Hear from Our Customers
You shouldn’t have to wrestle with your own front door every time you come home. A properly installed door knob turns smoothly, locks securely, and doesn’t make you second-guess whether you actually locked up when you left.
That’s what you get with professional door knob installation. The right hardware, installed correctly, with manufacturer-approved parts that won’t fail three months from now. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out interior knob or upgrading to a keyed entry set on your exterior doors, the installation matters as much as the hardware itself.
Glenolden homes—especially the older construction mixed throughout Delaware County—often have door prep that doesn’t match modern hardware specs. A professional residential locksmith knows how to work with what’s there, make the necessary adjustments, and ensure everything functions the way it should. You’re not just getting a new knob installed. You’re getting it done right so you don’t have to think about it again.
We’ve been handling door hardware in Delaware County since the late 1800s. That’s not marketing language—it’s actual family history. Tom McCausland and his daughter Chrissy run the largest locksmith operation in the Delaware Valley today, carrying forward what Tom’s great-grandfather started generations ago.
When you’re dealing with older homes in Glenolden and surrounding areas, that experience matters. We’ve seen every door configuration, every outdated lock type, and every installation challenge these homes present. We know which manufacturers make hardware that lasts—Kwikset, Schlage, Medeco—and we use OEM parts so you’re not calling us back next month because something failed.
You’re not getting a handyman with a drill. You’re getting locksmiths who’ve been doing this longer than most companies have existed, with a fully stocked storefront in Prospect Park and mobile technicians who know Delaware County inside and out.
First, we assess what you’re working with. If you’re replacing existing hardware, we check the door prep—the holes and cutouts—to see if they match your new knob specs. Many times they do. Sometimes they don’t, especially with older Glenolden homes, and that’s where professional installation separates from DIY disasters.
Next, we remove the old hardware without damaging your door or frame. Stripped screws, painted-over plates, and seized mechanisms get handled properly. Then we prep the door if needed—enlarging holes, adjusting backsets, or modifying the strike plate so everything aligns correctly.
Installation comes next. We mount the new door knob or lever, ensure the latch engages smoothly, and verify the lock mechanism works without binding. If it’s a keyed entry, we test the cylinder and make sure your keys work smoothly from both sides. For smart locks or electronic hardware, we handle the programming and walk you through the features.
Finally, we test everything multiple times. The door should close easily, latch securely, and lock without resistance. You shouldn’t have to lift the door or jiggle anything. If it doesn’t work perfectly, we adjust it until it does. Most installations take 30 to 45 minutes per door, and you’re left with hardware that functions the way it’s supposed to.
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Professional door knob installation covers more than just mounting hardware. You get a full assessment of your door’s condition and existing prep work. We handle everything from basic passage knobs for interior doors to keyed entry sets for exterior doors, privacy locks for bathrooms, and lever installations for accessibility or preference.
Glenolden homes often need additional work beyond basic installation. Older doors may require backset adjustments, new strike plates, or latch modifications to accommodate modern hardware. We carry the tools and parts to handle those adjustments on-site, so you’re not left with a half-finished job or hardware that doesn’t quite work right.
If you’re upgrading to smart locks—which more Delaware County residents are doing for the convenience and security—we handle the full installation and programming. That includes syncing with your smartphone, setting up access codes, and making sure the electronic components integrate properly with your existing door structure. These installations require specialized knowledge because smart locks have different power requirements, alignment needs, and troubleshooting considerations than traditional hardware.
You also get immediate key cutting if needed. Whether it’s standard house keys or hard-to-find key types, we cut them on-site or at our Prospect Park storefront. And if you need rekeying, deadbolt installation, or other security upgrades while we’re there, we handle it during the same visit. You’re not scheduling multiple appointments or coordinating different contractors.
Door knob installation typically costs between $150 and $480 per door, depending on the hardware type and complexity. A basic interior passage knob runs on the lower end, while keyed entry sets or smart locks cost more due to the additional components and installation time required.
Labor usually accounts for $50 to $125 of that cost, with the rest covering the hardware itself. If your door needs modifications—like enlarging holes for different backsets or adjusting the frame for proper alignment—that adds to the labor time. Older Glenolden homes sometimes need these adjustments because door prep standards have changed over the decades.
The cost also depends on the manufacturer and quality level you choose. Kwikset and Schlage offer solid mid-range options that balance cost and durability. Medeco provides higher-security options that cost more upfront but offer better protection and longevity. We walk you through the options based on where the door is located, how much use it gets, and what security level makes sense for your situation.
Yes. Professional installation means no damage to your door, frame, or surrounding trim. We use the right tools and techniques to remove old hardware, make necessary adjustments, and install new knobs without forcing anything or creating unnecessary holes.
The key is working with what’s already there. Most doors have standard prep that accommodates modern hardware with minimal adjustment. When modifications are needed, we make precise cuts or enlargements that maintain the door’s structural integrity and appearance. You won’t see splintered wood, oversized holes, or patched-up mistakes.
This matters especially with older doors common in Glenolden homes. These doors often have solid wood construction that’s worth preserving, but they may have non-standard prep or multiple layers of paint that complicate removal and installation. We’ve handled thousands of these installations across Delaware County and know how to work with vintage doors without damaging them. You get functional hardware and a door that still looks good.
Most door knob installations take 30 to 45 minutes per door. That includes removing old hardware, prepping the door if needed, installing the new knob or lever, and testing everything to ensure it works smoothly.
More complex installations take longer. Smart locks require additional time for programming and syncing with your devices. Doors that need backset adjustments or frame modifications add 15 to 30 minutes. If you’re having multiple doors done at once, we work efficiently to minimize disruption to your day.
For emergency situations—like a broken lock that’s preventing you from securing your home—we typically arrive within 20 to 30 minutes and have you back to normal quickly. Our mobile technicians carry common hardware and parts, so we’re not making multiple trips or leaving you waiting for special orders. You call, we come out, we handle it, and you’re done.
Door knobs require a twisting motion to operate, while door levers use a downward push. Functionally, both do the same job—they retract the latch so the door opens. The choice usually comes down to accessibility, aesthetics, and personal preference.
Levers are easier to operate if you have your hands full, limited grip strength, or mobility considerations. They’re also required by ADA accessibility standards in commercial settings and increasingly popular in residential applications for those same practical reasons. Many Glenolden homeowners are switching to levers during renovations or upgrades simply because they’re more convenient.
From an installation standpoint, knobs and levers use similar door prep and mounting systems. The main difference is the lever mechanism requires slightly more clearance and careful alignment to ensure smooth operation. Both are available in passage (non-locking), privacy (bathroom lock), and keyed entry versions. We help you choose based on where the door is located, who’s using it, and what style matches your home’s existing hardware.
Yes. We install all types of smart locks and electronic door hardware, including keypad entry systems, Bluetooth-enabled locks, and smartphone-controlled deadbolts. These systems are becoming standard in Delaware County homes because they offer convenience and enhanced security features that traditional locks can’t match.
Smart lock installation requires more than just mounting hardware. The electronic components need proper alignment so the motorized mechanisms don’t bind or drain batteries quickly. We ensure the strike plate aligns perfectly, the door closes without resistance, and the lock engages smoothly every time. Poor alignment is the most common reason smart locks fail or malfunction, and it’s entirely preventable with correct installation.
We also handle the programming and setup. That includes syncing the lock with your smartphone, setting up access codes, connecting to your home WiFi if applicable, and walking you through the features. If you’re integrating the lock with existing security systems or home automation, we coordinate that as well. You’re not left with an instruction manual and a half-configured lock—you get a fully functional system that you know how to use.
Not necessarily. Replace door knobs when they’re malfunctioning, when you’re upgrading security, or when you want a consistent look throughout your home. There’s no requirement to do everything at once unless you’re dealing with a security concern like lost keys or hardware that’s failing across multiple doors.
That said, doing multiple doors in one visit is more efficient and often more cost-effective. We’re already on-site with tools and materials, so adding additional doors to the service call makes sense if you’re considering upgrades anyway. Many Glenolden homeowners start with exterior doors for security reasons, then address interior doors during later visits.
The main consideration is whether your current hardware is still functioning properly and meeting your security needs. If you’re jiggling keys, forcing locks, or worried about who might have copies of old keys, those are good reasons to replace and rekey. If everything works fine and you’re happy with it, there’s no urgency. We assess what you have, explain what makes sense to address now versus later, and let you decide based on your priorities and budget.
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