Storefront Lock Repair in Port St. Lucie

Why Storefront Locks Are Different (And Why Most Locksmiths Get Them Wrong)

You can't just slap a residential deadbolt on a glass storefront door. Doesn't work that way.

Aluminum-frame glass doors need specialized locks. Mortise locks, not cylindrical locks. Narrow-stile hardware designed for thin metal frames. Panic bars for fire code compliance.

Most residential locksmiths don't carry this stuff. They show up, look at your door, say "I need to order parts," and leave you with a door that won't lock overnight.

Not us.

We're Doctor Lockout. We've been fixing storefront locks across Port St. Lucie since 2009. We carry the parts. We know these doors. And we fix them on the first visit.

Because every hour your store is closed or insecure costs you money.

What Usually Goes Wrong with Storefront Locks

Mortise Lock Failure

Most storefront doors use mortise locks. The whole mechanism lives inside the door frame. When they fail, it's usually one of these problems:

Key won't turn. Cylinder's worn out or the internal pins are jammed. We replace the cylinder on-site in about 15 minutes.

Latch won't retract. Internal springs broke or the linkage mechanism failed. We disassemble, replace the broken parts, reassemble. Fixed.

Lock is loose or wobbly. Mounting screws stripped out of the aluminum frame. We drill new holes, use larger screws, add reinforcement plates. Solid again.

Cylinder spins freely. The cam (the part that connects the cylinder to the lock) broke or came loose. Replace the cam or the whole cylinder.

Door Closer Problems

Door closers aren't locks, but they're critical. If your door doesn't close properly, it won't latch. If it won't latch, you're not secure.

Door slams shut too hard. Adjustment screw needs tweaking. We slow it down so it closes gently but still latches.

Door won't close all the way. Closer lost pressure or needs adjustment. We tighten it up or replace it if it's shot.

Closer leaking oil. Internal seal failed. That closer's done. We replace it same-day.

Arm bent or broken. Someone forced the door open too far. New arm. Usually takes 20 minutes.

Panic Bar Issues

Retail stores often need panic bars on exit doors. Fire code requirement. When they fail:

Bar sticks or requires too much force. Mechanism needs lubrication or adjustment. Sometimes a spring broke. We fix either one.

Latch not retracting when you push the bar. Linkage disconnected or broke. Reconnect it or replace damaged parts.

Door won't stay latched. Strike plate misaligned or latch worn down. Realign or replace.

Alarm not working. If you've got an alarmed panic bar and the alarm quit, that's usually a wiring issue or sensor failure. We diagnose and fix.

Types of Storefront Locks We Install and Repair

Emergency Storefront Lockout Service

Locked out of your retail store during business hours? That's a crisis.

Every minute you're locked out is revenue you're not making. Customers walking past because you can't open. Employees standing around doing nothing.

How We Handle Retail Lockouts

Priority response. We treat retail lockouts as emergencies. Average response time: 15-30 minutes in Port St. Lucie.

Non-destructive entry. Whenever possible, we pick the lock or bypass it. We don't drill first and ask questions later.

On-site repair or replacement. Once you're back in, we fix or replace the lock so it doesn't happen again.

Cut new keys immediately. Need extras? We cut them on-site. No waiting.

After a Break-In: Complete Security Restoration

Someone smashed your glass door. Or kicked it in. Or pried the lock.

You need to secure the property right now and fix it properly later. Here's how we help:

Step 1: Emergency board-up. We secure the opening temporarily. Plywood, metal sheeting, whatever keeps people out until the glass company can replace it.

Step 2: Assess all entry points. We check every door and lock. Break-ins sometimes damage more than you initially see.

Step 3: Replace damaged locks immediately. You're not waiting until tomorrow. We install new, stronger locks tonight.

Step 4: Recommend security upgrades. Why did they get through so easily? Let's make sure it doesn't happen again. Better locks, reinforced frames, whatever's needed.

Step 5: Provide documentation for insurance. Detailed invoice showing exactly what was damaged and replaced. Makes your claim easier.

Real Storefront Lock Stories from Port St. Lucie

The Monday Morning Panic

Restaurant in St. Lucie West. Manager showed up Monday at 6 AM to prep for lunch service. Front door mortise lock wouldn't turn. Key just spun.

They called us at 6:15. We arrived at 6:40. Replaced the mortise cylinder by 7:10. They opened on time.

Total downtime: zero. Total revenue lost: zero.

The Door That Wouldn't Close

Retail store in Tradition. Door closer died. Door wouldn't close by itself anymore. Employees had to manually pull it shut.

Problem? On busy days, they'd forget. Door would stay open. Air conditioning running full blast cooling the parking lot.

We replaced the closer. Door closes smoothly now. Their electric bill dropped $80 the next month.

The Break-In at 2 AM

Boutique on US-1 got hit at 2 AM. Burglars kicked the door in. Mortise lock held but the aluminum frame bent.

Owner called at 2:30 AM. We had the door boarded up by 3:15 AM. Came back at 9 AM, reinforced the frame, installed a stronger mortise lock with security plate.

They opened for business at 10 AM. Most customers didn't even know there'd been a break-in.

Storefront Security Upgrades We Recommend

High-Security Cylinders

Upgrade to pick-resistant, drill-resistant cylinders. Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or ASSA-ABLOY.

Standard cylinders can be picked in under a minute by someone who knows what they're doing. High-security cylinders take specialized tools and serious skill.

Cost: $150-300 per cylinder

Reinforced Strike Plates

Factory strike plates are thin metal held in with short screws. We install heavy-duty plates with 3-inch screws that go into the wall studs.

Makes kick-in attacks way harder. The lock will hold even if someone hits the door hard.

Cost: $50-100 per door

Door Frame Reinforcement

Aluminum frames are strong but can bend under force. We add reinforcement plates at the lock area.

Think of it like armor for the weak point. Makes forced entry much harder.

Cost: $100-250 per door

Access Control Integration

Add electronic locks for employee back doors. Keycard or keypad entry. You control who has access and when.

Front door stays manual for customers. Back door is electronic for employees. Perfect setup for retail.

Cost: $500-1,500 depending on system complexity

How Much Does Storefront Lock Service Cost?

Transparent pricing. No surprise charges.

• Mortise lock repair: $100-250
• Mortise lock replacement: $200-500
• Cylinder replacement: $50-150
• Door closer adjustment: $50-100
• Door closer replacement: $100-300
• Panic bar repair: $150-400
• Panic bar replacement: $300-800
• Emergency lockout service: $100-200
• After-hours emergency: Add $50-100

Preventive Maintenance for Storefront Locks

Commercial locks get way more use than residential locks. A house door might get opened 20 times a day. A store door? Hundreds.

That means more wear. More failures. More problems.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Every 6 months: Lubricate all lock cylinders and moving parts. Takes 10 minutes. Prevents most lock failures.

Annually: Professional inspection. We check door alignment, test all locks, adjust closers, tighten hardware.

As needed: Adjust door closers when you notice the door slamming or not closing properly.

After storms: Check for rust or corrosion. Florida humidity and salt air kill locks faster than you'd think.

Common Questions About Storefront Locks

My store door won't lock. Can you fix it today?

Usually, yes. We prioritize retail emergencies and carry common mortise lock parts. Most repairs are done on-site in one visit.

Can you rekey my storefront locks?

Absolutely. We can rekey mortise locks and set up a master key system so one key works for front door, back door, and storage areas.

What if the glass broke during a break-in?

We'll board up the opening and fix or replace the lock. You'll need a glazier to replace the glass (we can recommend local ones).

Do you install security gates?

We don't install roll-down gates (that's a different specialty), but we can secure the locks on existing gates or recommend installers.

How long does a storefront lock repair take?

Most repairs: 30-60 minutes. Lock replacement: 60-90 minutes. We work fast because we know you're losing money while we're there.

Can you work after hours so we don't close during business?

Yes. We offer after-hours service for non-emergency repairs. Schedule us to come in after you close or before you open.

Service Areas for Storefront Lock Service

We repair and install storefront locks throughout Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast:

• Port St. Lucie
• Saint Lucie West
• Tradition
• Fort Pierce
• Jensen Beach
• Stuart
• Palm City

Get Your Store Secure Today

Broken storefront lock? Can't open for business? Locked out?

Call us now. We'll fix it fast.

Related Commercial Services

• Commercial Locksmith Services - Full business security solutions
• Business Lock Repair - Office and warehouse locks
• Panic Bar Installation - Fire code compliance
• Access Control Systems - Electronic entry solutions