Lock Restoration & Antique Lock Repair in Toronto
Old mortise lock sticking, a brass handleset that no longer latches, or an antique lock with no key? We repair and restore old and vintage locks so you can keep the original hardware on your door, cabinet or furniture. We work across Toronto and the GTA.
- Family owned since 2010
- Licensed and insured
- Free quotes
- Mobile: we come to you
Google rating, 460+ reviews
Latch or bolt sticks
Old grease, dirt and worn parts make the latch drag or the bolt stop half way.
Key lost or worn
The original key is missing, or it is so worn it only turns with luck.
Knob or handle is loose
Spindles, set screws and springs wear out, so the knob spins or the lever sags.
Lock is seized
A lock that was painted over, rusted or left locked for years and no longer moves.
Keep the original hardware
Many older Toronto houses still have their original mortise locks, rim locks and brass knobs. They were built to last, and the door, trim and paint were made around them. Replacing them often means new holes, filler and a lock that does not match the rest of the house.
Restoration means taking the lock apart, finding what has failed and getting it working again. The outside of the lock stays as it is, so the door keeps its look.
When an old lock cannot be saved, we tell you why and show you replacements that fit the existing pocket or holes. See old lock holes and door repair.
Restoration work we do
We look at the lock first and give you a price before any work starts.
Clean and repair
We take the lock body apart, clean out old grease and dirt, free seized parts, and replace broken springs where a matching part is available.
Keys for old locks
Where the lock allows, we open it and fit a working key. Worn keys can often be copied from the lock itself. See worn keys and key copies.
Rekey or replace the cylinder
Threaded mortise and rim cylinders can be rekeyed or swapped for a new one in a matching finish. See rim and mortise cylinders.
Fit and alignment
We adjust the strike, the keeper and the door so the latch and bolt catch without slamming the door.
Door, cabinet and furniture locks
- Front door mortise locks: the lock body in the door edge with a long brass plate and knobs, common on older Toronto homes. See mortise lock repair.
- Brass handlesets: thumb latch handlesets from brands such as Baldwin and others. See entrance handlesets.
- Rim locks and night latches: the box lock mounted on the inside face of the door.
- Cabinets and furniture: locks on old desks, dressers, chests and display cabinets. See antique furniture locks.
Old locks and home security
An old mortise lock or rim lock can look good and work well and still be easy to open. Many use simple keys and short bolts that were never meant to meet today's standards.
If a restored lock is on your main entrance, we can fit a modern deadbolt above it so the original hardware stays in place and the door locks properly. See adding a deadbolt above a mortise lock.
Have a safe with an old lock? See safe maintenance and safe opening.
How a restoration job works
Send photos
Call us, or email photos of the lock, the plate on the door edge, the key if you have one and any markings to [email protected].
Free quote
We tell you what we think has failed and give you a price before any work starts.
Repair
We clean and repair the lock, replace worn parts where a match is available, and adjust the door and strike.
Test
We refit the lock and test the key, the knobs or handle, the latch and the bolt from both sides.
Old hardware we have worked on
Photos from older doors and locks serviced by GTA Lockman.
