Older houses in Georgetown, Acton, Glen Williams and Norval often have doors that have lasted a century or more. Their locks can be as old as the doors. Before replacing anything, it pays to ask what the best option is.
What kind of lock is it?
Older doors may have a rim lock mounted on the inside face, a mortise lock set into the edge of the door, or a simple latch with a thumb press. Each is repairable in many cases. A mortise lock, for example, can often be rekeyed or repaired, and a new modern deadbolt can be added without removing the original.
Repair
Parts wear, springs weaken and keys stick. A skilled technician can often restore an old lock. Repair keeps the look of the door and avoids cutting new holes.
Rekey
If your worry is who holds the old keys, rekeying the cylinder makes them useless. Not all older cylinders can be rekeyed, but many can. See lock rekeying.
Replace or add
If a lock is beyond repair, or you want better security, adding a modern deadbolt above or below the original latch is often the least invasive route. A new hole in an old door should be drilled carefully to avoid splitting the wood.
Check the door first
Old doors can be out of square. A lock will not work well on a sagging door. Check hinges, the frame and the threshold. See door hinge repair.
Heritage rules
If your property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, changes to visible features may need approval. Check with the municipality before altering the door’s appearance. A locksmith can advise on hardware but not on heritage approvals.
Talk to us
Send photos of the lock face, edge and door. We’ll advise before dispatch. See the Halton Hills page.
More Halton Hills locksmith resources
Start with our Halton Hills locksmith service guide for local coverage, service categories, and appointment preparation.