Rekeys & Door Knob Locks
If you've just moved into a home off Madison Avenue, handed over a spare key one too many times, or simply lost track of who holds copies of your house key, rekeying your locks is one of the smartest security moves you can make — and it's far less disruptive than a full lock replacement. Madison County Locksmith is a mobile, 24/7 locksmith service based in London, OH, and our trained, insured technicians come directly to your door anywhere in the London area, bringing the tools and hardware needed to rekey or replace your door knob lock on the spot, without damaging your door or frame.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week · Licensed, bonded & insured
“Whether you're dealing with an aging knob lock that's grown stiff and unreliable, upgrading to a keypad lock door knob for a rental property, or responding to an unexpected security concern, our team handles both the mechanical side and the consultation — helping you choose the right hardware for your specific door, budget expectations, and daily routine. We confirm an exact, up-front price before any work begins, so there are no surprises when the job is done.
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 London, we reach the London 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between rekeying and replacing a door knob lock?
Rekeying changes the internal pins of your existing lock cylinder so old keys no longer work — the hardware stays on the door. Replacing the lock means removing and installing entirely new hardware. Rekeying is the right choice when the lock is mechanically sound but key control has been lost (after a move, a breakup, or a lost key). Replacement makes sense when the lock is worn, when you're upgrading security grade, or when you want a new feature like a keypad or smart lock. Our technicians can assess your existing door knob lock and recommend the most effective option on the spot.
Can you rekey a mortise lock the same way as a standard door knob?
Not exactly. A mortise lock is a more complex unit set into the door edge rather than bored through it, and it requires disassembly of the case to access the cylinder. Our team is experienced with mortise lock rekeying and replacement — including vintage hardware found on older homes and commercial buildings in the London, OH area. If your mortise lock is worn or difficult to find parts for, we carry replacement units and can fit them to your existing door pocket without modification in most cases.
How do I know if my door knob lock can actually be picked, and what should I do about it?
Many standard residential knob locks — especially older, lower-grade models — rely on simple pin tumbler mechanisms that offer limited resistance to bypass attempts. We won't walk through picking techniques here, but the practical takeaway is this: if you're concerned about how to pick a door knob lock being too easy on your home, the answer is a hardware upgrade, not a how-to guide. High-security cylinders with anti-pick pins, deadbolts with reinforced strike plates, and smart lock door knob options with tamper alerts all provide meaningful improvements. Our technicians can evaluate your current setup and show you what an upgrade would involve before you commit.
What factors affect how much an emergency locksmith call costs?
Several variables shape the final price: the type of lock involved (a standard door knob lock rekey versus a full mortise lock replacement), the time of day (overnight and holiday calls reflect after-hours availability), your location within or outside London, and whether replacement parts or new hardware are needed. We confirm an exact price upfront before any work begins — no add-ons, no ambiguity. If you're asking 'How much does an emergency locksmith cost near me?' the best step is to call (740) 619-2988 so we can give you a real number based on your actual situation.
Do you service commercial properties, or just homes?
Our commercial locksmith services cover businesses throughout Madison County — retail storefronts, office suites, property management companies, and light industrial facilities. Commercial jobs often involve mortise locks, multi-point locking systems, master key programs, and high-traffic hardware that residential-grade knobs can't handle. We also work with landlords managing tenant turnover, rekeying multiple units in a single visit to keep costs and disruption to a minimum.
What can I copy at your Walmart kiosk, and when should I call a mobile technician instead?
Our key copy kiosk located inside the London Walmart handles most standard home keys, office keys, car keys, key fobs, and common access cards — it's a fast, accurate option when you just need a duplicate while you're already shopping. That said, the kiosk isn't the right tool for high-security restricted keyways, transponder-chip programming for newer vehicles, lock rekeying, or any situation where a technician needs to assess hardware in person. For those needs — or any lockout or security concern — our mobile team comes to you anywhere in the London area, any time of day or night.