Schott & Son Locksmith Service in Baltimore: Same-Day Rekeying and Master Key Systems

Schott & Son is a licensed locksmith operating in Baltimore that handles residential rekeying, commercial master key systems, emergency lockouts, and lock repairs. The business works on-site at customer locations rather than from a fixed storefront, making it a call-out service typical of the locksmith trade in the city.

What Schott & Son actually does

Schott & Son manages jobs across three categories: residential (house lockouts, rekeying after a move or tenant turnover, replacing worn locks), commercial (installing and maintaining master key systems for multi-unit buildings and office complexes), and emergency calls outside standard hours. The company is licensed by the State of Maryland, a requirement that filters out unlicensed operators in the Baltimore area. Most calls are completed the same day, with a service fee charged on top of parts and labor.

Services and pricing

The company charges a service call fee (typically $60 to $85 for residential calls, though you should confirm current rates) plus parts and labor. A residential rekey—removing the lock cylinder and replacing the pins so existing keys no longer work—costs between $25 and $50 per lock depending on lock type and complexity. A full lockout call, including the service fee and lock opening, runs $100 to $150 for standard pin-tumbler residential locks. Commercial jobs, particularly master key system installations, are quoted individually based on the number of locks and the scope of the system.

Emergency after-hours calls (typically 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays, plus weekends) carry an additional charge of $50 to $100 on top of the standard service fee. Call ahead to confirm current rates and after-hours availability, as these figures shift seasonally and with demand.

How Schott & Son compares to other Baltimore locksmiths

Baltimore has several operating locksmiths, including national chains like Locksmith.com (which dispatches local contractors) and independent operators such as Ace Locksmith Baltimore. National chains often quote higher per-lock costs but may offer 24/7 availability and multiple branches; independent locksmiths like Schott & Son typically undercut those prices on standard jobs but may have narrower hours. Schott & Son's licensed status and established presence in the city make it a reliable choice for homeowners or property managers who want to verify credentials before handing over access to their building. For commercial properties needing complex master key systems or recurring maintenance, Schott & Son's experience with multi-unit setups gives it an edge over one-off residential specialists. For a simple lockout in the middle of the night, a 24/7 chain may be faster, though at higher cost.

Who this service suits and who it does not

Schott & Son is the right fit for Baltimore homeowners who want to rekey after losing a key, changing tenants, or moving into a new house; property managers overseeing multi-unit buildings; and small business owners installing or repairing locks. It is less suitable for customers who need 24/7 guaranteed same-hour response (confirm their after-hours availability first) or those in far-flung suburbs where a call-out fee compounds travel time. If you are locked out at 3 a.m. on a Sunday, availability depends on the day's roster; calling ahead during business hours to discuss emergency protocols makes sense.

What the first call involves

Call Schott & Son with your address and lock issue. A dispatcher will estimate arrival time (usually same-day for non-emergency calls) and quote a service fee. When the technician arrives, they assess the lock type, condition, and what needs to be done. For a rekey, they will remove the lock cylinder at your door, disassemble it, replace the pins, and reinstall it. For a lockout, they open the lock without damaging it (if the lock is standard), or drill it out and replace it if forced entry is necessary. The technician collects payment on-site, typically cash or card.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Schott & Son operates as a mobile service; there is no storefront to visit. Standard business hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday availability (call to confirm). After-hours emergency service is available but carries a surcharge. Since the technician comes to you, parking and building access are your responsibility; have a clear route ready and ensure the building's entry is accessible. If you live in a secured building or gated community, provide gate codes or arrange building access in advance so the technician is not delayed. Response times in Baltimore proper generally run 1 to 2 hours for non-emergency calls during business hours; outlying neighborhoods may take longer.

Schott & Son fills the gap between low-cost but unreliable internet locksmiths and high-cost national chains, with the advantage of Maryland licensing and a track record serving Baltimore properties for years.