How to Install a Deadbolt in an Existing Door Hole
Replacing a deadbolt is usually much easier when the door already has the necessary holes. The biggest mistake is assuming that because one deadbolt came out of the opening, any new deadbolt will fit back into it. Before removing the old lock, check four things: the diameter of the main bore through the face of […]
Non-Destructive Smart Lock Installation for Renters
A renter does not need the same smart-lock strategy as a homeowner. For a homeowner, replacing the complete deadbolt, installing an exterior keypad, or changing the door hardware may be perfectly reasonable. A renter usually has a different goal: add smart access without permanently changing the apartment entrance, preventing management access, damaging the door, or […]
How to Install a Reinforced Strike Plate
A reinforced strike plate can strengthen one of the most important connections in an entry-door locking system: the point where the latch or deadbolt enters the door frame. But installing one correctly is not as simple as replacing two short screws with the longest screws you can find. Before changing the hardware, determine what problem […]
Easy Lock Cylinder Replacement: DIY Guide
If the keyway is damaged or the keyed portion of a door lock is failing, you may not need to replace the entire lock. Many locks are designed so the cylinder – the component that accepts the key – can be serviced or replaced separately from the bolt, latch, trim, and other door hardware. But […]
Installing Locks on Glass Doors: Complete Guide
Installing a lock on a glass door starts with a question that most ordinary lock-installation guides never need to ask: what part of this door is actually supposed to hold the lock? On an aluminum storefront door, the locking mechanism may be installed almost entirely inside the narrow metal stile surrounding the glass. A frameless […]
Best Electronic Deadbolts for Apartments (2026)
An electronic deadbolt is one of the best upgrades you can make to an apartment, no more fumbling for keys, easy guest access, and a code you can change in seconds. The catch for renters is that you cannot drill new holes or leave a mess behind at move-out. The good news is that the […]
How to Change the Battery in a Schlage Lock (All Models)
A flashing red light on your Schlage keypad almost always means one thing: the battery is getting low. Changing it is a quick, screwdriver-and-five-minutes job, but the details differ by model, and a couple of small mistakes can leave you with a lock that still warns low or, worse, a damaged keypad. We service these […]
Mortise Lock vs Cylinder Lock: Key Differences
If you have ever looked at two doors that seemed to have the same handle and key but behaved completely differently, you have probably met both a mortise lock and a cylinder lock. From the outside they look alike. Inside the door they are built on entirely different principles, and that difference drives everything: security, […]
Schlage vs Kwikset: Which Lock Brand Is Better?
Schlage and Kwikset are the two names you will see on almost every hardware-store lock aisle, and homeowners ask us to settle the debate all the time. The fair answer is that neither is simply better, because the two brands are built around different priorities. Schlage chases security and durability. Kwikset chases convenience and value. […]
Schlage Encode vs Encode Plus: Which Should You Buy?
The Schlage Encode and Encode Plus look nearly identical on the door and share most of their features, which is why so many buyers get stuck choosing. The honest truth from someone who installs both across New York is that the decision comes down to one question: are you an Apple household? This guide gives […]