ABA Locksmith in Baltimore: Rekeying and Master Key Systems for Residential and Commercial Properties
ABA Locksmith is a licensed, bonded locksmith serving Baltimore and surrounding counties with residential rekeying, commercial master key systems, emergency lockouts, and deadbolt installation. The business operates as a traditional service-based locksmith, dispatching technicians to customer locations rather than operating a walk-in storefront, which means faster response times in the city proper but no option to drop in with a broken key or lost access card.
What ABA Locksmith actually does
ABA handles both residential and commercial work. On the residential side, that includes rekeying after moving into a home or apartment, replacing or upgrading locks on doors and windows, and installing new deadbolts or keyless entry systems. Commercially, ABA installs and maintains master key systems, rekeads locks when personnel changes, and services commercial building access points. The business also handles emergency lockouts, though pricing for after-hours calls (typically nights, weekends, and holidays) runs higher than standard business-hour rates. Unlike big-box hardware stores or online retailers, ABA provides on-site assessment and installation, meaning the technician evaluates your specific doors, frames, and security needs before recommending parts or labor.
Services and pricing
Rekeying a single residential lock runs roughly $75 to $125 per lock, depending on lock type and complexity. A full-home rekey of five to eight entry points typically lands in the $400 to $700 range. New deadbolt installation (customer supplies the lock or ABA supplies one) ranges from $100 to $200 per door, labor included. Master key system design and installation for commercial properties requires an on-site quote because cost depends heavily on the number of locks, building layout, and system complexity. Emergency lockout calls (getting back into your home or car when locked out) start at $150 to $250, with after-hours surcharges adding $50 to $100 depending on time of day. Verify current pricing before booking, as labor costs fluctuate seasonally and material prices shift.
How ABA compares to other Baltimore locksmiths
Baltimore has several established locksmith options. Ace Locksmith Baltimore and Metro Locksmith also service the city, with similar core services and overlapping pricing. The practical difference often comes down to dispatch availability and geographic focus. ABA maintains coverage across Baltimore City and the immediate surrounding counties (Baltimore County, Howard County), which means response times in Fells Point or Canton are typically faster than for locksmiths based in the suburbs. For someone in Pikesville or Towson, a suburban locksmith may dispatch sooner. Chain hardware stores like Home Depot offer lock installation services but require you to purchase locks from their inventory and schedule appointments, sometimes weeks out. A dedicated locksmith like ABA typically offers same-day service for emergency lockouts and can assess and rekey multiple locks in one visit, making it more efficient if you're addressing a full-home security update after a move or key loss. Choose ABA if you need same-day commercial master key system design or have multiple residential locks to rekey at once; choose a hardware-store option if you want to buy a specific lock brand first and install it yourself or have it installed, or if you need only a single simple lock replaced.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
ABA fits best for Baltimore homeowners rekeying after purchase or move-in, landlords managing multiple rental properties, and commercial building operators needing reliable master key system maintenance. It also serves anyone locked out of their home or car on a Saturday night. It does not suit someone who needs a locksmith immediately during business hours without an appointment; ABA operates by dispatch call, not walk-in, so calling ahead is required. It is not the right choice for someone who wants to buy a lock online and needs only installation labor; independent locksmiths generally prefer to supply their own locks to ensure quality and warranty. It does not handle lock picking for lost safe combinations or highly specialized security systems (though the business can refer clients to specialists).
What the first visit involves
Call ABA with your address, the type of locks you need serviced, and any special requirements (smart locks, specific brands, master key configuration). For a lockout, describe your location and whether you are locked out of a residence or vehicle. A technician will quote a time window for arrival, typically 30 minutes to two hours depending on current call volume. Once on-site, the technician assesses your locks, verifies the work needed, and quotes final cost before proceeding. For rekeying jobs, this usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on lock count and type. Payment is cash, check, or card on completion.
Hours, parking, and logistics
ABA operates as a dispatch-based service during standard business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays), with extended emergency availability nights and weekends at higher rates. There is no storefront to visit. Call ahead to request service; response times are faster for scheduled appointments than emergency lockouts. Baltimore street parking applies wherever the technician meets you; no off-street parking is required on your part.
ABA Locksmith fills a practical need for Baltimore residents and commercial operators who need professional rekeying and master key work without the wait times or inventory constraints of big-box retailers, and its city-based dispatch model makes same-day service realistic for most Baltimore neighborhoods.
