Deadbolt & Lock Installation
Whether you've just moved into a home near Duke Forest, upgraded to a new rental on Ninth Street, or finally decided to replace that worn-out entry lock that's been sticking since last winter — getting the right hardware installed correctly makes all the difference. At Durham Pro Locksmith, our mobile locksmith team comes directly to your door across Durham, NC, handling everything from single-cylinder deadbolts to decorative handlesets and full door hardware packages. We work around your schedule, 24/7, so there's no need to take time off work or wait days for an appointment.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week · Licensed, bonded & insured
A lock is only as strong as its installation. A misaligned strike plate, an improperly seated bolt, or the wrong hardware grade for your door type can undermine even the most expensive deadbolt on the market. Our trained, insured technicians bring professional-grade tools and hands-on experience to every job, ensuring your new hardware fits cleanly, operates smoothly, and delivers the level of security it was designed to provide — all without unnecessary damage to your door or frame where avoidable.
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 Durham, we reach the Durham 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.
More about our work
Everything you need to know about how we help — at a glance.
Deadbolt & Lock Installation Done Right the First Time
Choosing a new deadbolt or handleset is only half the battle — the installation is where most DIY attempts go sideways. Door thickness variations, misaligned bore holes, weak wood framing around older Durham rentals, and mismatched backsets are all issues our technicians encounter and solve every day. We work with all major hardware brands including Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, and Medeco, and we can install single-cylinder deadbolts, double-cylinder deadbolts, handlesets with integrated locks, and keypad or smart lock deadbolts. If you're upgrading an exterior door on a craftsman bungalow in Old North Durham or swapping out builder-grade hardware on a new build off Cole Mill Road, we size up the job before we start and confirm the exact price with you upfront — no surprise charges after the work is done.
Our mobile locksmith service means we bring everything to you: the tools, the expertise, and when needed, a selection of quality hardware if you haven't already purchased your own. Installation typically includes proper alignment of the deadbolt body, strike plate, and latch, reinforcement of the strike plate with long screws into the door stud where appropriate, and a full function test before we pack up. We work damage-free wherever the door and frame conditions allow, preserving your paint and finish.
Types of Door Hardware We Install Across Durham
Our lock installation services cover a wide range of residential and light commercial hardware. Here's a specific look at what we handle: (1) Single-cylinder deadbolts — the standard for most exterior doors, keyed outside, thumb-turn inside. (2) Double-cylinder deadbolts — keyed on both sides, common for doors with glass panels near the lock. (3) Handlesets — decorative front-door hardware combining a grip handle with an integrated deadbolt or latch. (4) Keypad deadbolts — electronic push-button locks that eliminate the need for a physical key. (5) Smart lock deadbolts — Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled locks compatible with apps like the Schlage Home or Kwikset Halo platforms. (6) Knob-and-lock combos — common on interior doors and some secondary exterior doors. (7) Lever handlesets — ADA-friendly options frequently requested for rentals and accessible homes. (8) Multi-point locking systems — for patio doors and some European-style doors. (9) Mortise locks — found in older commercial buildings and some historic Durham properties. (10) Rim locks — surface-mounted, often seen in older homes. (11) Sliding door locks — secondary security locks for patio and sliding glass doors. (12) French door locks — paired door hardware requiring precise alignment. (13) Security door reinforcement kits — door frame armor, hinge bolts, and strike plate upgrades. (14) Door chain and swing-bar guards. (15) Barrel bolts and flush bolts for double doors. (16) Cabinet locks for home offices. (17) Mailbox locks. (18) Gate locks and padlock hasps for fence gates. (19) Garage side-door deadbolts. (20) Storm door locks and closers. (21) Lock rekeying combined with new hardware installation. (22) Master key system setup for small multi-unit Durham properties. (23) Keyless entry keypad installation on existing doors without bore-hole modifications. (24) Peephole installation and wide-angle viewer upgrades. (25) Full door hardware package replacement — knob, deadbolt, and strike plate in one visit.
Every installation is carried out by a trained technician who understands how Durham's housing stock varies — from century-old wood doors in Watts-Hillandale to hollow-core fiberglass on newer construction in Hope Valley. We assess the door, frame, and existing bore before recommending hardware or proceeding with yours.
Professional Deadbolt Installation for Rentals, Homeowners & Small Businesses
Durham's rental market is one of the most active in the Triangle, with a huge number of move-ins happening near East Campus, Brightleaf Square, and along the Lakewood Avenue corridor. Landlords frequently call us to swap out deadbolts between tenants — a smart, inexpensive security measure that ensures previous keyholders no longer have access. Homeowners who've just closed on a property along Eno River estates or in the Burch Avenue neighborhood routinely schedule new lock installation as one of their very first post-closing tasks. Our 24/7 availability means we can accommodate tight move-in timelines even on weekends or evenings.
Small business owners in Durham — from boutique shops in the American Tobacco Campus area to service contractors with office space near Research Triangle Park — also rely on our mobile locksmith team for professional deadbolt and commercial lock installation. We can handle Grade 1 and Grade 2 commercial deadbolts, keypad access on office doors, and reinforced strike plates on storefront entries. Before any work begins, we give you a clear quote so you can decide without pressure.
What to Expect: Pricing, Timing & Our Process
Lock installation costs in Durham vary depending on the type of hardware, the condition of the existing door prep, and whether you're supplying your own hardware or sourcing through us. As a general estimate, basic single-cylinder deadbolt installation typically runs in the range of $75–$150 for labor when you supply the hardware; more complex installations — smart locks, handlesets, double-cylinder deadbolts on older doors that need bore adjustments — may run higher. These are estimates only: the actual price depends on the specifics of your door and hardware, and we will always confirm the exact cost with you before any work begins. There are no hidden fees. Our technicians carry no-obligation pricing, and if for any reason the scope changes mid-job, we communicate that with you immediately.
Our typical arrival window across Durham is fast — we're a mobile locksmith operation, not a shop you have to drive to. Once on-site, a standard deadbolt installation on a prepped door generally takes 30–60 minutes. Handleset replacements or smart lock conversions requiring wiring or app pairing may take a bit longer. We leave your door cleaner than we found it, test every function with you present, and walk you through any new hardware operation — keypad codes, app pairing, or rekeying procedures — before we consider the job complete.
Call us any time at (919) 809-6664 — we're available around the clock, seven days a week, including holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to what our customers ask most. Still unsure? Just call.
Do I need to buy the lock myself, or can Durham Pro Locksmith supply the hardware?+
Either works. If you already have a deadbolt or handleset you'd like installed, our technicians will assess it and get it in for you. If you'd prefer us to source the hardware, we carry commonly requested Schlage and Kwikset models and can advise on the right grade and style for your door type. Just let us know when you call (919) 809-6664 and we'll sort it out before we arrive.
Will installing a new deadbolt damage my door or frame?+
Our goal is always a damage-free installation. On doors with an existing bore in the correct position and a structurally sound frame, we can swap hardware cleanly without any cosmetic damage. If the bore needs enlarging or the frame needs reinforcement work, we'll explain exactly what's involved and show you the scope before we touch anything. Older doors in Durham's historic neighborhoods sometimes need a bit more care — we're experienced with those situations.
Can you install a smart lock or keypad deadbolt on any door?+
Most standard exterior doors with a 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thickness and a standard bore hole (2-1/8" diameter) can accept a smart lock or keypad deadbolt. We'll confirm compatibility on-site before installation. Some older or non-standard doors may need a slight bore adjustment, which we can handle. We've installed smart locks on doors all across Durham — from older bungalows near Trinity Park to modern townhomes in the Southpoint area — so we're familiar with the range of door types you'll find here.
How much does deadbolt installation cost in Durham, NC?+
Costs depend on the hardware type, door condition, and whether you're supplying the lock or having us source it. As a rough estimate, labor for a standard single-cylinder deadbolt install on a prepped door often falls in the $75–$150 range; more involved jobs — handlesets, smart locks, double-cylinder installs on doors needing bore work — typically cost more. These are estimates only. We always confirm the exact price with you before starting any work, so there are never any surprises. Call (919) 809-6664 for a no-obligation quote.
Can you install new locks at night or on weekends? I work during the week.+
Absolutely — we operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. If Saturday evening or Sunday morning is the only time that works for your schedule, that's not a problem. Our mobile locksmith team covers Durham around the clock, so just call (919) 809-6664 and we'll get a technician out to you at a time that fits your day.
Is it worth upgrading to a Grade 1 deadbolt, or is a standard Grade 2 lock fine for most Durham homes?+
Grade 1 deadbolts — the highest residential security rating under ANSI/BHMA standards — are worth the upgrade for primary entry doors, especially on properties that may be more exposed or in areas where security is a priority. Grade 2 locks are perfectly adequate for secondary doors or interior applications. Our technicians can walk you through the difference in hardware options on-site and help you decide based on your specific door, neighborhood, and budget — without any upselling pressure.