Last updated: February 2026
It's 7pm and you've just pulled into your driveway after a long day on the water. You grab your groceries, walk to the gate, and the lock won't budge. Corroded, jammed, or just dead. You're standing outside your own property with no way in.
Stuart Locksmiths handles gate lock service in Stuart, FL every single day. Repairs typically run $75-$145, full replacements land between $125-$225 depending on hardware, and we're usually on-site within 35 minutes. Salt air off the St. Lucie River chews through standard gate hardware fast, so this is genuinely one of the most common calls we get in Martin County.
We work on wood fence gates, aluminum pool enclosure gates, wrought iron entry gates, and chain-link yard gates. Padlocks, deadbolts, latch locks, coded keypads. If it's a gate lock in Stuart, we've fixed it. Check our full list of Residential Locksmith services to see everything we handle.
Why Gate Locks in Stuart Fail So Fast
Stuart sits right at the junction of the North Fork and South Fork of the St. Lucie River. That means constant salt-laden humidity, especially for properties in Willoughby, Sailfish Point, and anywhere near the Indian River Lagoon. Standard interior-grade locks are not built for that environment.
Here's what actually happens: moisture gets into the lock cylinder, causes the internal pins to swell or corrode, and within 12-18 months the lock is binding badly or seized completely. Cheap padlocks from the hardware store last even less time, sometimes 6 months in full coastal exposure. We always recommend marine-grade or stainless steel hardware for properties within a half mile of open water.
Stuart also gets brutal storm seasons. Flooding, wind-driven debris, and the occasional tropical system push gate hardware hard. A lock that was working fine in May might be completely different by October. Proactively inspecting your gate locks once a year keeps you from standing outside at 7pm with a bag of groceries and no options.
| Hardware Type | Inland/Low Humidity | Coastal/High Salt Air | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard zinc padlock | 5-7 years | 6-18 months | Corrodes rapidly near salt water |
| Brass gate deadbolt | 8-12 years | 2-4 years | Better but not immune to pitting |
| Marine-grade stainless lock | 15+ years | 8-12 years | Best option for waterfront properties |
| Weatherproof keypad lock | 6-10 years | 3-6 years | Electronics require extra protection |
(Source: Associated Locksmiths of America, Hardware Corrosion Guidelines)
Gate Lock Services We Provide in Stuart
We don't just swap out padlocks. Stuart Locksmiths covers the full range of gate lock work:
- Lock repair - Freeing seized cylinders, replacing worn cams, fixing broken springs inside the mechanism
- Lock replacement - Removing failed hardware and installing a correctly rated replacement
- Padlock upgrades - Moving from cheap combo or keyed padlocks to high-security options
- Pool gate compliance - Florida Building Code requires self-closing, self-latching mechanisms on pool barrier gates. We install compliant hardware and can provide documentation
- Keypad and smart lock installation - No key, no problem. See our Smart Lock Installation page for full details
- Key rekeying - Changed tenants, lost keys, or security concern? We can rekey most gate lock cylinders. Full details on our Lock Rekey Service page
- Emergency lockouts - Locked out of your own gate, call us now. We're typically on-site within 35 minutes from our Stuart location
Pool gate compliance is worth mentioning twice. Florida statute 515.27 specifically requires pool barriers with self-latching gates. Inspectors in Martin County do check this. We've seen homeowners get cited during real estate transactions because their gate latch didn't meet code. We fix that.
Gate Lock Pricing in Stuart, FL
| Service | Typical Price Range | Average Time on Site |
|---|---|---|
| Gate lock repair (stuck/seized) | $75 - $125 | 20-35 minutes |
| Gate lock replacement (standard) | $125 - $175 | 30-45 minutes |
| Marine-grade or high-security replacement | $175 - $225 | 45-60 minutes |
| Smart/keypad gate lock installation | $200 - $350 | 60-90 minutes |
| Pool gate compliance package | $95 - $165 | 30-50 minutes |
These are real ranges, not bait-and-switch minimums. Final price depends on existing hardware condition, gate material, and what lock we're installing. We give you a firm quote before we touch anything.
Our Gate Lock Service Process
- Call or text us. Reach Stuart Locksmiths at (772) 362-5731. Tell us your address and roughly what's happening with the lock. Takes 2 minutes.
- We confirm a tech and ETA. You'll know who's coming and when. We're typically at your gate in 35 minutes or less for Stuart addresses, a bit longer for Hobe Sound or Palm City.
- We inspect the lock and gate setup. Before recommending anything, our tech looks at the full picture. Gate material, frame condition, strike alignment, existing hardware. A lock that keeps failing might have an underlying alignment problem we need to address first.
- We quote you on the spot. Firm number, no surprises. You approve it before we do anything.
- We complete the work and test it thoroughly. We cycle the lock multiple times with you watching. We check the latch engagement, the deadbolt throw, the key operation from both sides. We don't leave until it's right.
Why Stuart Locksmiths for Gate Work
Look, there are a few guys with vans and a website who'll come out to Stuart. Here's what's different about us:
- Licensed in Florida. State-licensed locksmiths, not handymen who "also do locks." Big difference legally and practically.
- We stock marine-grade hardware on the truck. Most locksmiths don't carry it. We do, because we're in Stuart and we know what the environment demands. You're not waiting 3 days for a parts order.
- We know Florida pool gate codes cold. If you need a compliant pool barrier latch, we install it correctly the first time.
- Over 1,200 residential lock jobs completed in Martin County. Gate locks, deadbolt installations, full home security upgrades. We've seen almost every scenario.
- Flat-rate quotes before we start. No hourly billing surprises.
- 35-minute average response time. Measured, not estimated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a gate lock replacement take in Stuart?
Most standard gate lock replacements take 30-45 minutes on-site. If we're installing a keypad or smart lock, plan for 60-90 minutes. Unusual gate materials or tricky frame alignment can add time, but we'll tell you upfront if that's the case.
My gate lock is stiff and hard to turn. Can you fix it without replacing the whole thing?
Often yes. Stiff cylinders are usually seized from corrosion or debris, and we can free them, lubricate them properly, and get 2-3 more years out of the lock. If the internals are too far gone, we'll tell you honestly that a replacement is the better move. Repair runs $75-$125 versus $125-$175 for a swap.
What kind of gate lock holds up best to Stuart's salt air?
Marine-grade 316 stainless steel is the gold standard for properties near the water. For inland Stuart properties, a quality brass or chrome-plated brass deadbolt with a weatherproof cylinder cap works well. We stock both options on the truck.
Does my pool gate lock need to meet any Florida code requirements?
Yes. Florida Building Code section 454.2.17 and Florida statute 515.27 require pool barrier gates to be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch release on the pool side at least 54 inches from the ground, or otherwise protected from a child reaching it. We install compliant hardware and can walk you through what an inspector will look for.
Can you rekey a gate lock instead of replacing it?
Most keyed gate locks with a standard cylinder can be rekeyed, yes. It's cheaper than replacement and makes sense if the lock is still mechanically sound. Rekeying runs $45-$75 for a gate cylinder. If the lock is old or corroded, replacement is usually the smarter long-term call.
What if my gate lock was damaged in a storm?
Storm damage is more common in Stuart than people realize. We see bent strike plates, cracked frames, and locks that took a direct hit from wind-driven debris. We assess whether it's a lock issue, a gate alignment issue, or both. Sometimes fixing the frame alignment is all you need. We handle the lock side; if you need structural gate repair, we'll point you to the right trade.
Can you install a keypad lock on my existing gate?
Usually yes. We look at the gate material, thickness, and whether the frame can support the hardware. Most aluminum and wood gates take a keypad without modification. Wrought iron sometimes needs a mounting plate. We carry keypad options that work without needing electrical wiring, which simplifies installation significantly.
I'm locked out of my gate right now. How fast can you get to me in Stuart?
Call us at (772) 362-5731. Our average response time within Stuart city limits is 35 minutes. If you're further out toward Jensen Beach or Port St. Lucie, add 10-15 minutes. We'll give you an honest ETA when you call.
Is it worth getting a smart lock for a gate, or is that overkill?
It depends on your situation. If you have service workers, family members, or rental tenants needing regular access, a keypad or smart lock removes the headache of managing physical keys. For a simple backyard gate used only by you, a quality keyed deadbolt is fine. We'll tell you straight which makes sense for your property.
My gate lock was broken into or tampered with. What should I do?
Call us and, if there's evidence of a break-in attempt, call Stuart PD first to document it. We'll replace the damaged hardware with a higher-security option. We also offer a full security assessment if you want to look at your property's overall exposure, not just the