Mortise Lock Repair & Replacement

By far the most frequent call we receive is a failed latch bolt or a mortise lock cylinder that turns without engaging the deadbolt. On doors that are 50 to 100-plus years old, the internal cam wears down and eventually loses the tension needed to throw the bolt. Re-lubricating and replacing the cam or latch spring resolves the problem without removing or replacing the entire lock body, which preserves the original hardware and keeps costs straightforward. Re-keying after a tenant change or a lost key is the second most common request, and with a mortise cylinder that job is usually fast because the cylinder simply unpins without major disassembly.

Call-out structures vary widely across the industry. Rather than quote a number that may shift based on your specific door, lock type, time of day, or travel distance, we give you a confirmed price after a brief assessment — either over the phone when we have enough detail, or on-site before any work starts. The factors that move the number are the complexity of the hardware (a standard re-key versus a full electric mortise lock replacement, for example), whether the call is a daytime appointment or a late-night emergency, and how far we are traveling within the Charleston area. Our commitment is that you always know the exact amount before we proceed — no vague estimates that expand after the job is done.

South Carolina does not currently mandate a state-issued locksmith license the way some other states do, so the burden falls on the consumer to verify training and professionalism. Our technicians are trained and experienced specifically in mechanical and electronic lock systems, and the company is insured. When we arrive, we verify your identity as the property owner or authorized tenant before performing any work — that step protects you and is standard practice for any reputable locksmith. We are happy to answer questions about our experience with specific hardware brands or historic door configurations before you commit to the service.

In most cases, yes. Current-generation smart mortise lock sets are designed to fit standard mortise pocket dimensions, and many use a cylinder-format insert that matches the diameter of the original keyway opening. From the street, the door looks unchanged — the same escutcheon plate, the same lever or knob trim — while the interior thumbturn or a wall-mounted keypad handles electronic access. In Charleston's locally regulated historic districts, exterior hardware appearance is often subject to Board of Architectural Review guidelines, and we can discuss finish and profile options that align with those requirements. We assess the existing pocket dimensions on-site before recommending any specific unit.

Tipping is entirely optional and never expected. The most meaningful way to show appreciation for good service is leaving an honest review or referring a neighbor — especially in close-knit Charleston communities like Wagener Terrace or Hampton Park where word travels fast. If a technician went above and beyond on a difficult job — say, rescuing a seized antique mortise lock case without damaging a 19th-century door — a tip is a kind gesture, but it carries no weight on how seriously we treat every call regardless.

Yes. Sliding door mortise lock mechanisms are narrower in profile than standard entry door units, and the hook bolt that engages the strike on a sliding door operates differently from a swing-door deadbolt, but the core service process is the same. We assess the existing hardware, identify whether the issue is the bolt, the cylinder, the cam, or the chassis, and repair or replace as needed. Because sliding doors in Charleston often take sea-air exposure along the coast and in areas like Wild Dunes or James Island waterfront properties, corrosion is a frequent culprit, and we carry corrosion-resistant replacement components suited to that environment.