Fast Locksmith Of Paramus Service Team
Local locksmith team
May 27, 2026 8 min read
Moving into a home on any of Paramus's quiet residential streets — whether you're near the bustle of Route 17 or settling into a neighborhood off Forest Avenue — is exciting. But before you unpack a single box, there's one security question worth answering: do the people who lived here before you still have a key to your front door? Former owners, real estate agents, contractors, cleaning crews, and neighbors may all have copies you'll never know about.
That's why one of the smartest first calls a new Paramus homeowner can make is to a professional locksmith. The real decision isn't whether to secure your home — it's whether rekeying your existing locks or replacing them entirely is the right move. Both options have genuine merit, and the answer depends on the condition of your current hardware, the type of locks already installed, and how much security you want going forward. Here's a practical breakdown to help you decide.
## What Rekeying Actually Does (and When It's the Right Call)
Rekeying a lock means a locksmith changes the internal pin configuration inside the cylinder so that the old keys no longer work — only a fresh set does. The lock body, the deadbolt, and the hardware all stay exactly where they are. This is an excellent choice when your existing locks are relatively new, functioning smoothly, and made by a reputable manufacturer like Schlage or Kwikset. If there are no signs of wear, damage, or tampering, rekeying gives you the same practical security benefit as buying brand-new hardware at a fraction of the disruption.
Rekeying is also the go-to solution when you simply need to reduce the number of people who have access — such as after a tenant moves out, following a divorce or roommate change, or when a key goes missing. A trained locksmith can rekey multiple locks to a single master key in one visit, so you're no longer carrying a jangle of different keys for the front door, back door, and garage entry. For most new Paramus homeowners moving into a house with locks that are in good shape, rekeying is typically the faster, less invasive path to genuine peace of mind.
## When Replacing Locks Makes More Sense Than Rekeying
There are situations where rekeying simply isn't enough — or isn't even possible. If the existing locks are old, stiff, or visibly worn, a rekey might extend the life of hardware that was already overdue for retirement. Older knob locks in particular offer surprisingly limited resistance; they're relatively easy to defeat through methods that don't require any special skill, which is exactly why security professionals recommend deadbolts for all primary entry points. If your new home has knob-only locks on exterior doors, replacing them with quality deadbolts is a far better long-term investment.
You should also consider full replacement if you find evidence that a lock has been tampered with — scratches around the keyhole, a cylinder that spins too freely, or a door that doesn't latch cleanly. Similarly, sliding glass door replacement mortise lock upgrades are worth discussing with your locksmith if your patio or rear entry has dated hardware. Mortise locks on sliding doors can weaken over time, and a professional can assess whether the existing one meets current security standards or whether a modern replacement is warranted. Our team at Fast Locksmith Of Paramus can evaluate every entry point on your first visit and give you an honest, specific recommendation for each door — not a blanket upsell.
## Understanding Your Existing Hardware Before You Decide
Before a locksmith even picks up a tool, a quick walk-through of your new home will reveal a lot. Count your exterior entry points: front door, back door, garage entry, any sliding glass doors, basement entries. Note whether each one has a deadbolt in addition to a knob or handle lock — a door with only a knob lock is a security gap worth addressing immediately. Check whether the deadbolts are single-cylinder (keyed on the outside, thumb-turn on the inside) or double-cylinder (keyed on both sides), since double-cylinder locks near glass panels raise their own safety considerations in an emergency.
Also look at the strike plates — the metal plate on the door frame where the bolt seats. A cheap, short-screw strike plate can be the actual weak point even on a high-quality lock. A skilled locksmith will often reinforce this during a lock replacement at no additional service step. If you want to get a head start, jot down any brand names stamped on the face of your locks and take note of which doors feel loose or draft when closed. That information helps your locksmith arrive prepared with the right parts and cuts down on time at your door. You're always welcome to call us at (201) 762-0022 before your appointment with questions — we answer around the clock.
## What Determines the Cost — and How We Price Our Work
Homeowners often ask how much rekeying or replacing locks will cost, and the honest answer is that several factors shape the final number: the type and brand of lock hardware involved, the number of doors being serviced, the time of day (after-hours calls involve different logistics), and whether any parts — new cylinders, deadbolts, or strike plates — need to be sourced and installed. A sliding glass door replacement mortise lock, for example, involves different hardware than a standard residential deadbolt, and pricing reflects that difference.
At Fast Locksmith Of Paramus, we confirm an exact price with you before any work begins — no surprises on the invoice when we're done. We're insured, and our team is experienced with the full range of residential hardware found in Paramus homes, from older construction near downtown to newer builds closer to the Garden State Plaza area. Whether the job takes twenty minutes or two hours, you'll know the number upfront.
## Smart Security Habits Once Your Locks Are Sorted
Getting your locks rekeyed or replaced is step one — but a few habits will keep your Paramus home secure long after we leave. First, limit how many copies of your new keys exist and keep a mental record of who has them. Second, if you have a garage, remember that an attached garage door is an entry point too; ensure the interior garage-to-home door has a deadbolt, not just a knob lock. Third, consider a smart lock or keypad deadbolt for doors used frequently — these let you grant temporary access to contractors or house sitters without cutting physical keys.
One question we hear often: can a locksmith get into a deadbolt if you're ever locked out of your own home? Yes — a professional locksmith has the training and tools to open a deadbolt through legitimate, non-destructive methods after verifying your ownership of the property. We'll never simply take someone's word for it; expect to show ID and proof of residency. This process protects you as much as it protects your home. If you're ever in that situation at any hour, Fast Locksmith Of Paramus is a 24/7 mobile service — call (201) 762-0022 and we'll be on our way.
## Services Fast Locksmith Of Paramus Provides
Our mobile locksmith team handles a wide range of residential, automotive, and commercial needs throughout the Paramus area, including: residential rekeying (single locks or whole-home), deadbolt installation and upgrade, knob and lever handle replacement, sliding glass door lock repair and replacement, mortise lock installation and service, high-security lock upgrades (Medeco, Schlage, Kwikset), smart lock and keypad deadbolt installation, master key system setup, door frame and strike plate reinforcement, lock repair for sticking or misaligned hardware, key duplication and cutting, house lockout response, key extraction (broken key in lock), garage entry door lock installation, mailbox lock replacement, padlock installation and removal, commercial door lock installation, office and storefront rekeying, push bar and panic hardware service, car lockout service, automotive key cutting and programming, transponder key replacement, key fob programming, ignition lock cylinder service, and safe opening and combination changes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a locksmith get into a deadbolt if I'm locked out of my Paramus home?+
Yes. A qualified locksmith can open a deadbolt using professional, non-destructive methods. We'll verify your identity and ownership before any work begins — this protects you and ensures no one can use a lockout call to gain unauthorized access. Fast Locksmith Of Paramus is available 24/7 for exactly these situations; call (201) 762-0022 any time.
Is rekeying as secure as getting brand-new locks?+
In most cases, yes — as long as the existing lock body is in good condition and from a quality manufacturer. Rekeying completely voids all previous keys and costs less than a full hardware replacement. The exception is when your current locks are worn, damaged, or low-quality to begin with; in those cases, a full replacement is the smarter move. A professional locksmith can assess each lock individually and give you an honest recommendation.
What should I do if I think my lock has been tampered with?+
Don't rely on that lock for security until it's been inspected. Look for obvious signs: deep scratches around the keyhole, a cylinder that turns without resistance, or visible damage to the door frame. Call a locksmith right away — our team can evaluate whether the lock needs repair or full replacement and check for any vulnerabilities in your door frame and strike plate at the same time.
Do I need to replace the sliding glass door lock when I move in?+
Not automatically, but it's worth a professional evaluation. Sliding glass door mortise locks vary widely in quality and can wear out faster than standard deadbolts due to the way the door operates. If the existing hardware is dated, stiff, or shows signs of rust or misalignment, a sliding glass door replacement mortise lock is often a smart investment — particularly since rear patio entries are a common target for opportunistic entry.
