How to Fix Common Door and Lock Problems as a Miami Homeowner

Door and lock problems are going to crop up every now and then when you own a home. How you handle these concerns will determine whether they’re a safety risk. The key is to address these issues sooner rather than later, particularly if you have a family at home.

Dealing with door and lock-related issues in a timely manner can also help save you money as it ensures the problems don’t get worse.

Let’s look at some of the most common door and lock problems and how you should fix them.

Common Door and Lock Problems (and How to Fix Them)

  • Broken Key in a Lock

Having a key break off in a lock is pure frustration, especially if it leaves you locked out of your home. Removing the broken key can be tricky and will require the right tools. Also, a piece of the broken key should be sticking out of the lock to make this possible. Thin pliers or the right tweezers could help you get the key out. The pins should be able to fit on either side of the key for this to work.

If nothing is sticking out of the lock, you will need to contact a professional locksmith to assist you. Even if this problem occurs at an odd time of the night, most reputable locksmiths are available 24/7, including Quickly Locksmith.

  • Loose Door Handles and Locks

Over time, the internal components of a lock, or the door handle, can become loose. Each of these components ensures your door works the way it should, which is why one loose part can be a bigger issue. If your door handle feels loose, you can hear loose parts in your lock, or your key doesn’t always work, it’s important to get it fixed.

Some loose parts are easy to tighten at home with the right tools. However, the internal workings of a lock require more knowledge and experience, which is why it’s best to get the help of a professional. If a locksmith cannot repair the lock, they can replace it for you, saving you time, money, and a lot of hassle.

  • Misaligned Door Lock

Misaligned door locks and strike plates generally go hand in hand. The good news is that this issue is relatively easy to spot, and in some instances, you can fix it yourself with the tools you have at home. When the parts of a locking mechanism don’t align, it can be difficult to close the door and lock it. It can also damage the lock over time if it’s not corrected.

You can tighten the screws and hinges of the mechanism yourself. But, if this doesn’t correct the problem, additional steps are required, such as filing off sections of the strike plate. These tasks are best left to a locksmith to avoid further damage.

  • Jammed Locks and Latches

A jammed lock or latch is always an urgent concern – it can leave you locked out or locked in your home. Trying to force the door open every time it jams will only further damage your locks too. A build-up of debris is just one of the reasons why a lock or latch tends to jam. By failing to clear this debris, your key can also end up breaking off in your lock, which is just an additional problem to deal with. A jammed lock could also be a sign that someone attempted to break into your home.

To ensure you don’t need to worry about changing or rekeying your locks, it’s important to get a locksmith to evaluate the jammed lock. If a break-in didn’t occur, they can help you unjam the lock and/or latch, ensuring it works as it did once again. You can also try using a lubricant first before you contact a locksmith.

  • Spinning Lock Cylinder

If you can insert a key in a lock but all it does is spin the cylinder, this is a problem. This is an easy enough problem to spot, but not that easy to fix – not on your own anyway. A spinning lock cylinder could be an indicator of a damaged or loose set screw, which could leave you locked out of your home.

To fix this issue, the lock needs to be removed so that the set screws can be examined, which is a job for a locksmith. Doing so yourself could result in further lock damage, which requires a replacement lock – generally a pricier option.

Final Thoughts

You are bound to experience a lock or door-related problem at one point or another as a Miami homeowner. Now that you know what to look out for, be sure to keep the Quickly Locksmith contact number on hand. We are available 24/7 – (305) 984-9922

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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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Needed new keys made and couldn’t believe how quick and professional Adir was!!! He came within 5 minutes of my call, made 3 keys, cleaned up, and I was done within 10 minutes!!! He was very professional too. Absolutely blown away and great value too.

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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 professional services from a locksmith in Miami, 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?
    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, Our 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. We operate 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?
    We cover 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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