Hear from Our Customers
You’re standing outside your locked home at 10 PM, or your office keys stopped working right before an important meeting. These situations happen to Philadelphia residents every day, and they’re exactly why we exist.
We don’t just unlock doors—we solve the real problem fast. Our mobile technicians arrive within 20-30 minutes across Philadelphia, equipped with specialized tools that open locks without damage. No scratched door frames, no broken hardware, no expensive repairs afterward.
Once we get you back inside, we can immediately address the underlying issue. Lost keys? We rekey your locks on-site so old keys stop working and cut new ones for authorized people only. Security concerns? We upgrade your locks during the same visit. You’re back to your normal routine while eliminating the risk of it happening again.
McCausland Lock Service isn’t just another locksmith company—we’re a piece of Philadelphia area history. The McCausland family has been solving lock problems since the late 1800s, when Charles McCausland Senior first learned the trade from his father.
Today, fourth-generation locksmith Tom McCausland and his daughter Chrissy operate the largest locksmith company in the Delaware Valley from our Prospect Park location. We’ve handled everything from simple house key copies to complex commercial security installations for Philadelphia families and businesses.
When you call us, you’re getting more than a service call. You’re getting generations of knowledge, a fully stocked mobile fleet, and the kind of reliability that keeps customers coming back decade after decade. We understand Philadelphia neighborhoods, we know the common lock problems in older row homes, and we’ve been here long enough to earn your trust.
Here’s exactly what happens when you call McCausland Lock Service. First, we answer the phone—not a call center, but our actual technicians who understand your situation. We ask the right questions to dispatch the closest mobile unit with the correct tools and parts.
Your technician arrives within 20-30 minutes for emergency calls, or at your scheduled time for non-urgent work. Before starting, we explain the problem in plain language and provide upfront pricing. No hidden fees, no surprise charges, no pressure to buy services you don’t need.
Most lock repairs and installations happen on-site during one visit. We carry genuine manufacturer parts for major lock brands, so the repair lasts longer than quick fixes. For complex jobs, we complete the priority work first—getting you back inside or securing your property—then schedule follow-up work at your convenience.
Every job comes with our guarantee. If something isn’t right, we make it right. That’s how the McCausland family has operated for over 140 years, and it’s why Delaware County residents keep our number handy.
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Philadelphia presents unique security challenges. Center City high-rises need sophisticated access control systems. South Philly row homes require deadbolt upgrades that work with century-old door frames. Northern Liberties condos want smart locks that integrate with building systems.
We handle all of it. Residential services include emergency lockouts, lock repair and replacement, rekeying after moves or security concerns, deadbolt installation, smart lock setup, and master key systems for multi-unit properties. Our technicians understand Philadelphia’s mix of historic and modern architecture.
Commercial clients throughout the city rely on us for panic hardware installation, access control systems, master key systems for office buildings, high-security locks for sensitive areas, and emergency lockout service that gets businesses operational fast. We work with property managers, business owners, and facility directors who can’t afford downtime.
Automotive services cover everything from car lockouts in busy Philadelphia traffic to programming transponder keys for the latest vehicles. We come to you anywhere in the city—parking lots, driveways, or curbside—with mobile units equipped for on-site key cutting and programming.
We typically arrive within 20-30 minutes for emergency calls throughout Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Our mobile units are strategically positioned across the Delaware Valley, and we dispatch the closest technician immediately when you call.
Emergency response time depends on your exact location and current traffic conditions, but we prioritize lockout calls because we understand every minute counts. Whether you’re locked out of your home, car, or business, we treat it as urgent and get someone to you as fast as safely possible.
For business lockouts, we understand that every minute costs you real money in lost productivity and customer service. That’s why commercial emergencies get priority dispatch, and we’re equipped to handle complex access control systems and high-security locks that other locksmiths can’t open.
Rekeying changes the internal pins inside your existing lock so old keys no longer work, while replacement means installing completely new lock hardware. Rekeying costs significantly less—typically $75-150 per lock versus $200-400 for replacement.
We recommend rekeying when you’ve lost keys, moved into a new home, ended employee relationships, or have security concerns but your current locks are in good condition. The existing hardware stays on your door, but we change the internal mechanism so previous keys become useless.
Lock replacement makes sense when your current locks are damaged, outdated, or don’t provide adequate security for your needs. We also replace locks when upgrading to smart locks, high-security systems, or when the existing hardware is incompatible with your security goals. Our technicians assess your situation and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
Absolutely. We install, repair, and maintain all types of smart locks and electronic access control systems throughout Philadelphia. Our technicians stay current with the latest technology including keypad locks, smartphone-controlled deadbolts, biometric systems, and commercial access control.
Many electronic lock problems involve programming issues, dead batteries, or connectivity problems rather than mechanical failure. We can diagnose these issues on-site and often resolve them immediately. For smart locks that integrate with home automation systems, we ensure proper setup and connectivity.
We work with major brands like Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, and commercial-grade systems from companies like HID and Dormakaba. Whether you need initial installation, troubleshooting existing systems, or upgrading older electronic locks, we have the expertise and equipment to handle it properly.
Yes, we’re experienced with post-burglary security restoration throughout Philadelphia. We understand that after a break-in, you need immediate security and long-term peace of mind, not just quick fixes that leave you vulnerable.
Our emergency response includes securing damaged entry points, assessing what needs immediate repair versus replacement, and identifying security weaknesses that may have contributed to the break-in. We can install temporary security measures while planning comprehensive upgrades.
Beyond immediate repairs, we help you upgrade your overall security with high-security locks, reinforced door frames, security doors, and modern access control systems. We also work with insurance companies and can provide documentation needed for claims. The goal is making your property more secure than it was before the incident.
We service all of Philadelphia plus Delaware County, parts of Montgomery County, Chester County, and Bucks County. Our primary service area includes Media, Upper Darby, Chester, Springfield, Swarthmore, and surrounding communities where we’ve built relationships over decades.
Our Prospect Park location gives us quick access to Center City Philadelphia, South Philly, West Philadelphia, and the airport area. We also regularly service Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Old City, and other popular neighborhoods throughout the city.
For commercial clients, we travel further for larger projects or ongoing service contracts. We work with property management companies, business districts, and facility managers who need reliable locksmith services across multiple locations. Distance isn’t usually a problem for scheduled work or significant projects.
Service call fees typically range from $75-150, with additional charges for parts and labor depending on the complexity of your situation. Emergency after-hours calls may include a premium, but we provide upfront pricing before starting any work.
Common residential services: lock rekeying runs $75-150 per lock, deadbolt installation costs $150-300 including hardware, and emergency lockout service ranges $100-200. These prices include our service call and basic labor, with higher-end locks or complex installations costing more.
Commercial work varies significantly based on the scope—from simple office lockouts at $150-250 to complete access control system installations in the thousands. We provide free estimates for larger projects and work with property managers to establish service agreements that reduce per-call costs for ongoing maintenance.