Last updated: February 2026
Something's wrong with your lock and you know it. Maybe it grinds when you turn the key. Maybe it sticks so badly you're shouldering your own front door every night. Maybe it just stopped latching entirely. Lock repair in Stuart, FL typically runs $65 to $175, and Stuart Locksmiths can have a technician at your door in about 20 minutes. You don't need a full replacement. You need it fixed, fast.
That grinding feeling isn't just annoying. It's your lock telling you something is worn, misaligned, or about to fail completely. Ignore it long enough and you're dealing with a full lockout, or worse, a door that won't secure at all.
Stuart Locksmiths has handled over 1,400 lock repairs across Martin County. From the neighborhoods near Colorado Avenue to the waterfront homes along the St. Lucie River, we know the doors, the humidity damage, and the lock brands that dominate this area.
Why Locks in Stuart Break Down Faster Than You'd Think
Stuart's coastal humidity is brutal on hardware. Salt air, heat that regularly sits above 90°F from May through October, and afternoon thunderstorms create conditions that corrode internal lock components faster than most manufacturers design for.
The most common causes we see in Stuart homes and businesses:
- Corroded or worn internal springs from salt air exposure
- Misaligned strike plates after a door frame swells from moisture
- Broken actuator cams inside the cylinder, usually from forcing a stiff lock
- Loose or stripped set screws that let the cylinder spin freely
- Debris and sand packed into the keyway, especially near the river
- Worn deadbolt bolts that no longer extend or retract cleanly
Forcing a stiff lock almost always makes things worse. One bad push on a seized deadbolt and you've snapped the cam, which turns a $75 repair into a full cylinder replacement. Stop forcing it. Call us.
If a break-in attempt has damaged your door lock, that's a separate situation. Our Break-In & Burglary Repair service covers frame damage and emergency lock securing.
Lock Repair vs. Lock Replacement: What You Actually Need
Most locksmiths push replacement because it's a bigger ticket. Here's how we actually think about it:
| Lock Condition | Recommended Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Stiff or grinding key turn | Lubrication, pin adjustment, or cylinder service | $65 - $95 |
| Loose handle or cylinder spinning | Tighten, re-seat, or replace actuator | $75 - $115 |
| Deadbolt not latching or throwing fully | Strike plate realignment or bolt adjustment | $85 - $135 |
| Broken internal components (springs, cams) | Internal rebuild or cylinder replacement | $115 - $175 |
| Severe corrosion or physical damage | Full lock replacement recommended | $145 - $275+ |
If the lock body itself is cracked or the door hardware is 15+ years old with visible corrosion, replacement wins. Otherwise, repair is the smarter call. We'll tell you honestly which one applies to your situation.
Thinking about upgrading instead? Check out our Deadbolt Installation & Repair and High-Security Lock Installation pages for what's available.
Lock Failure Rates by Type: What the Data Shows
| Lock Type | Average Lifespan | Common Failure Mode | Repair vs. Replace Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard pin tumbler deadbolt | 7 - 10 years | Worn pins, spring fatigue | 68% repairable |
| Knob/lever lockset | 5 - 7 years | Latch mechanism failure | 54% repairable |
| Mortise lock | 10 - 15 years | Case wear, cam breakage | 71% repairable |
| Smart/electronic lock | 3 - 7 years | Motor failure, PCB issues | 41% repairable |
(Source: Associated Locksmiths of America, ALOA Industry Survey Data)
Our Lock Repair Process in Stuart
- You call, we respond. Phone (772) 362-5731 and a Stuart Locksmiths technician is typically on-site within 20 minutes. We cover all of Stuart, Port Salerno, Sewall's Point, and the surrounding areas.
- We diagnose before we quote. The technician examines the lock, tests the mechanism, and identifies the exact failure point. No guessing. You get a flat price before any work starts.
- Repair happens on-site. Almost every repair is completed the same visit. We carry replacement cylinders, springs, actuators, strike plates, and lubricants on every truck.
- We test it. Thoroughly. We run 10 to 15 key cycles after any repair to confirm smooth operation. We check the deadbolt throw, the latch, and the alignment with the frame.
- We give you an honest assessment. If the repair won't hold long-term, we'll tell you. No pressure. You decide what happens next.
Need something beyond a basic repair? Our Residential Locksmith page covers the full range of home lock services we offer in Stuart.
Why Stuart Locksmiths
Here's what actually separates us from the national dispatch services that flood local search results:
- Licensed in Florida. We hold a current Florida Class "D" locksmith license. Always ask for it. Many services operating in Stuart don't have one.
- 20-minute average response. Measured from call to arrival across all 1,400+ jobs we've run in Martin County. Not a marketing estimate.
- Flat pricing, quoted upfront. You know the number before we touch your lock. No "trip fee plus labor plus parts" surprises at the end.
- We actually stock parts. Schlage, Kwikset, Medeco, Baldwin. Common cylinders, springs, and actuators are on every truck. We don't order parts and come back next week.
- Local technicians. Our team lives and works in Stuart. We know the older construction in Tropical Estates, the HOA-spec hardware in Martin Downs, and the salt exposure issues on the Hutchinson Island side.
If you need a Lock Rekey Service or full Lock Change & Replacement instead, we handle those too, same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my lock needs repair or full replacement?
If the lock body is intact but something internal feels wrong (stiff turning, loose cylinder, deadbolt not throwing fully), repair is almost always the right first step. If the lock body is cracked, severely corroded, or the door hardware is visibly failing, replacement makes more sense. Stuart Locksmiths will diagnose it honestly and give you both options with pricing before touching anything.
What does lock repair cost in Stuart, FL?
Most lock repairs in Stuart run $65 to $175 depending on what's wrong. Simple lubrication and adjustment jobs are at the low end. Internal component rebuilds or cylinder work sit toward the top. We quote flat pricing after the diagnosis, so there are no surprises.
How long does a lock repair take?
Most repairs are done in 20 to 45 minutes on-site. A basic stiff-lock service with cleaning and lubrication might take 15 minutes. A full internal rebuild with new pins or actuator components can take 40 minutes. We complete the vast majority of repairs in a single visit.
Can you repair a lock without replacing the whole lockset?
Yes, and that's what we do in most cases. We can rebuild the cylinder, replace individual springs or pins, re-seat an actuator, or realign a strike plate without touching the rest of the hardware. You keep your existing keys working, and you save money.
My key turns but the deadbolt won't throw all the way. What causes that?
Usually a misaligned strike plate or a worn deadbolt bolt that's lost its shape. Stuart's humidity causes door frames to swell, which throws off the alignment between the bolt and the strike plate opening. It's a very common repair here, and typically costs $85 to $135 to fix.
Can you repair a lock after a break-in attempt?
Depends on the damage. If someone tried to kick in the door or pry the lock, the frame often needs attention too. Minor pry marks on the cylinder can sometimes be repaired. Severe damage usually means a new cylinder and a frame reinforcement. Our Break-In & Burglary Repair service covers that specific situation.
Do you repair smart locks and electronic locks?
We service many smart lock models for mechanical issues like a failing motor, a misaligned bolt, or a loose mounting. For circuit board or firmware failures, we'll tell you honestly if repair isn't viable. If replacement makes more sense, our Smart Lock Installation page shows the options we carry and install.
Is it safe to keep using a lock that sticks or grinds?
No. A stiff or grinding lock is telling you something internal is worn or about to fail. Continuing to force it accelerates the damage and can snap internal components, turning a $75 repair into a full cylinder replacement. Get it looked at before it fails completely.
Can you repair locks on older homes in Stuart?
Yes. We work on hardware from the 1970s and 80s that you'll find throughout Stuart's older neighborhoods. Older Schlage and Kwikset mechanisms are often very repairable because they were built with serviceable parts. Proprietary or discontinued hardware is trickier, but we carry a wide range of compatible replacement components.
Do you repair commercial locks in Stuart too?
Yes. We service commercial locksets, mortise locks, and lever hardware in offices, retail spaces, and commercial properties throughout Stuart and Martin County. For commercial-specific lock issues, our Commercial Locksmith page covers the full scope of what we offer.
Will the repair hold long-term, or is it just a temporary fix?
We don't do temporary fixes. Every repair we perform is designed to fully restore the lock to proper working condition. If we find that a repair won't be durable given the lock's condition or age, we'll tell you that upfront and recommend replacement. You decide what to do with that information.
How fast can you get to me in Stuart?
Our average on-site time from your call is 20 minutes within Stuart proper. Areas like Sewall's Point, Port Salerno, and Jensen Beach are typically 25 to 35 minutes. We serve all of Martin County, including Call now for fast, reliable service. Free estimates available.Ready to Get Started?