How to Fix a Lock That Came Loose from a Doorknob – Miami Expert Guide

Updated – 6/25/2025.

If your lock suddenly feels loose—or worse, falls completely out of your doorknob—can be alarming. But don’t worry: in most cases, it’s fixable.

At Quickly Locksmith Miami, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners, renters, and businesses across Miami handle loose, damaged, or failing locks. Whether you’re in Wynwood, Downtown Miami, or elsewhere in the city, we’ve got you covered—with fast service, honest advice, and high-quality materials built for South Florida’s unique climate.

🔧 Why Locks Fall Out – Common Causes in Miami Homes

Loose or dislodged locks are often the result of gradual wear or a hidden issue that’s gone unnoticed. Let’s break it down:

Problem Description Likelihood in Miami
Loose screws Regular use causes short screws to pull out over time Very common
Swollen doors Humidity causes wood to expand and warp Extremely common
Poor installation Previous work used weak materials or short screws Common
Heavy usage Frequent opening/closing (offices, apartments) stresses the lock Common
Forced entry or tampering Burglary attempts or vandalism cause damage Less common but serious
Low-grade locks Cheap hardware fails quickly under pressure Common in older properties

🔎 Step 1: Evaluate the Lock’s Condition

Before making any repairs, check if the lock cylinder and housing are intact. If they’re in good shape, the problem is likely with the screws or door—not the lock itself.

Questions to Ask:

Q: Is the lock cracked or dented?
→ If yes, replace it—a broken lock can’t secure your door.

Q: Are the screws stripped or missing?
→ Replace with longer, high-grade screws for better hold.

Q: Is the latch not catching properly?
→ You may have a strike plate alignment issue that requires adjustment.

 

🛠️ Step 2: Repair or Replace? Here’s How to Decide

Lock & Door Condition Solution Cost Range
Lock is intact, screws are loose Tighten with longer screws $20–$40
The wood around the lock is damaged Fill & reinforce with wood filler or insert a plate $40–$80
Misaligned strike plate Adjust the latch/plate or reposition the hardware $40–$75
Lock feels unstable, parts missing Replace with a new lock $65–$150
Signs of break-in or tampering Install a high-security lock $120–$250

🏠 Miami-Specific Lock Issues (And What to Do About Them)

Living in Miami means dealing with salt air, humidity, and frequent storms. These conditions can all affect door hardware. At Quickly Locksmith Miami, we use locks and screws specifically chosen to resist rust and humidity.

Common Problems Unique to Miami:

1. Humidity Swells Door Frames

Solution: We sand or trim swollen doors and install adjustable strike plates for proper alignment.

2. Rusty Screws and Lock Cores

Solution: Replace with stainless steel or weather-resistant screws, and lubricate lock cores using professional graphite powder or silicone spray.

3. Unsecured Rental Units

Solution: We recommend upgrading to smart locks or deadbolts that meet local tenant security codes.

4. Tourist-Area Break-ins (e.g., Downtown Miami)

Solution: Install high-security deadbolts with drill-proof cylinders and anti-pick technology.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions from Miami Residents

Q: “Can I just glue the lock back in?”
A: We don’t recommend it. Even professional-grade adhesives are only temporary if not supported by mechanical reinforcement like screws or plates.

Q: “How long does it take to fix a loose lock?”
A: Most standard fixes take 15–30 minutes on-site. For more involved jobs (door reinforcement, alignment), we may need up to an hour.

Q: “What if I rent my apartment?”
A: Landlords are usually responsible for door security. We’ll provide documentation of the issue so your landlord can reimburse or approve repairs.

🧑‍🔧 Meet David – Owner of Quickly Locksmith Miami

David Davidoff, a Miami native and certified locksmith, has been serving the city for over 18 years. Under his leadership, Quickly Locksmith Miami has grown into one of Miami’s most trusted lock and security providers.

🗣️ “My mission is simple: protect our community with expert service, honest prices, and real solutions. When locks fail, we’re here—fast.” – David

Quickly Locksmith Miami Owner with his technicians outside locksmith store in Downtown Miami FL

Quickly Locksmith Miami Owner with his technicians outside Quickly locksmith store in Downtown Miami FL

 

✅ Why Choose Quickly Locksmith Miami?

Feature Benefit
🏆 A+ BBB Accredited Verified trust and customer service excellence
🔐 ALOA Certified Meets national locksmithing standards
🕓 24/7 Availability Day or night, we’re on call when you need us most
📍 Two Miami Locations Walk-ins welcome in Midtown/Wynwood & Downtown Miami
🛠️ Fully Licensed & Insured No risk, no guesswork—just peace of mind

🏪 Our Miami Locations

🔑 Quickly Locksmith Miami – Midtown/Wynwood

Address: 2680 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (305) 984‑9922

🔑 Quickly Locksmith Miami – Downtown Miami

Address: 26 SE 1st St, Miami, FL 33131
Phone: (305) 793‑2130

📌 Final Tips: Preventing Lock Problems in the Future

  • Check your locks monthly for wobble or movement

  • Use longer screws (2.5″ or more) for better grip

  • Keep locks clean and dry—avoid WD-40, use graphite lube

  • Replace locks every 5–7 years (especially near the coast)

  • Call Quickly Locksmith at the first sign of trouble—early action = lower cost

☎️ Need a Lock Repaired in Miami?

Don’t leave your security to chance. Whether your lock is loose, damaged, or completely out—we’re ready to fix it, fast and affordably.

📲 Call (305) 984-9922
🌐 Quicklylocksmith.com
🏪 Visit us in Midtown/Wynwood or Downtown Miami Locksmith Stores
🔐 Certified. Local. Trusted.

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About the author
David Davidof is the founder & owner of Quickly Locksmith. The business has grown from strength to strength to become Miami’s go-to provider for Locksmith and Security services. Whilst the company has grown, the founding ethos has remained the same - Helping people in emergency situations and giving them the feeling they are safe.
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Words of Trust: Our customers share their experiences—821 Google reviews at our Midtown/Wynwood store and 111 at our Downtown Miami store, with an average rating of 4.6/5.

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I was in a jam with a broken lock, and these locksmiths came to my rescue! Fast, reliable, and courteous service.
I highly recommend them for any locksmith needs. A+ service!

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I needed new locks installed in my home, and this locksmith company exceeded my expectations. Professional, efficient, and reasonably priced. I feel safer now. Thank you!

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Locked out of my car in the middle of the night, but these locksmiths arrived quickly and got me back in. Their 24/7 service saved me! Top-notch service with a friendly attitude.

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    Our Tips For Getting The Best Locksmith Services In Miami FL:

    We truly care about your security. Keeping you, your family and your most valuable possessions safe is why we are in business. However, whenever you are looking to hire a residential locksmith service, here are some valuable tips to make the right choice.

    FAQ

    HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER MY MIAMI LOCKSMITH IS CERTIFIED?
    In Miami-Dade County, licensed locksmiths are issued an official Locksmith ID card after completing the required application process and passing background checks. By law, they must carry and display this card at all times while providing locksmith services, regardless of the location. Always request to see it before any work begins to ensure you’re hiring a certified professional.
    HOW LONG WILL A LOCKSMITH TAKE TO ARRIVE?
    When you call Quickly Locksmith Miami, our team aims to arrive at your exact location within 15 minutes. This rapid response time helps ensure you’re back inside your home, car, or business as quickly and safely as possible.
    WHAT DOES A CERTIFICATION GUARANTEE?
    Hiring a certified Miami locksmith means your service is backed by a full warranty — covering your locks, your property (including doors, hallways, and related areas), and your personal safety. If any issues occur during the job, you hold zero liability, and your locks and security systems are 100% insured for complete peace of mind.
    CAN A MIAMI LOCKSMITH OPEN ALL LOCKS?
    With the right tools and years of experience, a professional locksmith can open almost any lock without causing damage. In rare cases where unlocking isn’t possible, the lock can be safely replaced. Either way, your property and valuables will remain fully secure.
    CAN AN AUTO LOCKSMITH CREATE A SPARE KEY AT MY LOCATION?
    Yes. If you’re locked out or need a spare key, Quickly Locksmith Miami’s mobile unit will come directly to your location. Our technicians can create and program a replacement car key on the spot, saving you the hassle of arranging transportation to a locksmith shop.
    DO I NEED THE ORIGINAL KEY TO MAKE A KEY COPY?
    Not necessarily. If your original key is lost or damaged, a certified Miami locksmith can use a code cutter to read the lock’s unique key code and determine the correct groove depths. This precise information allows us to create a brand-new key without needing the original.
    ARE YOU AVAILABLE 24/7 FOR EMERGENCIES?
    Yes. Quickly Locksmith Miami operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including nights, weekends, and holidays. No matter when you’re locked out or facing a security issue, our team is ready to respond immediately.
    HOW MUCH DOES A LOCKSMITH SERVICE COST IN MIAMI?
    Costs depend on the service type, lock complexity, and time of day. We provide upfront, transparent quotes before starting any job, so there are no hidden fees or surprises. Emergency services may have additional charges for after-hours calls.
    CAN YOU REKEY LOCKS INSTEAD OF REPLACING THEM?
    Yes. Rekeying allows you to keep your existing locks while changing the internal pins so old keys no longer work. It’s a cost-effective security upgrade often used after moving, losing keys, or changing tenants or employees.
    DO YOU INSTALL SMART LOCKS AND HIGH-SECURITY SYSTEMS?
    Absolutely. We install a wide range of smart locks, high-security deadbolts, and advanced access control systems for homes, businesses, and vehicles. Our experts can recommend the best solution based on your security needs and budget.
    CAN YOU MAKE KEYS FOR HIGH-SECURITY OR RESTRICTED LOCKS?
    Yes. We have the tools and authorization to cut and program keys for many high-security and restricted lock systems. Some models require proof of ownership or manufacturer authorization, which we’ll guide you through before starting the work.
    WHAT AREAS OF MIAMI DO YOU SERVICE?
    Quickly Locksmith Miami covers all of Miami-Dade County, including Downtown Miami, Wynwood, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Aventura, Kendall, and surrounding neighborhoods. Our mobile units allow us to reach you quickly anywhere in the area.
    CAN YOU HELP WITH BROKEN KEYS STUCK IN LOCKS?
    Yes. Our locksmiths use specialized extraction tools to remove broken keys without damaging the lock. If necessary, we can also cut you a new key or rekey the lock during the same visit.
    DO YOU OFFER COMMERCIAL LOCKSMITH SERVICES?
    Absolutely. We provide a full range of commercial services, including master key systems, high-security locks, access control, panic bars, and storefront door repair. We work with offices, retail stores, warehouses, and property managers across Miami.
    HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY HOME OR BUSINESS SECURITY?
    We recommend starting with a security audit to identify vulnerabilities. This may include upgrading to high-security locks, adding deadbolts, installing smart locks, reinforcing entry doors, and securing windows. We provide tailored recommendations based on your property and budget.
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