-only systems, or certain access-controlled electronic locks may require the manufacturer's involvement or authorized service channels. In rare cases where non-destructive entry isn't possible, a lock may need to be drilled and replaced. Our technicians always attempt the least invasive method first and will explain the options before proceeding.

Do I need a license to be a locksmith in Ohio?+

As of the current regulatory framework in Ohio, there is no state-issued locksmith license required to operate as a locksmith in the state — Ohio does not have a mandatory locksmith licensing law. This makes it especially important for residents and business owners in Kettering to choose a locksmith team that is verifiably trained, experienced, and insured. Secure Craft Locksmith carries insurance and employs technicians with hands-on training across residential, commercial, and automotive services, so you're not relying on legal compliance alone as your assurance of quality.

How much should an emergency locksmith cost, and is it more expensive after hours?+

Emergency locksmith costs are generally higher than scheduled service costs because they require immediate dispatch, after-hours availability, and keeping trained technicians on call around the clock. The additional cost reflects real operational overhead — not an arbitrary markup. Factors that influence the emergency rate include the time of the call, the complexity of the service (a lock-out is different from an emergency mortise lock replacement), and travel distance. At Secure Craft Locksmith, we're transparent: call (937) 646-7890 any time, and we'll give you a clear, firm quote before we begin — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I keep seeing 'how to pick a door knob lock' in online searches — can a locksmith teach me that?+

We understand the curiosity, and it's a common search — but teaching lock-picking techniques isn't something we do, for good reason: that information can be misused, and our responsibility is to the security of our customers and the community. What we can tell you is that if you're locked out, the right move is to check for a spare key with a trusted neighbor or family member, see if another entry point is accessible, verify you have documentation of ownership or residency, and then call a professional. Our emergency locksmith team is available 24/7 at (937) 646-7890 — we'll get you back inside safely, legally, and with minimal fuss.

Locked out or need a lock fixed? We are on the way.

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week · Insured, background-checked technicians · Up-front pricing

(937) 646-7890