Your Iowa City, IA Experts in Home Security & Locksmith Services

Blackwood Mobile Locksmith is dedicated to enhancing the security of homes throughout the Iowa City, IA area. We see ourselves as more than just technicians; we are security consultants committed to the craft. Our focus is on providing durable repairs and expert installations that stand the test of time, ensuring every Iowa City, IA resident we serve feels truly secure in their home.

Expert Lock Rekeying Service in Iowa City, IA

Our most requested service for new homeowners. We professionally rekey your existing locks, providing you with a brand new set of keys and ensuring no old keys will work. It's a fast and cost-effective way to secure your Iowa City, IA home.

Professional Lock Replacement & Installation in Iowa City, IA

If you want to upgrade your hardware for better security or a new style, we offer expert installation of a wide range of door locks and deadbolts. Our Iowa City, IA technicians ensure a perfect fit for optimal performance.

24-Hour Emergency Locksmith in Iowa City, IA

If you've lost your last key and are locked out, don't worry. Our 24-hour emergency locksmith team is on standby to get you back inside and discuss immediate rekeying options for your Iowa City, IA home.

Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: A Guide for Iowa City, IA Homeowners

When you need to change who has access to your Iowa City, IA home, you have two primary options: rekeying the locks or replacing them entirely. The team at Blackwood Mobile Locksmith can help you decide which is right for you.

Rekeying is a process where a locksmith changes the internal pinning of your existing lock cylinder. The old key will no longer fit or turn the lock. The technician then creates a new key that matches the new pin configuration. As a result of this, you keep your existing doorknobs and deadbolts, but they are operated by a completely new key. It's like getting a new lock without changing the hardware.

Lock replacement is the process of completely removing the old lock hardware (knob, lever, deadbolt) and installing a brand new unit. With this, you get entirely new hardware, which may have a different style, finish, or security level, along with new keys.

When to Replace Your Locks:

Sometimes, a full replacement is necessary or more desirable. Choose to replace your locks if:

• You Want to Upgrade Security: If your current locks are old, low-grade, or you want to move up to a high-security deadbolt, a keypad lock, or a smart lock.
• Your Locks are Damaged or Worn Out: If a lock is rusted, broken, or malfunctioning in a way that can't be repaired, it must be replaced.
• You Are Changing Hardware Styles or Finishes: If you're remodeling your Iowa City, IA home and want to update the look of your door hardware (e.g., from brass to matte black), you'll need to replace the locks.
• All Your Locks are Different Brands: If you want a single key solution but your existing locks are from different manufacturers, you'll need to replace them with a single brand before they can be keyed alike.The technicians at Blackwood Mobile Locksmith can quickly assess your needs and your existing hardware to provide a clear recommendation, helping you make the most secure and cost-effective choice for your Iowa City, IA home.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to rekey a house?Rekeying several locks in a typical Iowa City, IA home is a fast process, often completed in under an hour by our mobile technicians.
• Is rekeying expensive?No, it is significantly more affordable than replacing all your lock hardware, making it a very popular service.
• What is a "master key"?A master key system allows multiple locks with individual keys to also be opened by a single "master" key. This is more common in commercial or landlord situations.
• Can you help if my key is stuck in the door?Yes, our technicians can almost always extract a stuck or broken key without having to replace the entire lock.