Your locks are the first thing standing between your family and anyone who wants in. A good deadbolt, installed properly, does a lot of the work for you.
Lock Change Services We Offer
Deadbolt Installation
A deadbolt adds a solid steel bolt that extends into the door frame. It's the single best upgrade for most front and back doors. We install single-cylinder deadbolts and can recommend the right option for your door.
Door Knob and Handle Lock Replacement
Worn knobs, loose handles and sticky latches all wear out over time. We replace them with new hardware that fits your door and matches your other locks.
Upgrading to Stronger Locks
We recommend using nothing below an ANSI grade 1 lock on exterior doors. ANSI grades rate how well a lock holds up to force and wear, and grade 1 is the strongest residential rating.

Lock Grades at a Glance
| ANSI Grade |
Typical use |
| Grade 1 |
Highest security, recommended for exterior doors |
| Grade 2 |
Light commercial and residential |
| Grade 3 |
Basic residential, best kept to interior doors |
When Should You Change Your Locks?
- Your locks are old, loose, rusted or hard to turn
- After a break-in or attempted break-in
- You want to add a deadbolt where there isn't one
- The existing locks are low grade or builder basic
- You're renovating and want matching hardware
If your locks are in good shape and you only need old keys to stop working, lock rekeying is the cheaper route. We'll always tell you honestly which one makes sense.
How Our Lock Installation Works
- Call for a quote. Tell us how many doors and what you're looking for.
- We come to you. Our van carries locks, tools and key blanks.
- We install and adjust. Latch and strike lined up so the bolt throws smoothly.
- We test everything. Every key, every lock, door open and closed.
Most single locks are finished in about 30 minutes. We can key all your new locks alike so one key opens every exterior door.
Don't Forget the Sliding Door
Back sliders are often the weakest entry on a Florida home. If yours is loose or the latch doesn't catch, ask about our sliding door lock repair while we're there.
Why Choose a Local Locksmith?
Big-box stores sell locks, but a lock is only as good as its installation. A misaligned strike plate or a short screw can undo the benefit of a strong deadbolt. When you hire a locksmith St. Petersburg homeowners have trusted since 1987, you get someone licensed and insured who sets it up right.
For everything else we do for homeowners, visit our residential locksmith services page.
Choosing the Right Lock for Each Door
Not every door needs the same lock. Here's how we usually think about it:
- Front door: A grade 1 deadbolt plus a matching knob or handle set.
- Back and side doors: The same protection as the front. These are often the doors burglars try first.
- Garage entry door: A deadbolt, especially if the garage door opener could be compromised.
- Interior doors: Privacy locks for bedrooms and bathrooms. No key needed.
Small Details That Make a Big Difference
A strong lock needs a strong strike plate. We make sure the bolt fully extends into the frame and that the strike is secured properly. We'll also check that the door closes and latches smoothly, since a door that has to be pushed or lifted to lock usually doesn't get locked.
When you call us, tell us how many doors you'd like done and we'll bring matching hardware so every lock on the house looks and works the same.
Lock Changes for Landlords and Businesses
Property managers and business owners call us for lock changes between tenants, after staff turnover, or when old hardware finally gives out. We can install standard commercial locks and deadbolts, match hardware across a building, and key everything to fit your needs. When you want a locksmith St. Petersburg property owners rely on for consistent, solid installations, give us a call and tell us how many doors you have.
Not sure what you need? Describe your doors on the phone, and we'll talk through the options and give you a quote before we come out. There's no pressure to upgrade more than makes sense for your home.
Serving Pinellas County
We install locks and deadbolts at homes and businesses across Pinellas County, including:
- St. Petersburg
- Pinellas Park
- Largo
- St. Pete Beach
- Treasure Island
- Madeira Beach
- Clearwater
- Seminole
- Gulfport
We install plenty of deadbolts in Pinellas Park. Check our full list of service areas to see if we cover you.
Lock Change FAQs
How long does it take to install a new lock?
A new lock is typically installed within about 30 minutes.
What's the best grade of lock for my front door?
We recommend nothing below an ANSI grade 1 lock on exterior doors.
Should I rekey or replace my locks?
If your locks are in good shape, rekeying is cheaper. If they're worn, damaged or low grade, replacement is the better choice.
Can all my new locks use the same key?
Yes. We can key your new locks alike so one key opens every exterior door.
Do you install deadbolts on doors that don't have one?
Yes. We can add a deadbolt to most standard exterior doors.
Do you change locks for businesses too?
Yes. We install standard door locks and deadbolts for commercial properties as well.
Serving Gulfport, Largo and Clearwater.
Ready for Stronger Locks? Call John Rossin Locksmith
Give us a call for a quote on a lock change or new deadbolt. We'll bring the hardware and install it at your door.
Call now: (727) 614-1641
John Rossin Locksmith
5288 45th Ave N
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
(727) 614-1641