The 'Drill and Replace' Scam: How to Know if a Locksmith is Ripping You Off

I see it all the time. A customer calls me, upset. They tell me they called another company last week, the guy showed up, looked at their standard Kwikset knob, and said, "This is a high-security lock. It can't be picked. I have to drill it."

Then he drilled it, ruined the lock, and charged them $250 for a cheap replacement from his van.

That is a scam.

If a locksmith walks up to your door and pulls out a drill before he even pulls out a pick set, kick him off your porch.

The Truth About Picking Locks

Here is the honest truth: 95% of residential locks in Houston can be picked.

I have been doing this for 15 years. Standard locks from Home Depot or Lowe's (Kwikset, Schlage, Defiant) are not "high security." A skilled locksmith can open them in under 10 minutes without damaging a thing.

Why do scammers drill them?

1. They don't know how to pick locks. Many "locksmiths" are just subcontractors with zero training.
2. They want to sell you a new lock. If they break yours, you have to buy theirs. And they will mark up a $20 lock to $120.

When Is Drilling Actually Necessary?

I don't want to lie to you—sometimes I do have to drill a lock. But it is always the last resort.

Here are the only valid reasons to drill:

• The Lock is Broken: If the tumblers have collapsed or a spring is busted, the key won't even work. Picking won't work either. We have to drill to get the door open.
• High-Security Locks: If you have a Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Assa Abloy cylinder and you lost the key, we probably have to drill. These are designed specifically to be un-pickable.
• Glue or Debris: If someone vandalized your lock with superglue, it's toast.

The Cost Difference

This is why you need to be careful.

• Standard House Opening (Picking): $90 - $150 total. The lock is fine. Your old key still works.
• The Scam Way (Drill + Replace): $29 Service Call + $150 Labor + $180 New Lock = $359+.

Protect Yourself

If you are locked out in The Heights, Katy, or anywhere in Houston:

1. Ask on the phone: "Do you attempt to pick the lock first?"
2. Watch them: If they reach for the drill immediately, stop them. Ask why.
3. Get a second opinion: If they say it costs $300+ to open a standard door, tell them to leave. Call a local shop.

At Houston Key Rescue, we take pride in our skills. We pick the lock. We save your hardware. We save you money.