Lock Installation in Ventura County
New deadbolt, smart lock, or commercial hardware? Tim's Locksmith Service comes to you anywhere in Ventura County. On-site installation, done right the first time.
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Professional Lock Installation
Need a lock installed? Tim's Locksmith Service handles it start to finish at your door. We are a fully mobile locksmith serving homes, businesses, and vehicles across Ventura County. Our team shows up with everything needed, assesses your door and frame, installs your new hardware, and confirms every key and code works before packing up. No return trips. No guesswork.
Every Door, Every Brand
We work with all major brands including Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, August, Baldwin, Medeco, and Mul-T-Lock. Front doors, back doors, garage entries, sliding doors, interior doors, office suites, storefronts, if it has a door, we put a lock on it. Whether you live in a 1970s ranch in Simi Valley or a Spanish-style home near the Oxnard coast, we know the doors and frames in this area and what hardware works best on them.
What's Included
On-site assessment of your door and frame- Professional installation of your chosen lock hardware
- Deadbolt alignment and strike plate adjustment
- Key testing and duplication for all household members
- Cleanup and old hardware disposal
- Workmanship guarantee on every install
How It Works
Call or Text Us
Reach out at (805) 765-3717 by phone or text. Tell us what you need and we will give you an upfront quote right then and there. No waiting around for a callback.
We Come to You
Our fully equipped mobile van heads straight to your location anywhere in Ventura County. Oxnard to Ojai, Simi Valley to Port Hueneme, wherever you are, we are on the way.
Job Done Right
We complete the installation on-site, test every lock and key, and make sure you are 100% satisfied before we leave. If something is not right, we fix it on the spot.
Types of Lock Installation
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Deadbolt InstallationThe deadbolt is the single most important lock on any exterior door. We install single-cylinder deadbolts, double-cylinder deadbolts, and keyless deadbolts from every major brand. Every installation includes bore-hole preparation if needed, proper alignment with the strike plate, and a door reinforcement check to make sure the frame can handle the bolt. If your door does not already have a deadbolt prep, we drill and template it on-site. Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3, we install them all and help you pick the right one for your door.
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Knob Lock InstallationKnob locks are the standard entry lock found on most residential doors. We install keyed entry knobs, passage knobs, privacy knobs, and dummy knobs. We match your existing hardware finish, satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, matte black, or whatever your home calls for. If you are replacing an old knob with a different brand, we confirm the bore spacing and latch fit before installing. Every knob lock we install operates smoothly, latches securely, and looks like it belongs on your door.
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Smart Lock InstallationSmart locks replace your traditional deadbolt with a keypad, fingerprint reader, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi enabled lock. We install smart locks from August, Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, Ultraloq, and others. Installation includes the physical hardware swap, app download and account setup, user code programming, and smart home integration with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit if supported. We also set up the backup key cylinder and walk you through every feature before we leave. For a full breakdown of what to consider before buying, see the Smart Lock Buyer's Guide section below.
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Sliding Door Lock InstallationSliding glass doors are one of the weakest entry points in most homes. We install mortise locks, hook bolt locks, loop locks, and secondary security bars for sliding doors. If your sliding door has a worn or broken latch, we replace the full mortise lock body and align the keeper. For added security, we install auxiliary locks like the Defender Security patio door lock or double-bolt sliding door locks. We also reinforce the track and roller assembly if the door is not seating properly in the frame.
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High-Security Lock InstallationHigh-security locks feature patented keyways, pick-resistant pin mechanisms, drill-resistant housings, and bump-proof technology. We install Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy, and ASSA high-security platforms for homeowners who want the highest level of physical security. Keys for these locks cannot be duplicated without an authorization card, giving you complete control over who has a copy. Ideal for front doors, home offices, gun rooms, and any area storing valuables. We register your keyway and provide documentation so you can order additional keys in the future.
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Garage Entry Lock InstallationThe door between your garage and your home is one of the most overlooked entry points. Many builders install a basic passage knob with no deadbolt, leaving your home vulnerable if someone gains access to the garage. We install deadbolts and reinforced locksets on garage entry doors. If the door does not have a deadbolt bore, we drill it on-site. We also check the door slab and frame for proper fit, because garage entry doors are often hollow-core or undersized and may need a door wrap or reinforcement plate.
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Commercial Lock InstallationWe install Grade 1 and Grade 2 commercial locksets for businesses, offices, retail stores, and industrial facilities. Cylindrical locks, mortise locks, electrified locks, and heavy-duty deadbolts from Schlage, BEST, Corbin Russwin, and Sargent. Commercial doors require different preparation than residential, hollow metal, aluminum storefront, and steel fire doors each have their own requirements. We handle door prep, hardware installation, keying (including master key coordination), and ADA compliance checks. We also install panic bars and door closers as part of a complete commercial door hardware package. All commercial installations include documentation for your building records and fire code compliance.
Understanding Lock Grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3
Every lock sold in the United States is rated by ANSI/BHMA on a scale from Grade 3 (basic) to Grade 1 (highest security). The grade tells you how many cycles the lock is rated for, how much force it can withstand, and how it performs under attack. Here is what each grade means in plain terms.
Grade 3. Basic Residential
Grade 3 locks are the most common locks found in homes. They are built for light residential use, rated for 200,000 cycles, and offer basic security. If your home came with builder-grade hardware, it is almost certainly Grade 3. These locks work fine for interior doors, closets, and low-risk entry points but are not recommended as your only line of defense on an exterior door.
Common brands: Kwikset 200 series, Defiant, Brinks Basic
Grade 2. Standard Residential / Light Commercial
Grade 2 locks are a significant step up. They are rated for 400,000 cycles, resist more force, and include better internal components. Grade 2 is the sweet spot for most homeowners who want solid security without commercial-grade pricing. These locks handle daily use on front doors, back doors, and side entries without wearing out for years.
Common brands: Schlage B60N, Kwikset 980, Yale Assure
Grade 1. Commercial / Maximum Security
Grade 1 is the highest rating. These locks are rated for 800,000 cycles, resist the most force, and are built with the heaviest materials. Grade 1 locks are standard in commercial settings but also make sense for homeowners who want maximum security on exterior doors. They cost more upfront but last significantly longer and resist forced entry better than Grade 2 or Grade 3 hardware.
Common brands: Schlage B660P, Medeco Maxum, Mul-T-Lock Hercular
Which grade is right for you?
- Interior doors and closets: Grade 3 is fine.
- Exterior doors on most homes: Grade 2 is the best value for solid security.
- Front doors on high-value homes, home offices, or homes in higher-risk areas: Grade 1 is worth the investment.
- Commercial and multi-tenant properties: Grade 1 is recommended for all exterior and common-area doors.
Living Near the Coast? Your Locks Need Extra Attention
Salt air corrodes metal. If you live within a few miles of the coast in Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Channel Islands Beach, or anywhere along the Ventura County coastline, your locks are exposed to salt-laden air every single day. Over time, this causes pitting, stiffness, and outright failure of standard lock hardware.
What we see in the field
- Deadbolt bolts that are pitted and no longer extend or retract smoothly
- Exterior knob and lever finishes that are corroded, flaking, or turning green
- Lock cylinders that are frozen or gritty from internal salt buildup
- Strike plates and screws rusted into the frame, making removal and replacement harder
- Smart lock keypads and fingerprint readers that stop responding due to moisture and salt residue
What we recommend
- Choose locks with stainless steel or marine-grade components whenever possible
- Apply a dry graphite lubricant to cylinders every 6 months, never use WD-40 or oil-based lubricants on lock cylinders
- Replace exterior lock hardware proactively every 7 to 10 years in coastal zones, even if it still works
- Consider smart locks with sealed keypads rated for outdoor exposure (look for IP65 or higher ratings)
Coast-Resistant Hardware Refresh
If you live near the coast and your locks are more than 5 years old, call us for a free assessment. We will check every exterior lock on your home and recommend coast-appropriate replacements where needed.
What Can Go Wrong With a Lock Installation (and Why Hiring a Pro Matters)
Lock installation looks simple until something goes wrong. And when it goes wrong, it goes wrong in ways that compromise your security, damage your door, or both. Here are the most common problems we fix after DIY and handyman lock installations.
The DIY bore-hole disaster
Drilling a new bore hole for a deadbolt requires a specific template, the right hole saw, and a steady hand. We have seen bore holes drilled off-center, at the wrong height, or too large for the lock body. Once the hole is wrong, you are looking at a door replacement or a door wrap to cover the damage. A professional installation uses manufacturer templates and bore jigs to get it right the first time.
Frame settling and hinge sag
Older homes shift. Doors sag. Frames settle. If the lock is installed perfectly but the door has dropped a quarter inch on the hinge side, the bolt will not line up with the strike plate. We check door alignment before installing any lock. If the door is sagging, we adjust the hinges, plane the edge, or relocate the strike plate so the bolt engages cleanly. Skipping this step means a lock that works today but sticks or fails in six months.
Cheap hardware that fails quietly
Not all locks are created equal. Big-box stores sell locks that look identical on the shelf but differ wildly in internal quality. A $15 deadbolt and an $80 deadbolt may look the same from the outside, but the internals, the pin stack, the bolt throw, the strike plate screws, are completely different. We help you choose hardware that matches your security needs and budget without overpaying or underspending.
Wrong lock for the door
Not every lock fits every door. Sliding doors need mortise-style hardware. Thin storefront doors need narrow-stile locks. Hollow-core doors cannot handle a standard deadbolt without a reinforcement plate. French doors need flush bolts and astragal coordination. We assess the door first and choose hardware that is engineered for that specific door type. Forcing the wrong lock onto the wrong door is a recipe for failure.
The "just screw it in" strike plate
The strike plate is the part of the lock system that gets kicked. If it is attached to the frame with half-inch screws, a solid kick will rip it right out and take the trim with it. Every lock we install gets 3-inch screws in the strike plate that anchor into the wall stud behind the frame. This single upgrade turns a standard door into one that resists forced entry. It is the most overlooked detail in lock installation and the one that matters most in a break-in.
The bottom line: a lock is only as good as its installation. The hardware matters, but the installation technique, door preparation, and hardware selection matter just as much. That is what you get when you hire a licensed locksmith instead of guessing at it yourself.
Thinking About a Smart Lock? Read This First.
Smart locks are one of the most popular upgrades we install. They are convenient, they look great, and the technology has gotten much better in the last few years. But they are not plug-and-play, and there are things you need to know before buying one.
Your door has to be compatible
Most smart locks are designed for standard doors with a 2-1/8 inch bore hole and a specific backset (either 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches). Older doors, non-standard door thicknesses, and doors with existing mortise locks may not be compatible without modification. We check your door dimensions before recommending a lock so there are no surprises on installation day.
WiFi vs. Bluetooth
WiFi smart locks connect directly to your router and can be controlled from anywhere. Bluetooth locks only work when your phone is within about 30 feet. WiFi locks drain batteries faster but give you remote access, activity logs, and the ability to unlock your door for a guest when you are not home. Bluetooth locks have longer battery life but limited range. Some locks support both. We help you decide based on how you actually plan to use the lock.
Batteries die. Then what?
Every smart lock runs on batteries (usually 4 AA batteries). When the batteries die, the keypad and electronic features stop working. Most smart locks include a backup key cylinder so you can still get in with a physical key. Some offer a 9-volt battery jump terminal on the outside for emergency power. We always set up the backup key and test it during installation. If your smart lock does not have a physical key backup, we recommend choosing one that does.
Older doors and alignment
Smart locks are less forgiving than mechanical locks when it comes to door alignment. If your door sags even slightly, the motorized bolt may not extend or retract smoothly, which drains the battery faster and can cause lock failures. We check and correct door alignment before installing any smart lock. A little hinge adjustment or strike plate relocation can save you months of frustration.
Firmware updates can break things
Smart locks are software devices. Manufacturers push firmware updates that occasionally introduce bugs, change app behavior, or break integrations with Alexa, Google Home, or HomeKit. We recommend turning off auto-updates and only updating manually after reading the release notes. If an update causes problems, we can roll back the firmware or reconfigure the lock to restore function.
Smart locks we install and trust
Schlage Encode Plus
WiFi + Apple Home Key. No hub needed. Reliable, Grade 1 rated, and built like a traditional deadbolt. Our top recommendation for most homeowners.
Yale Assure Lock 2
Available with keypad, touchscreen, or key-free options. Works with August app for remote access. Clean design that blends with any door.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Retrofit design that attaches to your existing deadbolt. Keep your current keys and add smart features. Easiest installation of any smart lock.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
Fingerprint, keypad, app, and key access in one lock. 6-in-1 entry options. Good value for the feature set.
Brands We Work With
What Does Lock Installation Cost?
Most residential lock installations in Ventura County run $75 to $200 depending on the lock type, grade, and door preparation needed. Basic deadbolt installs on pre-drilled doors are at the lower end. Fresh bore-holes, high-security hardware, and smart lock setups with app configuration push toward the higher end. We give you an exact price before starting any work. No hourly rates, no surprise add-ons, no "well, we found something else" fees. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Why Choose Us
Licensed and Insured
California BSIS licensed (LCO#7134) and insured through State Farm. Your property is protected from start to finish.
Same-Day Service
Call in the morning, we are at your door the same day. Most jobs wrapped up in a single visit.
Upfront Pricing
We tell you exactly what it costs before we touch anything. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Every Brand, Every Lock
Residential, commercial, automotive. Deadbolts to smart locks to panic bars. If it locks, we install it.
Mobile Service Across Ventura County
We are not a shop you drive to. We come to you, fully equipped and ready to work on-site at your home, office, or vehicle.
We Know Ventura County Doors
From Spanish-style arched entries in Oxnard to mid-century ranch homes in Simi Valley, we know the construction styles, door types, and hardware challenges in this area. Coastal corrosion, settled frames, builder-grade hardware that has seen better days, we have worked on all of it.
What Our Customers Say
"Tim installed a new Schlage deadbolt on our front door. He showed up on time, had the lock in his van, and had it installed and working in about 30 minutes. Drilled new holes for the strike plate and used 3-inch screws into the stud. Way more solid than the old lock. Fair price and clean work."
"We just moved into a new house and wanted all the locks changed. Tim rekeyed the interior doors and installed a Yale smart lock on the front door. He set up the app on both our phones, programmed codes for the kids, and showed us how to add guest codes. Everything works perfectly. Would absolutely call again."
"Needed new locks on our office suite, two entry doors and a back door. Tim came on a Saturday, installed commercial-grade Schlage locksets on all three doors, and set them up on a master key system. Professional, efficient, and the price was exactly what he quoted."
Serving All of Ventura County
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Residential Services
Lock Repair
Lock not turning right? Deadbolt sticking? We diagnose and repair all types of residential locks on-site. Most repairs take under an hour, and we carry common replacement parts in the van so there is no second trip.
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Lock Replacement
Old locks, damaged hardware, or a security upgrade. We remove your existing locks and install new ones with fresh keys. We work with every major brand and match the right lock grade to your door and security needs.
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Lock Rekeying
Just moved in? Lost a key? Rekeying changes your locks to work with a new key without replacing the hardware. Same lock, new key, old keys stop working immediately. Fast and affordable.
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Smart Lock Installation
Upgrade to keyless entry with professional smart lock installation. We handle the hardware swap, WiFi or Bluetooth setup, app configuration, and make sure the lock works with your phone before we leave.
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Mailbox Lock Services
Mailbox lock broken or missing a key? We repair, replace, and rekey mailbox locks for residential mailboxes, cluster boxes, and community mailbox units. Protect your mail and packages with a working lock.
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Explore Our Other Services
Residential Locksmith
Complete home locksmith services including lock installation, repair, rekeying, and smart lock setup.
View Residential Services
Commercial Locksmith
Business locksmith services including access control, master key systems, high-security locks, and panic hardware.
View Commercial Services
Automotive Locksmith
Car key cutting, programming, fob replacement, and ignition repair. We come to your vehicle.
View Automotive Services
Safe Locksmith
Safe opening, combination changes, lock repair, and electronic safe programming. On-site service.
View Safe Services
Emergency Locksmith
Fast response for lockouts, break-in repairs, and urgent lock needs. We come to you now.
View Emergency Services
Need a Lock Installed?
Need a lock installed? Call now for a free estimate. We come to you anywhere in Ventura County.
Open Daily
707 Nile River Dr, Oxnard, CA 93036
