Why You Need to Change Your Locks Right Now
You just closed on your dream home in St. Lucie West. Congrats!
But here's the thing nobody tells you at closing: the previous owners had keys. Their kids had keys. Their house cleaner had keys. The realtor had keys.
And you have absolutely no idea if all those keys got returned. Or if someone made copies. Or if that spare key under the fake rock is still there.
That's why the first thing you do after moving in isn't unpack boxes. It's change every single lock.
We're Doctor Lockout. We've been changing locks across Port St. Lucie since 2009, and we can change all yours today. Usually in under two hours.
🔐 New Homeowner?
Call (772) 284-5142 - We'll change all your locks today.
When Should You Change Your Locks? (Hint: More Often Than You Think)
You Just Bought a House
This one's obvious but worth repeating. Previous owners might've returned their keys. They probably didn't return all the copies.
Change every exterior lock within 24 hours of closing. Every door. The garage. The side gate if it's got a lock. Everything.
Someone Broke In
Your door got kicked in. The lock's damaged. And even if it wasn't, you need to upgrade to something stronger so it doesn't happen again.
We've responded to hundreds of break-ins across the Treasure Coast. First thing we do? Get you secure tonight with better locks than you had before.
You Lost Your Keys
Keys disappear. It happens. But if your address is on your keychain (driver's license, gym membership, anything), whoever finds them knows where you live.
Lost keys aren't just inconvenient. They're a security risk. Change the locks.
Your Ex Has Keys
Breakups happen. Divorces happen. Roommate situations go south.
If someone who used to have legitimate access shouldn't anymore, change your locks immediately. Not tomorrow. Today.
You Gave Keys to Contractors
Gave your house key to the painter so they could work while you're at work? Smart. Except now they have a copy of your key forever.
Unless you explicitly watched them return every copy, you've got a security gap. Fix it.
Your Locks Are Old and Crusty
Locks wear out. Keys get sticky. Deadbolts don't quite catch right anymore.
If your locks are more than 10 years old or came with the house when you bought it in 2009, they're overdue for replacement. Florida humidity doesn't do locks any favors.
What's the Difference Between Changing Locks and Rekeying?
People use these terms interchangeably. They're not the same.
Rekeying: Keep the Hardware, Change the Keys
We take apart your existing lock, swap out the internal pins, and give you new keys. The old keys stop working. The lock hardware stays the same.
Pros: Cheaper ($75-150 for most homes). Faster. Good if your locks are in decent shape.
Cons: You're stuck with your current locks. Can't upgrade security. Can't fix worn-out mechanisms.
Lock Change: Rip It Out, Install New Locks
We remove your old lock hardware completely and install brand-new locks. Everything's fresh.
Pros: New locks work better. You can upgrade security. You can change styles or finishes. Everything comes with a warranty.
Cons: More expensive ($100-300 depending on lock quality). Takes a bit longer.
Which One Do You Need?
If your locks are decent quality and working fine, rekey saves money. If your locks are old, damaged, cheap builder-grade garbage, or you want better security, change them.
Not sure? We'll assess your current locks for free and tell you which makes more sense.
What Kind of Locks Should You Install?
Standard Deadbolts
Grade 1 or 2 deadbolts from Schlage or Kwikset. Solid brass or steel. One-inch throw bolt. Pick-resistant cylinders.
Cost: $100-200 installed
Best for: Most homes
Smart Locks
Keyless entry. Phone app control. PIN codes. Auto-lock. Works with Alexa or Google Home.
Cost: $250-450 installed
Best for: Tech-savvy homeowners, rental properties, people who lose keys constantly
High-Security Locks
Medeco or Mul-T-Lock. Drill-resistant. Pick-proof. Patented keys (can't be copied without authorization).
Cost: $200-400 installed
Best for: High-value homes, previous break-in victims
Entry Handle Sets
Decorative handle plus deadbolt in one unit. Matching finish. Makes your front door look expensive.
Cost: $200-500 installed
Best for: Front doors, curb appeal upgrades
We carry all the major brands: Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, Baldwin, Medeco. You pick what fits your budget and security needs. We install it right.
How We Change Your Locks (The Whole Process)
Step 1: You call us. Tell us how many doors need new locks and what kind of property (house, condo, office).
Step 2: We give you a quote. Right on the phone. No surprises later.
Step 3: We show up. Usually same day. Always with a fully stocked van.
Step 4: You pick your locks. We show you options in different price ranges. You choose what works.
Step 5: We install everything. Remove old locks. Install new hardware. Make sure everything's aligned perfectly. Test every lock twice.
Step 6: You get your keys. Usually 3-5 keys per lock. Need more? We'll cut extras on the spot.
Step 7: We haul away the old locks. Unless you want to keep them for some reason. People usually don't.
Whole process? Usually 30-60 minutes per door. For a typical 3-door house (front, back, garage), we're done in under two hours.
Can You Make All My Locks Use the Same Key?
Yes. It's called "keying alike" or "matching the key."
Instead of having one key for the front door, another for the back door, and a third for the garage, we set up all your locks to work with one key. Way more convenient.
This works with any brand of lock. Schlage, Kwikset, whatever. One key. All doors. Done.
Real Lock Change Stories from Port St. Lucie
The New Homeowner Surprise
Couple bought a house in Tradition. Moved in Friday. Saturday morning, previous owner's adult son showed up to "grab something from the garage."
He had a key. Just walked right in.
They called us that afternoon. We changed every lock in the house in 90 minutes. The son came back Sunday. His key didn't work anymore.
The Ex Who Wouldn't Leave
Woman in St. Lucie West ended a relationship. Changed the locks herself with hardware store deadbolts.
Ex kicked in the door the next week. Those cheap locks didn't stand a chance.
We installed Grade 1 Schlage deadbolts with reinforced strike plates and 3-inch screws into the studs. He tried again. Didn't get through. Cops got him instead.
The Airbnb Nightmare
Guy ran a vacation rental on Hutchinson Island. Guests checked out. New guests arrived four hours later.
Previous guests had made a copy of the key and came back that night. Walked right in on the new guests. Police. Chaos. Bad reviews.
We set him up with smart locks that generate new codes for each guest. No more physical keys. No more unauthorized access. Problem solved.
What About Florida's Crazy Weather?
Good question. Salt air. Humidity. Hurricanes. Heat. Florida destroys cheap locks.
Here's What We Install for Florida Conditions:
Corrosion-resistant finishes. Stainless steel, solid brass, or weather-resistant coatings. Not chrome or cheap plating that'll pit and rust in six months.
Sealed cylinders. Prevents moisture from getting inside the lock mechanism. Keeps things working when other locks seize up.
Heavy-duty construction. Metal, not plastic parts. Plastic warps in Florida heat. Metal doesn't.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Locks in Port St. Lucie?
Depends on how many locks and what quality you want.
- Basic deadbolt change: $100-175 per door
- Premium deadbolt (Grade 1): $150-250 per door
- Smart lock installation: $250-450 per door
- High-security lock: $200-400 per door
- Entry handleset: $200-500 per door
Got 3+ doors? We discount multi-door jobs by 10-15%.
What's included? The lock hardware, professional installation, all the keys you need (usually 3-5 sets), testing, and hauling away your old locks.
Common Questions About Changing Locks
Should I change my locks or rekey them?
If your locks are less than 10 years old and good quality, rekeying's fine. If they're old, damaged, or cheap builder-grade locks, change them.
Not sure? We'll look at them and tell you honestly which makes more sense.
How long does it take?
30-60 minutes per door. Most houses (3-4 doors) are done in under two hours.
Do I need to be home?
Yes. We need access to both sides of the door, and you need to approve the work and receive your new keys.
Can you match my current lock finish?
Usually, yes. We stock the common finishes: satin nickel, bronze, brass, chrome. If you've got something unusual, we can special-order it.
What if I want all my locks to use one key?
Easy. We key them alike so one key opens everything. Way more convenient than juggling multiple keys.
Will new locks work with my existing door?
Almost always. Standard locks fit standard doors. If you've got something unusual, we'll figure it out.
Service Areas for Lock Changes
We change locks throughout Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast:
Get New Locks Installed Today
Don't wait until you've got a security problem. New locks mean better security, better peace of mind, and better sleep.
Call us. We'll change your locks today.
Ready for New Locks?
Same-day installation available throughout Port St. Lucie.
📞 Call (772) 284-5142 NowRelated Locksmith Services
- Lock Rekeying Service - Change keys without replacing hardware
- Deadbolt Installation - Add security to any door
- Smart Lock Installation - Keyless entry systems
- Home Security Upgrades - Complete security solutions