What Kind of Locks a Locksmith Can’t Open

Hi, I’m David — proud owner of Quickly Locksmith Miami. After 18+ years serving this incredible city, from Brickell high-rises to Coral Gables homes and everywhere in between, I’ve helped open just about every lock you can imagine.

People often ask me:
“Is there any lock you can’t open?”

The answer? Yes, but it’s rare.
This guide explains the few cases where even a professional locksmith might struggle — or simply shouldn’t attempt to open a lock — and what we do when that happens.

 1. High-Security Locks with Patented or Restricted Keyways

These are the Fort Knox of residential or commercial locks. If you live in a luxury condo in Sunny Isles or own a jewelry shop in Downtown Miami, you’ve probably seen or used one of these:

• Medeco

• Mul-T-Lock

• Abloy

• EVVA

They feature:

• Patented keys that can’t legally be copied without authorization

• Hardened steel inserts to resist drilling

• Complex pin systems to resist picking or bumping

Can we open them? Sometimes — but it depends on the model and whether you can provide proof of ownership. In some cases, the best solution is to replace the lock entirely.

David’s Note: “We work with many property managers in Brickell who use high-security systems. Our clients trust us to handle these locks carefully — and always by the book.”

2. Smart Locks with Encrypted Access

Welcome to the age of keyless entry — popular in places like Midtown Miami, Wynwood apartments, and vacation rentals in South Beach.

These include:

• August Smart Lock

• Yale Assure (WiFi or Z-Wave)

• Schlage Encode

• Samsung SHP-DP609

• Level Lock+

While these offer great convenience, they can be tricky to open if:

• The battery dies, and there’s no key override

• There’s a software error or a locked-out admin account

• You’ve lost access to the connected app/cloud service

At Quickly Locksmith Miami, we can usually help if the system has a mechanical fallback. If not, we may need to uninstall or replace the lock.

Important: Not all smart locks can be reset or bypassed without damaging them. We always assess first and advise you on the most affordable and safe solution.

 3. Biometric Locks Without Backup

Seen more often now in private homes in Coconut Grove or offices in Edgewater, these locks use:

• Fingerprint scanning

• Facial recognition

• Palm or retina scans

If the device:

• Loses power

• Fails to recognize authorized prints

• Has no keypad or keyhole override

Then yes — even the best locksmith may have no way in without replacing or destroying the lock.

 4. Bank-Grade Safes or Vaults

These aren’t your everyday home safes.
Think commercial-grade safes used by:

• Pawn shops in Little Havana

• Medical marijuana dispensaries

• Gold or diamond dealers

We’re talking TL-15 / TL-30 / TRTL-60 rated safes — resistant to:

• Torch attacks

• Explosives

• Lock manipulation

These require special equipment and sometimes manufacturer authorization. If you’ve lost the combo or key, expect a multi-hour operation or safe drilling with precision tools.

💬 David’s Real Talk: “We’ve opened safes for law firms, pawn shops, and high-end clients. With those, it’s not about speed — it’s about skill, ethics, and discretion.”

 5. Legal Limitations – When We Won’t Open a Lock

Even if we can open it, we won’t unless:

• You’re the legal property owner or resident

• You show a valid ID or supporting documentation

• The situation complies with Florida state law

– We do not assist with:

• Landlord lockouts without eviction court orders

• Domestic disputes without legal proof

• The car unlocks if you’re not listed on the registration or can’t show ownership

“We protect our clients — and ourselves — by following the law. If we suspect the request is illegal or unethical, we won’t take the job. Period.”

 Other Scenarios Where a Locksmith Might Struggle

A Miami Perspective: Real-World Examples:

 Example 1: South Beach Smart Lock Malfunction

We helped a vacation rental manager regain access to a smart lock that had gone completely offline. No override key. After verifying the property was theirs, we carefully removed and replaced the unit. No damage, no guest complaints.

 Example 2: Coral Gables High-Security Lock

A homeowner lost their Medeco key. We verified ID, ordered a custom replacement through official channels, and reprogrammed their restricted keyway system. No drilling needed.

 Example 3: Automotive Biometric Lock (Yes, They Exist)

A client with a rare fingerprint-based ignition lock in a modified vehicle had a fingerprint sensor failure. We helped bypass the startup via OBD access tools — fully legal and safe.

FAQ:

Q1: Can you pick any lock if I’m locked out of my home?

A: Not every lock. If it’s high-security or digital-only without an override, we may have to replace it. But we’ll always try to preserve it first.

Q2: What do you need from me before opening a lock?

A: A photo ID, proof of ownership or lease, and (for vehicles) registration/title. If it’s a shared property or a business, we may request additional documents.

Q3: I bought a biometric lock online and forgot the admin password. Can you reset it?

A: If it’s a supported brand and you’re the verified owner, yes. If it’s a no-name brand from overseas or has no override, it may need to be replaced.

Q4: Do you open safes?

A: Yes — from small home safes to commercial units. If you forgot the code or lost the key, we can help you recover access, legally and professionally.

Q5: I’m a landlord — can I change the locks on my tenant?

A: Not without a court-approved eviction. Florida law requires proper process, and we’ll need the court order before doing the job.

Q6: Can you help me if I’m locked out of my Tesla or electric car?

A: Absolutely. We have modern tools for smart and keyless vehicle systems, but you’ll need to show legal ownership first.

Q7: Do you offer lock upgrades for security against these problems?

A: Yes. We offer custom security consultations, especially for high-risk areas like Brickell, Edgewater, Coral Way, and Bay Harbor Islands. We install high-security, smart, and hybrid systems tailored to your lifestyle and property.