Buying a home is exciting — but moving in often reveals hidden problems. That’s exactly what happened when a new homeowner in Cordova, TN (serving zip codes 38018, 38016, and 38008) called GI Locksmith. They needed a professional residential locksmith to help secure their property, address a few surprises, and fix some frustrating door issues.
At first, the job seemed simple: rekey the existing locks to a new key. The house had Kwikset deadbolts and door knobs installed on several doors, including the main entry and the garage. We used our Kwikset pinning kit and Kwikset tumblers to properly rekey every lock, giving the homeowner full control over who had access.
But once they settled in, a bigger challenge appeared. The property had multiple Larson storm doors, and the previous owners hadn’t left any keys behind. Both the front and rear of the house had glass doors that couldn’t be locked properly. These types of storm doors are high-end, similar to Anderson doors, but not every locksmith knows how to service them.
At GI Locksmith, we specialize in storm door lock repairs, Larson door key changes, and making keys to fit specialty wrought iron door locks and solving screen door issues. We were able to install new cylinders, make keys to the Larson storm doors, and get everything secured — without replacing expensive door systems. We take pride in being able to save homeowners money by offering repairs where others might recommend full replacements.
During our inspection, we also found the garage entry door had a traditional Kwikset setup, and the front wood door had a Kwikset SmartLock Deadbolt in a matte black “antique” or “Camelot” finish. We discussed with the homeowner how smart locks, while convenient, tend to wear down faster over time compared to more traditional mechanical deadbolts like Schlage.
In fact, one of the SmartLocks was already showing signs of sticking and jamming. After attempting to service it, we explained the mechanical differences between brands and recommended a full deadbolt replacement for better long-term reliability. It’s important to understand that you can’t key a Schlage lock and a Kwikset lock to the same keyway, so sticking with one brand simplifies future maintenance and allows every door to operate off a single key.
Beyond just rekeying, this project included a lot of careful total door repair work. Over time, houses naturally shift and settle, and doors can fall out of perfect alignment. We identified multiple door alignment issues affecting both the storm doors and some interior doors. Using precision tools and our experience as door smiths, we corrected these problems so that the doors latched securely and operated smoothly.
The homeowner also had some older antique locks on interior doors, blending beautifully with the home’s original 1950s style. We carefully serviced and repaired these antique lock mechanisms, keeping the original hardware intact while making sure the functionality met today’s security standards. Repairing antique locks takes skill and patience, and it’s work we genuinely love.
When we finished, every door in the home worked the way it should. The homeowner had peace of mind knowing that every lock was rekeyed properly, every storm door was functional, and every door frame was aligned for smooth, secure operation.
Most companies only focus on simple lock changes. At GI Locksmith, we provide a full-service approach that includes:
- Residential locksmith services tailored to each home
- Storm door lock repairs and key generation
- Screen door lock and alignment repairs
- Wrought iron door lock servicing
- Apartment locksmith services for multi-unit properties
- Total door repair for shifting frames and misaligned doors
- Specialized repairs on antique locks and vintage hardware
We believe in offering real solutions, not expensive replacements when they aren’t needed. If you’re moving into a home in Cordova or anywhere in the Memphis area, and find yourself needing a reliable house locksmith, storm door specialist, or a doorsmith who can truly fix what others won’t, we’re just one call away.
Tools Used:
- Kwikset pinning kit
- Kwikset tumblers
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Larson Lock cylinders quick fit
