The lock on my mom's front door started acting weird a few days ago- the knob on the box (what's that thing called? A vertical deadlock (PDF)) just went loose. It still operated but was obviously on last legs. I went to the local maison d'hardware to fetch a replacement but was unable to install it properly- it wasn't an exact match with its predecessor, despite being the same make. The holes that line up with the strike plate weren't in exactly the same place, but moreover, the profile of the new mechanism made it impossible to install it flush against the door.
Anyway I found really glowing reviews of a locksmith online, and he was so good I actually joined yelp to add my own review:
He discovered the hole was drilled on an irregular angle (because the drills used on steel doors 40 years ago were just not that easy to manage). Therefore any new lock would not be flush against the door- and it wasn't anything I did. What that meant for the original mechanism-- was it odd, or filed down to make it work? Dunno. He drilled a straighter hole, moved the thing over about a half inch, and put it to rights. Since I don't have a drill that big, or experience with that kind of heavy labor, it was a huge relief to have a professional do it for me- fast, and expertly.
Anyway this guy was smart, friendly, and obviously passionate about his craft and helping people. I hope he's not retired when I next need a 'smith.
