24/7 Emergency Lockout Service Available
Call now: (203) 769-9166
Family-owned since 1987

The locksmith you actually want to recommend.

Licensed technicians. Honest work. A 38-year reputation built one door at a time. Residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith services — from emergency lockouts to complete home security upgrades.

38 Years in business
4.9★ 1,200+ Reviews
24/7 Emergency service
100% Licensed & insured
1987
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Third generation of my family to call Sure Lock. Honest people, careful work, and they always explain what they're doing."
— Marcus T., verified customer
Our services

Every door, every lock, every time.

Sure Lock & Key offers a full spectrum of locksmith services for homes, businesses, and vehicles. Below is what each service involves, when you might need it, and how our technicians handle it. If you're not sure which service fits your situation — call us and we'll help you figure it out.

Residential Rekeying

Change who has access — without changing the lock.

Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pin configuration of an existing lock so that old keys no longer work. A new key is cut to match the new pin setup. The lock itself stays — only the "combination" inside changes.

It's significantly more affordable than replacing every lock in your home, and when done properly by a licensed technician, it's just as secure. Rekeying is recommended any time you can't account for every copy of a key that's ever been made for your home.

Our rekey service covers every exterior lock on your property, includes up to four newly cut keys, and comes with a compatibility check on every deadbolt and lever to make sure nothing is worn, loose, or misaligned. If we find a problem during the inspection, we'll tell you before we do anything about it.

Consider rekeying if
  • You just closed on a new home and don't know who else has keys
  • You've lost a key — or the key was stolen along with something identifying your address
  • A roommate, tenant, or housekeeper has moved out
  • You've gone through a divorce, breakup, or household change
  • You've had contractors, cleaners, or dog walkers with key access

Emergency Lockouts

Locked out? We can be there within the hour.

Lockouts happen at the worst times — late at night, in bad weather, with kids or pets on the wrong side of the door. Our emergency lockout service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and covers homes, cars, and businesses.

Our technicians use non-destructive entry techniques whenever possible. That means no drilling, no broken hardware, no damaged doors. In the rare case that destructive entry is required (usually with specific high-security locks), we'll explain exactly why before we start and what it will cost to restore the lock afterward.

For automotive lockouts, we service most makes and models including European vehicles and Tesla. Our technicians carry the programming tools needed to handle transponder keys and key fobs on-site — you don't need to have your car towed to a dealership.

Common lockout situations
  • Keys locked inside your home, car, or office
  • Key broken off inside the lock or ignition
  • Lost keys with no spare available
  • Electronic or smart lock malfunction
  • Jammed or frozen deadbolt that won't turn

Smart Lock Installation

Keyless entry, done right the first time.

Smart locks have come a long way — but they're only as reliable as the installation. A keypad deadbolt mounted on a misaligned door will jam. A Wi-Fi lock paired to the wrong network will disconnect weekly. A smart lock programmed without proper user codes becomes a security liability.

We install and configure smart locks from Schlage, Yale, August, Kwikset, Level, and Baldwin, and we'll recommend the right model for your door type, existing hardware, and how you actually plan to use it. Keypad-only, Bluetooth-to-phone, Wi-Fi-connected, or Z-Wave/Matter for home automation — each has different tradeoffs.

The installation includes a full door-alignment check, weatherproofing of the strike plate, programming of primary user codes, guest code setup, and a walkthrough of the app so you understand what you're using. We'll also explain the battery life expectations and what to do if the lock ever loses power.

Smart lock installs make sense for
  • Short-term rental owners managing guest access remotely
  • Busy households where everyone needs their own code
  • Homeowners who regularly forget or lose keys
  • Parents who want to know when kids get home from school
  • Homes with dog walkers, cleaners, or regular visitors

Key Duplication, Fobs & Transponders

Every key type, every vehicle, same day.

Not all key duplication is the same. A standard house key takes thirty seconds at a hardware store — but a modern car key fob, a laser-cut high-security key, or a programmed transponder needs specialized equipment that most general-purpose kiosks don't have.

Sure Lock & Key duplicates and programs: standard house keys, high-security keys (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy, Schlage Primus), laser-cut automotive keys, transponder keys, key fobs, remote head keys, and smart proximity keys. For most vehicles we can cut and program on the spot without a dealership visit.

If you're wondering whether we can handle your specific key, call us with the make, model, and year of your vehicle — or the brand stamped on your house key — and we'll tell you in under a minute. We don't guess.

Good reasons to duplicate keys
  • Keeping a spare somewhere safe (not under the doormat)
  • New driver in the family getting their own car key
  • Replacing a worn key before it breaks in the lock
  • Adding a house key for a family member or trusted neighbor
  • Replacing a lost automotive key fob without dealership pricing

Safes — Sales, Installation & Opening

Fire-rated, burglar-rated, and everything between.

We sell, install, and service home and business safes from Liberty, Browning, AMSEC, and Champion. Choosing the right safe isn't just about size — it's about what you're protecting, from what, and for how long.

Fire-rated safes protect documents and digital media from heat. Burglar-rated safes resist forced entry. Most quality residential safes offer some protection from both, but the ratings matter — a one-hour fire rating is very different from a 30-minute rating, and a B-rated burglar safe is dramatically more resistant than a basic residential model.

If you already own a safe and you've lost the combination, inherited a safe you can't open, or have a mechanical or electronic lock that's failed, our technicians can open most safes non-destructively. We'll give you an honest assessment before we start: some safes are worth opening; some are better replaced.

A safe is worth considering for
  • Firearms — required by law in many jurisdictions
  • Birth certificates, passports, and other original documents
  • Heirloom jewelry and watches
  • Hard drives and backup media for small businesses
  • Cash reserves and collectibles

Commercial Security

Master key systems, access control, and more.

Businesses have security needs that go beyond residential locksmithing. We work with offices, retail locations, restaurants, medical practices, property managers, and industrial facilities on everything from simple rekeying to complete access control rollouts.

Our commercial services include: master key systems (one key opens designated doors, others are restricted), keyless access control (card readers, keypad entry, biometric systems), panic bars and exit devices (code-compliant for fire exits), high-security hardware (pick-resistant, drill-resistant, bump-proof), and door closers, hinges, and commercial-grade deadbolts.

Every commercial job starts with a site walk. We assess your actual access patterns, identify the vulnerabilities, and recommend only what your facility genuinely needs. No upselling you into systems that don't match your business model.

Common commercial requests
  • Rekeying after employee turnover or ownership change
  • Setting up master key systems for multi-room facilities
  • Upgrading from keys to keypad or card-reader access
  • Installing panic hardware for fire-code compliance
  • Securing file rooms, medical cabinets, or server closets
  • Multi-tenant property rekeying for landlords
How we work

Four steps. No surprises.

From the first call to the last turn of the key — a process designed around your time, your door, and your peace of mind.

I

You call us

Call (203) 769-9166 any time, day or night. A real person answers — not a call center. We'll ask the right questions to understand your situation and match you with the right technician.

II

We explain the work

Before we dispatch, you'll know what the service involves, how long it will take, and what to expect when the technician arrives. No guessing, no vague "we'll know when we see it" answers.

III

Your technician arrives

A licensed, background-checked Sure Lock employee arrives in a marked truck. They'll show credentials before picking up a tool and walk you through exactly what they're about to do.

IV

The job is done right

Every service comes with a 12-month workmanship warranty. If something we installed, rekeyed, or programmed fails within a year, we come back and fix it. No charge. No debate.

Established
1987
Third generation, family-owned
Our story

Built by a family. For families.

Sure Lock & Key was founded in 1987 out of a pickup truck.

  1. 01

    Licensed, bonded, and background-checked.

    Every technician carries valid state locksmith licensing and passes an annual background check. We'll show you the credentials before we pick up the tools — because letting a stranger near your locks is a matter of trust, and trust starts with paperwork.

  2. 02

    Straight talk. Every time.

    We explain what your lock actually needs — not what costs the most to fix. If rekeying will solve your problem, we'll tell you that instead of selling you a full replacement. The long-term customer is worth more than the big ticket.

  3. 03

    Dispatched, not outsourced.

    Unlike national chains that forward your call to whichever contractor is nearest, every Sure Lock technician is our direct employee — trained in our shop, driving our trucks, answering to our name. If something isn't right, you know exactly who to call.

  4. 04

    One-year workmanship warranty.

    If the lock we installed, the rekey we completed, or the hardware we programmed fails within 12 months for any reason other than misuse, we come back and fix it at no charge. It's written into every invoice.

Frequently asked

Common questions, answered honestly.

If your question isn't here, call us at (203) 769-9166 — we're happy to answer anything, even if you're not ready to book a service.

Is rekeying as secure as installing new locks?

Yes — when done properly by a licensed locksmith, rekeying is just as secure as installing a new lock. The lock body itself isn't the weak point; the pin configuration is what a key works against, and rekeying completely replaces that configuration. Old keys will no longer turn the lock.

The one exception is if the existing lock is physically damaged, worn out, or of very low quality. In that case, replacement makes more sense than rekeying. Our technicians will inspect the hardware during a rekey and tell you honestly if replacement is the better call.

How quickly can you arrive for an emergency lockout?

In most cases, within 30 to 60 minutes of your call — depending on your location and the time of day. We have technicians on call 24/7, and our dispatcher will give you a realistic ETA when you call.

If we estimate a longer wait than you can manage (for example, if you're locked out in bad weather with children), we'll tell you upfront so you can make an informed decision about whether to wait for us or find another option.

Can you make a car key without the original?

In most cases, yes. For vehicles manufactured in the last 25 years, we can generate a new key from the vehicle's lock or ignition, then program it to your car's computer so it starts the engine. This includes transponder keys, laser-cut keys, and most key fobs.

A few modern vehicles — especially certain European luxury models and the newest Teslas — require specialized dealership tools. If your vehicle falls into that category, we'll tell you before dispatching so you don't pay for a trip we can't complete.

Will a locksmith try to drill my lock unnecessarily?

Unfortunately, some will — which is why this question exists. Drilling is a quick, easy way to open a lock, and some less-reputable locksmiths default to it because it takes less skill and time. Drilling destroys the lock, which means you then have to pay for new hardware.

Our technicians are trained in non-destructive entry methods and use them as a first resort. Drilling is a last option, reserved for specific high-security locks where picking isn't mechanically possible, or situations where the lock is already damaged. If we need to drill, we'll explain exactly why before doing it.

Should I replace all my locks when I move into a new home?

Rekey them — don't necessarily replace them. When you buy a home, there's no way to know how many copies of the keys are floating around: previous owners, contractors, real estate agents, cleaners, neighbors. Rekeying resets that completely, usually at a fraction of the cost of replacing every lock.

Replacement only makes sense if the existing hardware is in poor condition, isn't the right grade for your security needs, or if you're upgrading to something smart/keyless. Any good locksmith will tell you honestly which option fits your situation.

Do smart locks work during a power outage?

Yes. Virtually all residential smart locks run on batteries, not household power, so a power outage has no effect on them. Most have battery life of 6 to 12 months depending on usage, and nearly all provide low-battery warnings through the connected app and physical beeps on the lock itself.

Separately, most smart locks also include a traditional keyed override — meaning you can still open the door with a physical key if the batteries fail completely. We always verify this override works during installation and make sure you have a backup key stored somewhere safe.

How can I tell if a locksmith is legitimate?

Ask for their license number and insurance information before they start work. A legitimate locksmith will provide both without hesitation. You can verify the license with your state's locksmith licensing board — most have online lookup tools.

Also watch for a few warning signs: technicians who arrive in unmarked vehicles, refusal to provide written estimates, pricing that changes dramatically once they arrive, and businesses that don't answer the phone with a specific company name. Our technicians arrive in marked Sure Lock & Key trucks, wear identification, and carry documentation.

What's the difference between a high-security lock and a standard deadbolt?

High-security locks are built to resist three specific attack methods that standard deadbolts can't: picking (using tools to manipulate the pins), bumping (tapping a special key to briefly align the pins), and drilling (using a power drill to destroy the lock cylinder). Brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy build these protections into the lock hardware itself.

Standard residential deadbolts protect against casual break-in attempts but offer limited protection against a determined attacker with skill or specialized tools. For most homes, a high-quality standard deadbolt is sufficient. High-security locks make sense for higher-risk properties, homes with valuable contents, or homeowners who want the additional peace of mind.

What customers say

Twelve hundred reviews. Here are three.

★★★★★
Called at 11 PM after locking myself out in a thunderstorm. Tech was on my porch in 22 minutes, got me in without damaging the lock, and walked me through how to avoid it happening again. Honest, kind, professional.
MT
Marcus T.
Verified customer · July 2025
★★★★★
Just closed on a home. Sure Lock rekeyed every exterior lock, installed a new smart deadbolt, and spent twenty minutes showing us how to program guest codes for family. Done in 90 minutes. Patient with every question we asked.
EK
Elena K.
Verified customer · September 2025
★★★★★
Third generation of my family to call Sure Lock. My grandfather used Harold in the 90s. My parents still call them. Now so do I. Honest people who explain what they're doing and why. Rare these days.
JR
James R.
Verified customer · November 2025

Locked out? Moving in? Not sure what you need?

Call Sure Lock & Key — a licensed technician can be on your porch in about 30 minutes, and we're happy to answer questions even if you're not ready to book. No pressure, no upsells, no call-center runaround.

(203) 769-9166
Technicians on call now · 24/7 emergency service