Are you available for after-hours lockout calls?

Yes. After-hours lockout calls are routed through our live answering line at (202) 227-6767. An on-call dispatcher triages each request and sends the nearest available technician. Average after-hours arrival time is…

Are your technicians licensed in Maryland and DC?

Yes. All technicians operating in Maryland carry a valid Maryland Security License Board locksmith license. DC operations comply with applicable licensing requirements. Proof of licensure and certificates of general…

Can you rekey a lock instead of replacing it?

Yes, and in most cases rekeying is the right choice. Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration so the old key no longer works, but the lock hardware stays in place. It costs significantly less than a full…

Do you design master key systems for rental properties and offices?

Yes. Master key hierarchy design is one of our core commercial services. We start with a facility walk-through, map every door and its access level, then design and install a hierarchy that gives each user access to…

Do you provide a written estimate before starting work?

Always. Every Unlock and Drive technician carries a rate schedule and provides a written estimate on-site before any work begins. No work proceeds without customer approval, and the final invoice never exceeds the…

How are safe openings documented for insurance?

Photos of drill points, dial orientation, and relocker status accompany invoices so carriers see professional methodology rather than destructive mystery. Post-opening, discuss whether dial service or electronic…

How do I choose between Grade 1 and Grade 2 deadbolts on mixed-use doors?

Grade 1 belongs on exterior and garage-house connectors; Grade 2 may suffice on interior storerooms without public exposure. Strike reinforcement matters as much as cylinder grade—Unlock and Drive should inspect screw…

How do locksmiths avoid participating in illegal lockouts?

Responsible vendors request court or landlord documentation before cores change on occupied dwellings. If paperwork is ambiguous, they decline service rather than risk constructive eviction liability. Photo IDs and…

Lock Types & Security Solutions

Every property has unique security requirements. Explore our four lock type collections — from everyday residential deadbolts to commercial-grade access control and high-security cylinders — and find the right hardware for your doors.

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Call (202) 227-6767 Get a free estimate

Browse by Lock Type

Each collection covers hardware for a specific security segment — select the one that matches your property type and security goals.

Residential Locks

Deadbolts, knob locks, lever sets, and smart locks engineered for homes. Featuring Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale.

Brands: Schlage, Kwikset, Yale

Explore →

Commercial Locks

Mortise locks, cylindrical locks, exit devices, and access control for businesses. Featuring ASSA ABLOY, Corbin Russwin, and Von Duprin.

Brands: ASSA ABLOY, Corbin Russwin, Von Duprin

Explore →

High-Security Locks

Pick-resistant, drill-resistant cylinders with restricted keyways from Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy.

Brands: Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy

Explore →

Smart Locks

Keypad, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi enabled locks for convenient keyless entry. Featuring Yale, Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, and August.

Brands: Yale, Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, August

Explore →

Why Lock Quality Matters

Not all locks are created equal. Understanding the differences between security grades, construction materials, and certification standards helps you make an informed decision that protects your property for years to come.

ANSI/BHMA grading

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) grade locks from Grade 1 (commercial-heavy duty) through Grade 3 (light residential). Grade 1 locks withstand at least 250,000 open/close cycles and must resist a 300-lb pull test. When in doubt, choose Grade 1 for exterior doors.

UL 437 high-security standard

Underwriters Laboratories UL 437 is the benchmark for high-security cylinders. Locks must resist picking, impressioning, drilling, and key duplication for a minimum time under controlled test conditions. Medeco and Mul-T-Lock cylinders carry UL 437 listings, giving you an independently verified security claim beyond manufacturer marketing.

Restricted keyways

Restricted key systems use patented bitting patterns and key blanks that are only available through authorized locksmiths. This prevents unauthorized hardware-store duplication — a critical feature for properties where you need full control over who holds a key. High-security lock programs from Medeco, Abloy, and Mul-T-Lock all use restricted key systems.

Related services

What We Can Do for You

Whether you need a new smart lock installed, want to rekey after a move, or require emergency access, our licensed technicians are ready.

Smart Lock Installation →Lock Rekey →Car Key Replacement →Emergency Service →Lock Brands We Carry →All Services →

How to Choose the Right Lock

The right lock depends on your specific situation: door type, threat model, key management needs, and budget. Here is a quick framework our technicians use when advising customers.

1
Identify the door
Exterior entry doors need at minimum a Grade 1 deadbolt. Interior doors typically require Grade 2 or 3 privacy locks. Commercial doors with high traffic need mortise hardware.
2
Assess your threat model
Everyday residential burglary risk is addressed by a Grade 1 deadbolt. If you need key control (rental properties, offices), move to restricted-keyway or smart lock systems.
3
Consider convenience
Smart locks add keyless convenience and remote access but require batteries and app management. If you rarely change who has access, a quality keyed deadbolt may be simpler.
4
Get a professional assessment
Door frame condition, latch guard needs, and hinge security all affect overall door security. A licensed locksmith can identify weak points beyond just the lock cylinder.

Understanding Lock Hardware Categories

The lock industry broadly divides hardware into four functional categories: residential, commercial, high-security, and smart. Each category reflects different construction standards, installation methods, and key control needs — and choosing within the right category is the first step toward meaningful security improvement.

Residential locks include the everyday deadbolts, knob locks, and lever-handle sets found on home entry doors. Leading manufacturers like Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale offer product families spanning Grade 1 through Grade 3. Entry-level Grade 3 locks are adequate for interior passage doors, but exterior doors in most jurisdictions require Grade 1 hardware to satisfy insurance requirements and building codes. Schlage's B-series deadbolts and Kwikset's SmartKey line represent the most commonly installed residential products in North America.

Commercial locks must withstand far higher use cycles than residential hardware — a school or office building may see the same door opened hundreds of times per day. Mortise locks, developed over a century ago and still specified by most architects for commercial projects, house the entire locking mechanism inside the door. Brands like ASSA ABLOY, Corbin Russwin, and Schlage Commercial publish full product specifications and ADA compliance data, making them the go-to choice for new construction and renovation projects. Exit devices (panic bars) from Von Duprin and Allegion meet NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements for egress-path doors.

High-security locks occupy a specialist tier designed for properties where key control and forced-entry resistance are paramount: financial institutions, data centers, law offices, and high-value residential properties. Medeco, founded in 1968, pioneered the angled-pin cylinder that defeats standard picking tools. Mul-T-Lock's telescopic pin technology offers a similarly high pick-resistance rating with a distinctive key profile that is virtually impossible to duplicate by impression. Abloy, a Finnish brand owned by ASSA ABLOY, uses a rotating disc mechanism with no springs — eliminating the main attack vector for picking entirely.

Smart locks have evolved significantly since the first Wi-Fi deadbolts appeared in the early 2010s. Modern products from Yale, Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, and August Smart Lock offer mobile app control, voice assistant integration, and access logs. The security profile of a smart lock is a combination of its physical lock grade (most quality products are ANSI Grade 1 or 2) and its digital security posture — encryption standards, firmware update cadence, and two-factor authentication options. Our technicians can assess whether your home's Wi-Fi infrastructure and door preparation are compatible with specific smart lock models before any hardware is purchased.

Unlock and Drive stocks and installs products from all four categories. Whether you need a straightforward deadbolt upgrade, a full commercial access control system, or a Medeco retrofit of existing door preps, our licensed technicians can advise on the right product and complete professional installation with a workmanship warranty.

Common Questions About Lock Types

What is the difference between a deadbolt and a knob lock?: A deadbolt uses a solid metal bolt that extends deep into the door frame, making it much more resistant to forced entry than a knob lock. Knob locks contain the locking mechanism inside the knob itself, which can be snapped off with tools. For exterior doors, a deadbolt is always recommended as the primary security lock. Knob locks are better suited to interior doors or as a secondary layer alongside a deadbolt.
What is a mortise lock and why is it used in commercial settings?: A mortise lock is a heavy-duty lock where the entire lock body is set into a pocket (mortise) cut into the edge of the door. This recessed design distributes force across a larger surface area, making it far more durable under heavy use than surface-mounted cylindrical locks. Commercial properties prefer mortise locks because they handle thousands of cycles per day and meet fire-code and ADA requirements when paired with appropriate lever hardware.
How do high-security locks differ from standard residential locks?: High-security locks feature hardened steel inserts that resist drilling, anti-pick pin stacks that defeat common picking techniques, and restricted keyways that prevent unauthorized key duplication at hardware stores. Brands like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock use patented key systems — replacement keys require identification and are cut at authorized dealers only. These cylinders are typically UL 437 rated and can also be integrated into existing door hardware by our technicians.
Are smart locks as secure as traditional keyed locks?: Quality smart locks from brands like Schlage Encode and Yale Assure are ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 certified, placing them on par with high-quality keyed deadbolts in terms of physical resistance to forced entry. Their security depends heavily on code hygiene — using unique, non-obvious PIN codes, enabling auto-lock, and keeping firmware updated. Smart locks also offer tamper alerts and access logs unavailable with traditional hardware.
Can I rekey my existing locks instead of replacing them?: In most cases, yes. Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration so old keys no longer work while new keys do. This costs significantly less than a full lock replacement and is the preferred approach when locks are in good mechanical condition. Rekeying is ideal when moving into a new property, after losing a key, or after a change in occupants. Our technicians can rekey most Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale cylinders on-site in under 30 minutes.

Ready to Upgrade Your Locks?

Unlock and Drive provides free security assessments, competitive hardware pricing, and professional installation backed by a workmanship warranty.

Call (202) 227-6767 Get a free estimate

Just a moment…

Why Lock Quality Matters

ANSI/BHMA grading

UL 437 high-security standard

Restricted keyways

How to Choose the Right Lock

The right lock depends on your specific situation: door type, threat model, key management needs, and budget. Here is a quick framework our technicians use when advising customers.

Identify the door

Exterior entry doors need at minimum a Grade 1 deadbolt. Interior doors typically require Grade 2 or 3 privacy locks. Commercial doors with high traffic need mortise hardware.

Assess your threat model

Everyday residential burglary risk is addressed by a Grade 1 deadbolt. If you need key control (rental properties, offices), move to restricted-keyway or smart lock systems.

Consider convenience

Smart locks add keyless convenience and remote access but require batteries and app management. If you rarely change who has access, a quality keyed deadbolt may be simpler.

Get a professional assessment

Door frame condition, latch guard needs, and hinge security all affect overall door security. A licensed locksmith can identify weak points beyond just the lock cylinder.

Understanding Lock Hardware Categories

Common Questions About Lock Types

What is the difference between a deadbolt and a knob lock?

A deadbolt uses a solid metal bolt that extends deep into the door frame, making it much more resistant to forced entry than a knob lock. Knob locks contain the locking mechanism inside the knob itself, which can be snapped off with tools. For exterior doors, a deadbolt is always recommended as the primary security lock. Knob locks are better suited to interior doors or as a secondary layer alongside a deadbolt.

What is a mortise lock and why is it used in commercial settings?

A mortise lock is a heavy-duty lock where the entire lock body is set into a pocket (mortise) cut into the edge of the door. This recessed design distributes force across a larger surface area, making it far more durable under heavy use than surface-mounted cylindrical locks. Commercial properties prefer mortise locks because they handle thousands of cycles per day and meet fire-code and ADA requirements when paired with appropriate lever hardware.

How do high-security locks differ from standard residential locks?

High-security locks feature hardened steel inserts that resist drilling, anti-pick pin stacks that defeat common picking techniques, and restricted keyways that prevent unauthorized key duplication at hardware stores. Brands like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock use patented key systems — replacement keys require identification and are cut at authorized dealers only. These cylinders are typically UL 437 rated and can also be integrated into existing door hardware by our technicians.

Are smart locks as secure as traditional keyed locks?

Quality smart locks from brands like Schlage Encode and Yale Assure are ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 certified, placing them on par with high-quality keyed deadbolts in terms of physical resistance to forced entry. Their security depends heavily on code hygiene — using unique, non-obvious PIN codes, enabling auto-lock, and keeping firmware updated. Smart locks also offer tamper alerts and access logs unavailable with traditional hardware.

Can I rekey my existing locks instead of replacing them?

In most cases, yes. Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration so old keys no longer work while new keys do. This costs significantly less than a full lock replacement and is the preferred approach when locks are in good mechanical condition. Rekeying is ideal when moving into a new property, after losing a key, or after a change in occupants. Our technicians can rekey most Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale cylinders on-site in under 30 minutes.