Deadbolt Installation

Not every door is built the same, and not every lock works on every door. A standard ANSI-grade cylindrical deadbolt — think Schlage B60N or Kwikset 980 — fits the pre-drilled 2-1/8-inch bore found on most modern residential doors. But older Larchmont homes, particularly the Colonial and Tudor-style properties built in the 1920s through 1950s, often have solid-wood or metal doors that call for a mortise lock instead. A mortise lock is recessed directly into a pocket cut into the door edge, giving you a multi-point locking mechanism that is far more resistant to kick-in force than a surface-mounted rim lock. Our technicians are skilled in both cylindrical and mortise lock work, and we will assess your door thickness, backset distance, and frame condition before recommending anything.

Jimmy proof deadbolt installation is another option we frequently handle for apartment and rental units in the Larchmont area. Unlike a standard deadbolt that throws a bolt through the door frame, a jimmy proof deadbolt — also called a rim deadbolt — interlocks two flanges around the door and frame, making it extremely difficult to spread the frame apart and pry the lock free. This design is especially practical for doors where boring a new cylindrical hole is not feasible or where a secondary lock is needed above the primary. We also install double-cylinder deadbolts (keyed on both sides) for doors with glass panels, as well as smart deadbolts that pair with your phone or a keypad for keyless entry.

Below is a representative look at the scope of work our mobile unit handles for Larchmont homeowners and renters on every call. We stock common hardware and can source specialty items quickly so you are not left waiting. Services include: single-cylinder deadbolt installation on wood or steel doors; double-cylinder deadbolt installation for glass-panel doors; jimmy proof deadbolt installation for apartments and rental units; mortise lock installation and mortise lock repair on historic or solid-core doors; mortise lock cylinder replacement; smart deadbolt and keypad lock installation (Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, and similar); high-security deadbolt installation with anti-pick, anti-drill, and anti-bump cylinders; door knob lock replacement and upgrade; door knob lock rekeying to match existing keys; lever-handle lock installation for ADA-accessible doorways; rim lock and surface-mount lock installation; deadbolt reinforcement strike plate upgrade with 3-inch screws; door frame and jamb repair to support a new lock properly; latch bolt replacement and adjustment; lock cylinder rekeying after a move, lease change, or key loss; master key system setup for multi-unit properties; keyway change for improved key control; broken key extraction from deadbolt cylinders; emergency lockout response — 24/7, no forced entry where avoidable; sliding glass door lock and pin installation; garage side-door deadbolt installation; basement and cellar door lock upgrade; door viewer (peephole) installation alongside a new deadbolt; security consultation and door hardware audit; and same-day lock change after a break-in or security concern.

Every service above is performed damage-free where possible — meaning we use proper tooling and technique rather than drilling out or destroying hardware unnecessarily. When a lock must be drilled, we explain why before we start and factor any hardware replacement into your confirmed quote. Our insured technicians treat Larchmont homes with the same care they would give their own.

We receive a lot of calls that start with 'how much does deadbolt installation near me cost?' — and the honest answer is that several variables combine to set the final number. The type of lock matters most: a standard cylindrical deadbolt installation costs less in parts and labor than a mortise lock installation, which requires precise chiseling of a pocket into the door edge and careful alignment of the faceplate. Smart locks and high-security cylinders carry a higher hardware cost than builder-grade options. Time of day is another factor — a call at 2 a.m. on a Sunday involves our technician being on the road when most people are asleep, and that is reflected in our pricing honestly and transparently. Travel distance within the Larchmont and greater Westchester area plays a minor role as well. Finally, if your door frame is damaged or the existing bore is the wrong size for the lock you want, additional carpentry or drilling work will be itemized in the quote.

What we commit to, regardless of those variables, is that we tell you the exact total before any work begins. There are no surprise charges on the invoice and no pressure to approve work you did not ask for. Call 914-670-1446 to describe your door and the lock you have in mind, and we will give you a clear number over the phone or on arrival — your choice.

Box-store deadbolt kits come with instructions that make installation look straightforward, and for a brand-new pre-drilled door with a clean frame it sometimes is. But mortise lock installation on a solid-wood door requires cutting a precise rectangular pocket, routing strike pockets in the frame, and ensuring the bolt throw aligns perfectly — tolerances are measured in millimeters. A misaligned mortise lock can fail to deadlatch, bind under seasonal wood movement, or leave a gap that compromises security entirely. Similarly, jimmy proof deadbolt installation requires careful placement so that the interlocking flanges actually engage the strike rail under force. Our technicians have performed hundreds of these installations across Westchester and can spot frame issues, warped doors, and hinge-side problems that a first-time installer would miss.

The same principle applies when you need an emergency locksmith in Larchmont — whether you are locked out at midnight or dealing with a lock that was damaged in an attempted break-in. Attempting to force or manipulate a lock without proper training can damage the door, the frame, or the lock cylinder in ways that make a secure re-installation much harder. Our 24/7 mobile team is trained to open doors using the least-invasive method appropriate to the situation, confirm ownership, and then immediately assess whether the existing lock should be rekeyed, repaired, or replaced. We also handle commercial locksmith calls for small businesses along Palmer Avenue and throughout the Larchmont village center — so if you own a retail space or office and need a mortise lock or grade-1 deadbolt installed, we have you covered there as well.