Lock education from a working OKC locksmith
A Better Locksmith has served Edmond, Oklahoma City, Guthrie, and nearby communities since 1986. We are a fully mobile locksmith — Oklahoma license #1065 — which means a technician comes to your home, office, or vehicle with the tools and parts to solve lock and key problems on the spot.
This Learn hub is for homeowners, renters, property managers, and curious customers who want plain-language answers before they call. It is written from the shop floor: what these locks are, when a rekey or install makes sense, and where to go next for deeper reading.
For long-form history, mechanics, and glossary depth, visit Pin and Ward — the lock encyclopedia by Joshua Spahr. The articles linked below are follow links to that site. When you need service in the Edmond / OKC metro, call (405) 348-8688.
Start here if you need service today
| Need | Go to |
|---|---|
| Locked out of your home | Home lockout |
| New keys without replacing hardware | Rekeying locks |
| Car keys, auto lockouts, programming | Automotive |
Call (405) 348-8688 to schedule or confirm availability.
How common locks work
Pin tumbler locks
Most residential door keys still rely on the pin-tumbler design — stacked pins that must line up at a shear line before the cylinder turns. Understanding that basic idea helps when you are choosing hardware, planning a rekey, or comparing a cheap cylinder to a better one.
- Read more: Pin tumbler locks on Pin and Ward
- Need service? Lock installation · Rekeying locks
Deadbolts
A deadbolt is the residential security workhorse: a solid bolt that does not spring back under pressure the way many latch bolts do. Grade, throw, and how the lock is installed matter as much as the brand name on the faceplate.
- Read more: Deadbolts on Pin and Ward
- Need service? Lock installation
Smart locks
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and keypad locks add convenience — codes for guests, app access, and fewer metal keys to lose. They also add batteries, networks, and failure modes that traditional hardware does not have. A good install starts with a solid mechanical lock behind the electronics.
- Read more: Smart locks on Pin and Ward
- Need service? Lock installation
Rekeying
Rekeying changes which key operates an existing lock without replacing the whole lockset. Common after a move, lost key, roommate change, or property turnover.
- Read more: Rekeying on Pin and Ward
- Need service? Rekeying locks
History hooks (trade context only)
These links are for background and curiosity — not service how-to. Pin and Ward covers history as context. This site does not publish picking methods.
Ancient Egyptian locks
- Read more: Ancient Egyptian locks on Pin and Ward
The Bramah lock
- Read more: The Bramah lock on Pin and Ward
Lock-picking history
Trade context only. This page does not explain how to pick a lock.
- Read more: Lock-picking history on Pin and Ward
Glossary
- Read more: Lock glossary on Pin and Ward
Learn About Locks FAQs
Are you a licensed locksmith in Oklahoma?
Yes. Oklahoma locksmith license #1065. Fully licensed and insured.
Do you have a walk-in shop?
No. We are a mobile service-area business. A technician comes to Edmond, Oklahoma City, Guthrie, Del City, Midwest City, and the surrounding metro.
What is the difference between rekeying and replacing?
Rekeying keeps the hardware and changes which key operates the lock. Replacing or installing new hardware is for damaged or outdated locks, or when you want a different product such as a higher-grade deadbolt or a smart lock.
Where can I learn more about how locks work?
Start with the topic links on this page, then read deeper articles at Pin and Ward.
Do you work on home, business, and car locks?
Yes. Residential, commercial, and automotive. Call (405) 348-8688.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Ask about our 1-year guarantee when you schedule. We quote before work and stick to the quoted price.
Is Pin and Ward the same company as A Better Locksmith?
Pin and Ward is Joshua Spahr's encyclopedia. A Better Locksmith is the mobile locksmith company. Same author and owner; different sites and purposes.
Ready for a locksmith?
Call (405) 348-8688 for Edmond, Oklahoma City, Guthrie, and surrounding areas.