Services

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY KEY & LOCK ISSUE?

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A Closer Look at Every Service We Provide

Broward County Locksmith is a licensed and insured mobile locksmith serving Broward County, Florida. This page goes beyond a simple list of services. For each group of work, it explains what the job involves, how decisions are made, and what you can expect. If you want to talk through a specific problem, call (954) 888-8800. Standard jobs are quoted by phone before anyone is dispatched. Complex jobs that cannot be quoted accurately without seeing them need an on site visit, which carries a service call charge that we explain on the phone before dispatch.

Residential Lockouts

A residential lockout is the classic locksmith call: you are on the wrong side of your own door. The causes vary. Keys are left inside, a key breaks off in the lock, a lock jams, a door latches behind you, or a key is lost. The goal of the job is to get you back inside with as little damage as possible.

How the work is done

A trained technician starts with the least invasive method that suits the lock. Depending on the door, that can mean bypassing the latch, manipulating the lock, or using specialized tools that work around the bolt without harming the cylinder. Many standard house locks can be opened without any damage. Drilling is reserved for situations where nondestructive entry is not possible, such as a seized lock or a broken cylinder, and we explain the reason before choosing it.

How decisions are made

Before opening a door, we confirm that you live at the property or are authorized to be there. Typical proof includes an identification card showing the address, a lease, a utility bill, or mail. After the door is open, we look at the lock itself. If it has been damaged, is worn out, or the key was lost, we discuss the next steps, which may include rekeying so that a lost key no longer works.

Rekeying

Rekeying changes the inside of a lock so that a different key operates it. The lock body, the handle and the look of the door stay the same. Only the internal pin arrangement changes, and a new key is cut to match. Any old key then stops working.

When rekeying makes sense

• You moved into a home, condo or apartment and want to be sure that previous owners, tenants, contractors or relatives no longer have access.
• A key was lost or stolen.
• You want several locks, such as front door, back door and garage entry, to work with a single key.
• A relationship, a roommate arrangement or an employment situation changed, and access should change with it.
• You manage rental units that turn over between tenants.

Rekey or replace

Rekeying is often the more practical choice, because the existing hardware remains in place. It works best on locks that are in good mechanical condition from a reputable brand. If a lock is badly worn, damaged, rusted, or lacks the security level you want, replacing it is the better decision. We look at the condition of the hardware during the job and give you an honest recommendation instead of upselling.

What the job involves

The technician removes the cylinder from the lock, replaces the internal pins to fit a new key, tests the lock with the new key, and reinstalls it. For several locks in one home, this can be done efficiently on the same visit. When you are done, you receive keys that work throughout, and the old keys no longer do.

Lock Installation and Replacement

Sometimes a lock needs to be replaced, not repaired. Reasons include a broken lock, a worn lock, a damaged door after an attempted break in, a security upgrade, or a change in style. We install new locks and replace old ones on entry doors, interior doors, patio doors and garage entry doors.

Factors that guide the choice

• Security grade: residential locks are rated by how well they resist force and picking. A higher grade generally offers more resistance.
• Door condition: a good lock needs a good door. Thin, warped or damaged doors may need repair before a new lock will perform well.
• Frame and strike plate: the strongest part of a lock is its bolt, but the bolt is only as strong as what it fastens into. We often install reinforced strike plates with long screws that bite into the framing.
• Fit: lock prep holes vary, so we check backset, door thickness and bore size to be sure that a new lock will fit properly.
• Convenience: some owners want one key for several doors, a keypad, or the ability to give temporary codes to guests.

Installation versus repair

A lock that sticks, a latch that does not line up, or a key that turns poorly can sometimes be fixed by adjusting the door, tightening the hardware, or cleaning and lubricating the lock. If we can resolve the problem with a simple repair, we say so. Replacement is recommended when the lock is worn out, corroded beyond use, or does not provide the security you need.

Deadbolts

A deadbolt is a heavy bolt that extends into the door frame and cannot be pushed back with force alone. It is one of the most effective and affordable upgrades for an exterior door. Many older homes only have a spring latch in the knob, which can be defeated with a plastic card or a screwdriver. A deadbolt adds a much stronger barrier.

Types of deadbolts

• Single cylinder: operated with a key from outside and a thumb turn inside. This is the most common option.
• Double cylinder: requires a key on both sides. It can make sense where a door has glass nearby, but it can also be a safety issue in a fire, so some codes and families prefer to avoid it.
• Keypad deadbolts: operated with a code, sometimes in addition to a key.
• Smart deadbolts: electronic models that connect to a phone or a home system.

What installation involves

The technician checks the door thickness and existing holes, drills or adjusts the bore, installs the bolt and the strike, and tests the action. A deadbolt should extend fully into the frame and the key should turn smoothly without forcing. If the door is slightly out of alignment, we adjust it so the bolt engages without binding.

Smart Locks

Smart locks replace or supplement the key with a keypad, a phone app, a fob, a card or a fingerprint reader. They are popular with families, landlords and short term rental hosts. They can be a very good fit, but they work best when chosen and installed thoughtfully.

Questions that help choose the right model

1. Do you want to keep a physical key as a backup? Many owners do, because batteries can run out and electronics can fail.
2. Does the lock need to connect to a phone, a hub or a home automation system?
3. Do you need temporary codes for guests, cleaners or service workers?
4. Does the door fit the lock? Some smart locks need specific door thickness and bore sizes.
5. Is the door exposed to weather or salt air? Outdoor exposure affects the finish and the electronics.

What the job involves

We install the lock, set up the codes or the app connection, test the lock from both sides, and show you how to change codes and replace batteries. We also recommend keeping the manufacturer instructions, since each brand has its own setup process. If you already purchased a lock, tell us the brand and model on the phone, and we can confirm whether it fits your door.

Car Lockouts

A car lockout occurs when keys are locked inside the vehicle, or when the key is lost or broken. The goal is to open the vehicle without damaging the door, window, weatherstripping or paint.

How decisions are made

Modern vehicles have side airbags, wiring in the doors and sensitive electronics, so technique matters. A technician uses purpose made tools that are designed to work around these components. Before opening, we confirm ownership with a registration, an insurance card or an identification card that matches the vehicle details. If a child or pet is locked inside, or if someone is in a medical emergency, call emergency services first.

When lockouts lead to other work

If the problem is a lost key, opening the car is only the first step, because the key must still be replaced. If a key broke off in a door lock or ignition, that needs to be removed before a new key is made. We can handle all of these in one visit when the vehicle and key type are known in advance.

Car Keys and Key Fobs

Car keys have changed a lot. Older vehicles used a simple metal key that could be copied at a hardware store. Most vehicles from recent decades use a transponder chip in the key head that communicates with the car, and many use a remote fob or a push button start fob. Without the right signal, the engine will not start, even if the key turns.

Types of automotive keys

• Basic mechanical keys: metal only, used on older vehicles.
• Transponder keys: contain a chip that must be programmed to the vehicle.
• Remote head keys: combine the key blade with remote lock and unlock buttons.
• Smart keys and proximity fobs: allow push button start and keyless entry without inserting a blade.
• Laser cut or high security keys: have a milled groove instead of a traditional edge and need specific cutting machines.

All keys lost versus adding a spare

Adding a spare when you still have a working key is generally simpler, because the existing key can often be used in the process. When all keys are lost, the vehicle information is used to cut a new key and program it, which takes more steps. This is why we recommend a spare key before an emergency.

What we need from you

The make, model and year of the vehicle, the vehicle identification number when possible, and proof of ownership. With those details, we can usually tell you by phone what type of key your car uses and give a quote for standard jobs.

Ignition Repair

An ignition problem can look like a key problem, but they are not always the same. Signs of ignition trouble include a key that will not turn, a key that turns but will not start the engine, a key that sticks or will not come out, a steering wheel that stays locked, and a worn key that has become hard to use.

Possible causes

• A worn key that no longer lifts the wafers inside the ignition cylinder properly.
• A worn or damaged ignition cylinder.
• A locked steering column that binds the cylinder.
• Debris or damage in the lock.
• A failed transponder or key programming issue.
• Attempted theft that damaged the ignition.

How the work is decided

We first check whether the key is the problem, because a new key is simpler than a new cylinder. If the cylinder is worn or damaged, it may be repaired or replaced and then matched to your key. In some vehicles the ignition must also be coded so the car accepts it. Because ignition problems are hard to judge by phone, a vehicle may need an on site look, and when that is the case we explain the service call charge beforehand.

Motorcycle Keys

Motorcycles have their own key systems, and they are not the same as automotive keys. Some use plain keys, others use chipped keys, and many have separate keys for the ignition, the fuel cap, the seat and the storage compartments. Lost or damaged motorcycle keys can leave you stranded, and the weather exposure that bikes endure makes lock wear common.

What we can help with

• Cutting replacement keys for many motorcycle ignitions and locks.
• Making spare keys before one is lost.
• Helping with keys that no longer turn because of wear or corrosion.

Tell us the make, model and year of the motorcycle on the phone. Some models need special key blanks, so we confirm what is needed before quoting.

Commercial Lock Repair and Rekeying

Business doors work harder than home doors. They open and close many times a day, they are used by staff and customers, and they have to stay secure when the building is empty. Commercial lock work includes repairing locks that stick, loose or misaligned doors, broken handles, failing closers, and rekeying after staff changes.

Why commercial rekeying matters

When an employee leaves, when a tenant changes, or when keys go missing, rekeying makes sure that old keys no longer work. In a business, that is as much about liability and inventory as security. We can rekey single doors or several doors in a building and organize the keys so that each person receives the access that they need.

Repair or replace

Commercial hardware is made to last, so repair is often worthwhile. A worn latch, a bent strike, a sagging door and an out of adjustment closer can often be corrected without buying new hardware. When a lock is beyond reasonable repair, we explain why and recommend a replacement that suits the door.

Master Key Systems

A master key system lets several different keys open different locks, while a master key opens all of them. A building owner or manager can hold the master, while each tenant, department or employee holds a key that opens only their own space.

How a system is planned

1. List all doors and how they are used: front doors, offices, storage rooms, utility rooms, shared spaces.
2. Decide who needs access to what, and group doors into levels. For example, a master key for management, a department key for a team, and individual keys for single rooms.
3. Choose hardware that supports the layout. Some systems use standard pinned cylinders, and others use interchangeable core cylinders, which make later changes easier.
4. Cut and organize keys, record the key assignments, and keep the key records safe.

Things to consider

Master systems add convenience but also add complexity. The more levels a system has, the more careful the planning needs to be, because a lost master key has bigger consequences. Because of that, a larger master key project often needs an on site visit to count doors and examine the locks. We explain the service call charge before scheduling that visit.

Access Control

Access control replaces or supplements physical keys with electronic credentials such as key cards, fobs, keypads or codes. It lets a business decide who can enter, when and where, and it can remove access instantly without collecting a key.

Where it works well

• Offices with many employees and changing staff.
• Buildings with shared entrances and private suites.
• Back doors and storage areas that need restricted access.
• Businesses that want to track entries or limit access by time.

What decisions are involved

We look at the door, the frame, the electric strike or magnetic lock options, the power source, and the fire safety requirements. Doors that are part of an exit path have rules about how they must release, so access control cannot simply block people from leaving. Because each building differs, access control jobs are usually reviewed carefully, and may need an on site visit.

Push Bars and Panic Hardware

A push bar, also called panic hardware or an exit device, lets people leave a building quickly by pushing a horizontal bar on the inside of the door. These devices are common on rear doors, stairwells, shops, restaurants and offices. They keep the door secure from outside while allowing easy exit from inside.

What we do

• Repair push bars that stick, will not latch, or are misaligned.
• Replace worn or damaged exit devices.
• Adjust the door and the strike so that the bar works smoothly.
• Install new exit devices on doors that need them.

Exit hardware is a safety item, so it should work smoothly every time. If a push bar sticks or requires extra force, do not ignore it. A person leaving in a hurry should not struggle with a door.

Storefront Door Repair

Storefront doors are the glass and aluminum doors found at shops, restaurants, salons and offices. They have distinct hardware, including pivot hinges, floor closers, narrow stile locks and thumb turns. Because they are used constantly, problems like dragging, drooping, loose handles and failing locks are common.

Typical problems

• A door that drags on the floor or does not close fully because of worn pivots or hinges.
• A lock that will not engage or a key that is hard to turn.
• A closer that slams, leaks or no longer controls the door.
• A handle or pull that is loose.
• A door that has been forced or damaged during a break in attempt.

Since a storefront door often protects an entire business, a failing lock leaves the business exposed. We look at the whole door, including the lock, hinge, closer and frame, so the repair fixes the cause and not only the symptom.

Safe Opening

Safe opening is a specialty. People call when they forgot a combination, a keypad has failed, a key was lost, or a safe was inherited with no information. The aim is to open the safe while keeping damage as low as possible and, where possible, keeping the safe usable afterward.

How we approach it

We start by identifying the type of safe and lock, whether a dial combination, an electronic keypad or a key lock. Ownership is verified before work begins, because opening a safe for the wrong person is a serious matter. Some safes can be opened by manipulation, others by methods specific to their design. Because safes differ so much, a safe job often cannot be quoted accurately without knowing the exact brand and model. We ask for photos and details by phone, and if it still cannot be priced fairly, we explain that an on site visit with a service call charge is required before anyone is dispatched.

Mailbox and File Cabinet Locks

Small locks matter too. Mailbox locks protect personal and financial mail, and file cabinet and desk locks protect business records. Both can fail, get lost or need a new key.

What this work involves

• Opening a locked mailbox or cabinet when the key is lost, where the lock is the owner’s responsibility.
• Replacing the lock cylinder and making new keys.
• Rekeying a group of cabinets so that they work with one key.
• Repairing a lock that sticks or no longer turns.

Some mailboxes, such as those in cluster units owned by the postal service, are not the owner’s to alter. We will tell you if a job belongs to someone else, and we only work on what you are authorized to change.

How Quotes and Service Calls Work

Every service on this page follows the same quoting rule. Standard jobs are quoted by phone before dispatch. We ask a few questions about the lock, the vehicle or the door, and give you a clear quote before sending anyone. Complex jobs that cannot be quoted accurately without seeing them need an on site visit. That visit carries a service call charge. We explain the charge on the phone before anyone is dispatched, so you can decide whether to proceed.

If the scope of a job changes at the door, the technician stops and explains the change. You can approve it, ask questions or decline it. We would rather lose a sale than surprise a customer.

Preparing for Your Service Call

• Have your identification and proof that you live at the property or own the vehicle.
• Know the make, model and year for any vehicle work.
• Gather any keys that still work, since they help us match and copy.
• Clear access to the door or vehicle, and let a gate or front desk know to expect the technician.
• Think about what else you want done on the same visit, such as rekeying several doors or making spare keys.

Broward County Locksmith serves homes, vehicles and businesses across Broward County, Florida. To discuss any service here, call (954) 888-8800.