A rim cylinder is the surface-mounted lock cylinder behind rowhome night latches, jimmy proof deadlocks and exit devices across Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We repair, rekey, replace and install every one of them. King Locksmiths has matched rim tailpieces and back plates for 25 years. We are licensed, insured and bonded, and estimates are always free.
A rim cylinder mounts through the door face and anchors from inside: a steel back plate and two machine screws thread into the cylinder body, while a flat tailpiece extends off the plug to drive the lock case. Most measure 1-1/8 inches in diameter and include break-off screws sized to door thickness.
That tailpiece is the compatibility point: vertical and horizontal orientations serve jimmy proof deadlocks, night latches and exit device trim, the hardware on District of Columbia rowhomes and apartment entries we service. Plugs run five or six pins in common keyways like SC1, KW1 and Y1, so we can rekey most rim cylinders to your existing key on site.
Three failures dominate our rim cylinder service calls. The flat tailpiece bends or shears: the key turns but the deadlock bolt never throws. The back plate screws loosen and the cylinder spins or pushes inward. On exterior gates, corrosion seizes the plug by binding pins in their chambers.
Our locksmith checks tailpiece engagement, screw torque and plug rotation, then fits replacement tailpieces, back plates or fresh pinning from the truck. Repair wins while the housing is sound; a corroded or drilled body needs replacement. Locked out? Our mobile units respond 24/7. Call (240) 345-1455 in Maryland or (202) 800-2622 in Washington DC and NOVA.
We recommend replacement after drill damage, stripped screw threads, or when you want a higher security keyway. We match diameter, tailpiece orientation and finish so the new rim cylinder drives your existing jimmy proof deadlock or night latch without new drilling. Rekeying covers pinning to your current key, keyed alike sets, and master keying for multi door buildings.
Installation starts with compatibility checks: door thickness against screw length, hole diameter, tailpiece reach into the lock case. Our own certified technicians handle every job, never subcontractors: measure, match, install, test operation and security before we leave. Our in house door expert fixes frame and alignment issues the same visit.
One measured visit replaces, rekeys or installs your rim cylinder with the correct tailpiece and screws. Request a free estimate or call (240) 345-1455 today.
A rim cylinder only works when diameter, tailpiece orientation, screw length and keyway line up. Our rim cylinder locksmiths have matched them for 25 years.
We verify vertical or horizontal tailpiece orientation, measure door thickness, and trim break-off screws precisely, so your rim cylinder seats flush and throws the bolt.
Our technicians strip, inspect and repin rim cylinders daily, spotting worn pins, fatigued tailpieces and loose back plates before those faults leave you standing outside.
Every truck carries pinning kits, followers, SC1, KW1 and Y1 blanks, spare tailpieces and back plates, so most rim cylinder jobs finish in one visit.
Rim hardware needs a solid, square door behind it. Our door specialist repairs alignment, reinforces stiles and adjusts strikes during the same rim cylinder appointment.
A seized rim cylinder leaves your jimmy proof deadlock vulnerable. Call (240) 345-1455 now or request cylinder service online.
Rim cylinders are one of many cylinder formats we service daily. Browse the other cylinder types our technicians repair, rekey, replace and install across Maryland
Straight answers from King Locksmith Technicans to on Rim cylinder questions customers ask us most.
(240) 345-1455
Usually yes. We confirm the tailpiece orientation and reach against your deadlock case and adjust screw length to your door before installing.
