Broward County, FL
Hurricane Shutter Locks and Keys. Be Ready Before the Season Hits.
Don't wait for a hurricane to approach — if you misplaced your hurricane shutter keys, call PBC Locksmith and get a working key in no time. We also stock replacement shutter lock cylinders in our trucks, and we carry all types. Keys and lock cylinders only — we don't repair shutters themselves.
Working Keys in No Time
Hurricane Shutter Lock Service, Explained
Shutter locks don't get much attention until the moment you actually need them to work — right before a storm. Here's what to know before that moment arrives. Whether you have accordion, roll-down, or panel shutters, a lock that won't turn when you need it most is one of the most common — and most avoidable — hurricane prep problems we see.
Why Shutter Locks Matter Beyond Just Storms
Beyond storm prep, working shutter locks matter for everyday security on vacant properties, seasonal homes, and any time shutters stay down for an extended period — a stuck or broken lock can leave a home either inaccessible or insecure. We regularly get calls from seasonal homeowners and snowbirds who return each fall and find a shutter lock has seized up over the months the house sat empty.
Types of Hurricane Shutter Locking Mechanisms
Accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, and panel shutters each use different locking hardware — from simple pin locks to keyed cylinder locks integrated into the track system. We work with the common mechanisms used across South Florida homes. Older homes sometimes have accordion shutters with wing nuts or thumb screws instead of a keyed lock at all, and we can advise on upgrading those to a proper keyed lock if security is a concern.
Stuck or Jammed Shutter Locks
Salt air, humidity, and infrequent use are the usual culprits behind a shutter lock that won't turn or won't release. We can often free a jammed mechanism without damaging the shutter track, and replace the lock if it's beyond servicing. A little penetrating oil and regular use prevents most of this, but once corrosion sets in, forcing it usually does more damage than good — that's when it's worth calling before you make it worse.
Pre-Hurricane-Season Lock Checks
The best time to find out a shutter lock doesn't work is before a storm is on the way, not during one. A quick check and lubrication or repair each spring can save a scramble later in the season. We recommend doing this well before June 1, since a busy pre-storm rush is the worst time to discover a lock problem and the hardest time to get quick service anywhere in South Florida.
Locks for Accordion, Roll-Down, and Panel Shutters
We service and replace the specific locking hardware for each shutter type, matching new locks to your existing track and shutter system rather than a generic fix. If you're not sure what type you have, that's fine — we'll identify it on-site and carry stock for the mechanisms most common on South Florida homes.
Replacing Damaged Shutter Hardware After a Storm
Storms themselves can damage shutter locks and tracks. After hurricane season, if a lock is bent, corroded, or no longer catching properly, we can repair or replace the hardware so shutters are ready for next time. Even when the shutters themselves survive a storm intact, wind-driven debris and flexing during high winds can knock a lock out of alignment or crack a housing that looked fine from a distance.
Securing Shutters When the Home Is Vacant
For seasonal residents or vacant properties, working shutter locks are part of the property's overall security, not just storm protection — keeping shutters both operable and properly secured matters year-round. This comes up often for part-time Florida residents whose shutters stay down for months at a time — we can do a full lock check as part of a pre-departure or arrival visit.
Coordinating With Shutter Installers and Contractors
If you're having shutters installed or serviced by a contractor, we can coordinate on the locking hardware specifically, since shutter installers don't always specialize in lock mechanisms themselves. We're happy to be the one point of contact for the locking hardware while your contractor handles the panels, tracks, or motor, so nothing falls through the cracks between two different trades.
Cost of Shutter Lock Service
Pricing depends on the shutter type and whether the lock needs repair or full replacement. We quote the job upfront after taking a look at the actual hardware. A simple key replacement or lubrication service costs less than a full cylinder swap, and we'll always look at the actual hardware before quoting rather than guessing over the phone.
Seasonal Maintenance Recommendations
A yearly check before hurricane season — testing that locks turn smoothly and shutters deploy without binding — is the simplest way to avoid a last-minute lock problem when a storm is approaching. It only takes a few minutes per shutter, and it's far cheaper than an emergency call once a storm watch has already been issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
I lost the keys to my hurricane shutters — can you help?
Yes — in most cases we can make new keys for your shutter locks on the spot. If a cylinder is too worn or corroded to take a new key, we replace the cylinder and hand you fresh keys.
Do you repair hurricane shutters?
No — we're locksmiths, not a shutter company. We work strictly on the locks: making new keys and replacing lock cylinders. For panel, track, or motor repairs you'd need a shutter contractor.
When should I check my shutter locks and keys?
Before hurricane season starts on June 1 — and ideally again mid-season. Make sure you can find every key and every lock turns. If a key is missing or a cylinder won't turn, we can make keys or swap the cylinder before a storm is ever in the forecast.
Get Your Shutters Ready Today
Open now — call or text and you'll always reach the owner directly.