GI Locksmith

01/12/2026

STOP. Don't let a contractor drill holes in your vintage doors. 🛑

We see it happen way too often in Memphis. Someone buys a beautiful home in Midtown, Downtown, or East Memphis. It has incredible original wood doors with glass k***s or Art Deco hardware. But there are no keys.

So, a general contractor or a handyman says: "You can't get keys for these anymore. We need to drill it out and put on a modern k**b."

That is 100% false. And it ruins the value of your home.

We just finished a project in a Memphis home that wasn't even in a historic district, but the owners knew the value of what they had. They had Art Deco chrome locks and vintage glass k***s that were useless because they had no keys.

We didn't drill anything. ✅ We rekeyed the internal mortise locks. ✅ We hand-fitted new bit keys (skeleton keys). ✅ We sourced a vintage thumb turn that had been missing for decades.

Now, their 100-year-old doors lock just as securely as a brand new one—without ruining the look.

If you have a "Period Home" or just an older house with "weird locks," read our latest article on how we save these mechanisms (and why you should too).

👇 Read the full story here: https://gilocksmith.com/antique-locksmith-memphis-skeleton-keys-rekey/

— GI Locksmith, Memphis TN (901) 496-5285

01/10/2026

Ever stare at an old desk, cabinet, or piece of furniture and think:
“Great… it’s locked, and the key is long gone.”

That’s been happening a lot lately.

We’ve had calls all over Memphis for roll top desks, china cabinets, buffets, armoires, trunks, and old drawers that people assumed were stuck forever. Some were family heirlooms. Some were new antique finds. Most had one thing in common: no key.

What most people call skeleton keys are actually older lock styles that can still be unlocked and keyed correctly — if you know what you’re doing. These locks don’t work like modern ones, and forcing them is how furniture gets ruined.

This is a type of locksmith work most shops won’t touch.
We do it regularly.

If you’ve got something old that’s locked shut, or you’re wondering if it’s even possible to make a key anymore, we just published a page that explains exactly how this works and what can be done.

👉 Learn more here:
🔗 https://gilocksmith.com/skeleton-key-locksmith-memphis/

— GI Locksmith, Memphis TN

11/26/2025

Most people never see what happens after you call a locksmith.
Every call can mean walking into the unknown—and sometimes, truly urgent situations.

We want to take a moment to offer our condolences to the families affected in these recent incidents.
These videos offer a real glimpse into the world locksmiths face:
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4eDVj3S5qs

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hfUn_xy9pU

Behind each service call, there might be:

A child accidentally locked in a car

A person with dementia unable to get inside

Someone locked out at the worst possible time

A family working through a difficult moment

An emergency, an eviction, or a break-in

These situations can be unpredictable, emotional, and stressful—for everyone involved.

Our goal in sharing this is simple:
To bring awareness and respect to a trade that’s often overlooked, and to highlight the very real situations locksmiths—and the people who call them—sometimes face.

A local locksmith died Sunday from wounds he sustained Friday while he was helping Indian River County deputies serve an eviction notice.

10/15/2025

🔑 Need a New Deadbolt or Door K**b on a Door With No Existing Lock? 🔑

Ever wished you could add a lock—deadbolt, k**b, or even a smart electronic lock—to a door that’s never had one? You’re not alone! At G.I. Locksmith, we help Memphis homeowners, renters, and business owners install brand new locks on doors that have no hole at all.

Last week, we got a call from someone needing to secure an interior room. The catch? The door never had a lock. No problem! We came out, measured, drilled a fresh hole, and installed a Schlage Encode electronic deadbolt—giving them the privacy and peace of mind they needed. (Check out the before and after photos on our website!)

We can do this for any room—offices, bedrooms, closets, rental units, or even your front and back doors.
• Need to upgrade to keyless entry?
• Want to secure a home office or Airbnb space?
• Have a new build or old door with just a handle and no lock?

We handle it all—standard deadbolts, electronic smart locks, and even custom fresh installs where most companies say “no.”
We proudly serve Midtown, East Memphis, Downtown, and the tri-state area. (Looking at you West Memphis, AR and Southaven, MS)

Ready to make your home or business more secure?

Call us at 901-496-5285
📞 Message us here or visit www.gilocksmith.com
for a free estimate and see real examples of our work!

08/10/2025

🚪✨ Bringing History Back to Life – One Lock at a Time ✨🔑

We got a call from a homeowner in Midtown’s historic district (38104) who had a gorgeous vintage red door with an antique Corbin Russwin mortise lock… but it hadn’t worked in years. No key. Jammed mechanism. Sagging door.

Instead of replacing the door or installing modern hardware (which could cost thousands and ruin the charm), we rolled up our sleeves and:
✅ Opened and serviced the antique lock
✅ Rekeyed it using a rare RU45 key blank we keep in stock
✅ Lubricated all moving parts
✅ Fixed the door alignment so it closes like new

Now, the lock works beautifully, the door swings smoothly, and the home keeps its historic charm.

We work on all types of antique and vintage locks — skeleton key locks, rim locks, mortise locks, and more — across Memphis and the surrounding areas. Got a historic property with a stubborn lock? We can make it functional again while keeping its original character intact.

📸 Check out the before-and-after in the blog post

Need antique lock repair or rekeying in Memphis? GI Locksmith specializes in servicing, rekeying, and restoring vintage door locks, fixing sagging doors, and working on old locks.

06/23/2025

🔐 Locked Out in Midtown? Here’s How We Helped a Memphis Landlord Regain Control—Fast.

When a rental property in Midtown was left locked up with no keys and a broken electronic deadbolt, GI Locksmith answered the call. We performed a clean entry (no drilling), installed a new smart lock, and rekeyed every Kwikset and storm door lock—all with one master key.

✅ Non-destructive entry
✅ Smart deadbolt installation
✅ Rekeying on wood and wrought iron security doors
✅ Contactless digital hand-off

📸 We documented every step—check out the photos and full breakdown in our newest blog post!

👉 Learn more

Locked-out rental in Midtown Memphis. GI Locksmith installed a smart deadbolt, rekeyed locks, and secured two security doors.

06/22/2025

🛠️ Rekeyed. Realigned. Revived.
Ever seen a front door so stubborn it needs to be shoulder-checked shut? We just fixed that for a homeowner in southeast Memphis (38125). While we were at it, we rekeyed their old Schlage locks — and even picked open a locked antique furniture lock. (Yes, we deal with skeleton key locks and antique furniture locks and antique door hardware — and not many do.)

🚪 Rekeyed Schlage locks
📏 Realigned sagging front door
🔐 Picked and serviced antique cabinet locks
🏠 Fully restored safe access for the whole home

If it locks, swings, or clicks — we fix it.
📍Downtown. Midtown. West Memphis, AR to Southaven, MS.

👉 Learn more and see all the photos from this job:

Need a locksmith in Memphis for antique furniture locks, Schlage locks, or door rekeying? GI Locksmith delivers expert rekeying and lock repair, including vintage furniture unlocking and home door repair. Call now for fast, skilled service.

12/02/2024

🚨 Stolen keys? Locked out? You won’t believe how we helped a Memphis homeowner after her purse—and house keys—were stolen! From rekeying her locks to reinforcing her doors, we made her home safe and secure again. 🏠🔐

Curious how we did it? Click the link below to read the full story and see how G I Locksmith can help in any emergency! 👇

GI Locksmith, a trusted Residential Locksmith in Memphis, provided emergency locksmith service to rekey Schlage locks, install door wrap plates, door repair and repair a Schlage latch for home security!

11/17/2024

🔑 Just finished a major security upgrade for a condominium complex in downtown Memphis, and we’re thrilled with the results! For this project, we handled everything from rekeying multiple units to adjusting door alignment, fixing sagging pivot hinges, and installing new thumb-turn mortise locks. We also replaced and rekeyed the gate locks, ensuring double-sided keyed security for extra peace of mind.

With precise hinge adjustments, Adams Rite latch servicing, and a thorough approach to commercial door hardware, we left no detail untouched. These updates not only enhance security but also provide a safer and smoother experience for residents and management alike.

👉 Check out the full story complete with photos and before-and-after footage. Like our page to see more of our work and tips on keeping your property safe and secure! 🛠️🔒

Discover how GI Locksmith serviced commercial locks, adjusted pivot hinges, installed a thumb turn latch, and rekeyed gate locks for a downtown Memphis condo complex. See our detailed approach to commercial locksmithing.

10/04/2024

🚚 Freightliner Truck Lockout & Key Replacement in Memphis, TN 🚚

Today, we helped a major trucking company after one of their drivers was locked out of their 2021 Freightliner Cascadia at a popular truck stop off Lamar Avenue, Memphis (38106). Memphis is a key hub for logistics, with 18-wheelers like Freightliners, Volvos, Mack trucks, and Kenworth trucks constantly rolling through! 🛣️

The driver had lost his truck keys, so his company reached out asking, "Can you provide truck lockout services and cut Freightliner keys by code?" Of course, we were happy to step in. We specialize in cutting truck keys by code or VIN for semi-trucks like Freightliners, Peterbilt, Mack, and more.

We arrived at the truck stop in under 20 minutes. The driver had locked the keys inside, so we used advanced lock-picking tools to safely unlock the truck—check out the video footage below to see how we got it done quickly without causing damage. 🚛🔓

Then, we cut a brand-new key. The driver was back on the road in no time, and we were happy to help! ✨

At GI Locksmith, we know how important it is for truck drivers to keep moving. Whether you're locked out of a semi-truck, need a key cut by code, or a key cut by VIN, we've got your back. We proudly serve Freightliners, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, and Mack trucks, and are ready to assist with truck lockouts or key replacements in the Memphis area.

📸 Click the link below to see the full story, along with images and video footage of the job! If you need help with your 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or commercial vehicle, we’re here for you. We serve Memphis, TN, West Memphis, AR, and even parts of Southaven, MS and the entire tri-state area!

👉 Follow the link to view the video and photos, and don’t forget to like and share!

Locked out of your semi-truck or any other commercial vehicle? GI Locksmith provides emergency truck lockout services and cuts keys by code for Freightliner, Peterbilt, Mack, and more in Memphis, TN and surrounding areas!

09/30/2024

🚪 Storm Door Handle & Lock Repairs in Midtown Memphis! 🔑

We recently worked with a facility management team in Midtown Memphis to repair and replace various door hardware across multiple properties. From storm door handle replacements to fixing door latches and addressing sagging wrought iron doors, this project had it all!

Our team was able to rekey all their Kwikset and Schlage locks to one master key, simplifying their key system. We also fixed door alignment issues and made sure their security door locks were functioning properly.

Want to see the before-and-after transformation? 📸
Check out the link below for videos and photos of the work we completed, and see how we tackled everything from screen door handle replacements to commercial door latches.

👉 Follow the link to learn more and see how GI Locksmith can help with your door hardware and lock needs!

GI Locksmith recently rekeyed and repaired door handles, storm door locks, and Kwikset door k***s for a commercial property for residential clients in Midtown Memphis, TN 38112. Check out the before-and-after video to see how we improved the security and functionality of storm doors, screen doors, a...