How Much Does A Locksmith Cost?
Let's breakdown the costs involved...
The cost of hiring a locksmith will vary depending on the type of locksmith services conducted and the size and type of door, window or lock.
What is a Locksmith anyway?
A locksmith uses various techniques to open, repair and fit locks.
It's important to note that some locks & doors are more expensive to open.
So what are the costs then, on average?
The average cost of changing a lock ranges from £60 to £120, while the cost to fix a lock is typically priced at £40 to £70 and unlocking a door costs around £70 to £80.
Locksmith Prices
Here is a price breakdown of various locksmith jobs:
| Locksmith Job | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fixing a lock | £40 - £70 |
| Replacing a lock | £60 - £120 |
| Unlocking a door | £70 - £80 |
| Emergency boarding up | £150 - £210 |
The below table sets out the cost of various lock types:
| Lock Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard euro cylinder | £80 - £90 |
| Anti-snap euro cylinder | £100 - £120 |
| Mortice lock | £110 - £120 |
| Yale lock | £80 - £100 |
| Patio door lock | £80 - £100 |
| Garage door lock | £80 - £100 |
| Rim cylinder | £60 - £80 |
The above prices will vary depending on several factors, including the property's location, as locksmiths tend to charge more in London than areas in the North West.
The level of access will also determine the final cost, as difficult to reach windows and doors may take longer to fix or change.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does A Locksmith Cost?
- Locksmith Prices
- What are the Supply Costs of Locksmith Jobs?
- What are the Additional Costs of Locksmith Jobs?
- Tradesmen Costs for Locksmith Jobs
- Types of Locksmith Jobs
- How Long Do Locksmith Jobs Take?
- FAQs
- Sources
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What are the Supply Costs of Locksmith Jobs?
Another important cost factor to consider is the supply costs, which will typically be included in the final cost given by a locksmith. The price will vary depending on the type of lock and door or window.
If you plan to fit a lock yourself, you should take a look at the below table which sets out the supply costs for various lock types.
| Lock Type | Supply Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard euro cylinder | £10 to £30 |
| Anti-snap euro cylinder | £40 to £60 |
| Mortice deadlock | £15 - £30 |
| Mortice sash lock | £20 - £35 |
| Yale lock/Night latch | £20 - £30 |
| Yale lock/Night latch BS3621 | £70 - £90 |
| Patio door lock | £5 - £20 |
| uPVC door lock | £60 - £200 |
| Garage door lock | £10 - £20 |
| Window lock | £15 - £25 |
| Rim cylinder | £10 - £20 |
What are the Additional Costs of Locksmith Jobs?
When calculating the cost of locksmith jobs, you should consider the price of various other jobs, including:
New Front Door
One of the most common costs is a new front door, which will vary depending on the door type. For instance, a uPVC door typically costs around £250 to £450, while a wooden door ranges from £120 to £1800.
New Window
The average cost of a new window starts at around £400 for a uPVC casement window; however, prices can reach up to £1500 for an aluminium sash window.
There are also several cost affecting factors to take into account, such as:
Minimum Fee
Locksmiths typically charge a minimum fee for any jobs they perform. This is typically around £15 to £30 depending on the location.
Type of Door/Window
The type of window or door that requires a new lock or a repair will also impact the overall cost. For instance, a lock change on a uPVC door or window will range from £100 to £170, while the cost to replace a lock on a wooden door or window costs around £100 to £150.
Size of Window/Door
The window or door's size may also affect the cost, as usually, the larger the fixture is, the longer it will take to replace or repair a lock.
Duration
The time spent on the job is a substantial factor, as the longer the job takes, the more it will cost. For instance, a repair may take a lot less time than a complete replacement and, therefore, be cheaper.
Tradesmen Costs for Locksmith Jobs
The average locksmith rates range from £15 to £80 per hour, which again will vary depending on the location with areas in the North West charging the lower amount, while London and the surrounding areas will charge £80 or more.
If multiple locks need to be changed or repaired, then a locksmith may charge a daily rate of around £80 to £500 or sometimes more depending on the extent of the job.
Types of Locksmith Jobs
locksmiths specialise in changing or repairing locks; however, they conduct a wide range of jobs, including:
Fixing a Lock
One of the most common jobs conducted by a locksmith is lock repairs, which will vary depending on the type of lock and the extent of the damage. Repairing a lock usually involves the following steps:
- The locksmith will first remove the lock faceplate if it is loose or damaged.
- They will then disassemble the lock to check the position of the screws.
- A new set of screws will then be secured to the old lock, and this will be checked to ensure it works and is secure.
The process, will, of course, vary depending on the type of lock.
Replacing a Lock
If your locks need changing completely, then you can hire a locksmith to replace them. Replacing a lock will vary depending on the type of lock.
Euro Cylinder Lock Replacement
The first step involves removing the central fixing screw. The locksmith will then loosen the door handle before removing the cylinder.
A key will then be placed in the lock, pulled out and twisted left in order to align it with the cam. Once it is properly aligned, the lock will then slide out easily.
The new cylinder can then be put into the gap and secured with fixing screws, followed by tightening the handle. A key will then be inserted into the new lock to ensure it is working correctly
Mortice Sash Lock Replacement
To remove the lock, the door must be open, and a key is typically inserted and turned to the lock position before removing the key and the screws which hold the faceplate in place.
The internal door handle and spindle will then be removed and set aside for replacement.
A set of pliers will then be used to remove the old lock. The new and old faceplates and lock bodies will then be compared to ensure it is the right size, if not the gap in the door may need to be chiselled to ensure it fits properly.
The lock body can be then be secured along with the faceplate, spindle and handle which will all be checked with a key to ensure it works.
Cylinder Rim Lock Replacement
Unscrew and keep hold of the lock body for later. The screws can then be removed from the existing cylinder
Once this is complete, the old lock can then be pushed out and removed. If the new lock is longer than the old one, a hacksaw is typically used to amend it.
The new cylinder can then be pushed into place along with fixing the screws and the lock body which should be tested to ensure it works.
Unlocking a Door
If a homeowner locks themself out or loses their key, they will need to call a locksmith to perform a non-destructive entry. A locksmith will typically use a hand pick or an electric lock pick to open the door.
For a mortice look, they may use a mortice lock decoder or a letterbox tool for other lock types.
Emergency Boarding
If a break-in occurs and a window or door is damaged, then you can hire a locksmith to board up your entrances to ensure the property is secure and safe.
This will involve removing any broken glass or frames and secure wooden boards to the inside and outside of the property.
How Long Do Locksmith Jobs Take?
The duration of locksmith jobs will depend on several factors, including the type of job, the extent of the damage, and ease of access.
However, the average time spent on replacing a lock is typically around 20 to 30 minutes, while fixing a lock may only take 10 to 15 minutes.
If a door needs to be unlocked, this could take approximately 30 minutes to an hour, while emergency boarding typically takes a locksmith around 1 to hours depending on the damage.
FAQs
What is a Locksmith?
A locksmith is a tradesperson who specialises in making, repairing and fitting locks to doors and windows.
How much is an Emergency Locksmith?
Some locksmiths charge a free callout charge, although they tend to charge a typical hourly or daily rate after an hour.
Can a Locksmith open a car door?
If you forget your keys to your locked car, then you can hire a locksmith to open the car door in a non-destructive way that will not cause any damage to the vehicle.
Do Locksmiths need to be licensed?
Locksmiths do not need any specific qualifications in the UK and do not need a license to conduct work.
However, many opt to learn necessary skills by enrolling in locksmith courses or becoming an apprentice while learning from an experienced locksmith.
What Locksmith tools you need to unlock a door?
Locksmiths use a variety of tools to open a door without damage. This includes a trip wire which is a curved tool that is used to open frozen tumblers.
They also use hex keys or allen keys which will be used to grind down the existing key in order to open the door.
Plastic shims are another popular tool which work particularly well with door latches as they can slide between the door to create an opening.
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Compare quotes and get a price for any job around the home or garden. No obligations. Completely free.
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Sources
- https://www.locksmiths.co.uk/faq/locksmith-prices/
- https://www.keytek.co.uk/locksmith-prices/
- https://www.wickes.co.uk/how-to-guides/home-safety-security/fit-replace-door-locks
- https://homelyville.com/door-lock-cylinder-repair/
- https://www.lockrite.org/how-locksmiths-open-doors
- https://www.aimlockandsafe.ca/blog/tools-trade-locksmiths-use-unlock-door/
- https://herolocksmith.co.uk/general-locksmith/should-locksmiths-be-licensed/
Author: Heather B
I am a seasoned copywriter from Liverpool - who after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in English Media and Cultural Studies - went on to specialise in the creation of business and lifestyle copy for a wide range of industries across the UK and USA.
FAQs
How much does a local locksmith cost? ›
| National Average | $158 |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $98 - $218 |
| Low End - High End | $50 - $395 |
You can expect to pay between $65 to $200. A locksmith should be able to open your door in minutes by picking your lock—be wary of a locksmith attempting to use a drill immediately for this task. An average rate is $150, and you can expect to pay more during peak times and after working hours.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks? ›Rekeying your lock is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.
How much is it to replace a lock? ›You'll pay from $40 to $300 to buy a new door lock, depending on design, materials, and whether it's a simple key-in-knob lock or a high-end lock-and-handle combo with smart technology features. Professional locksmith installation can add another $80 to $200, depending on the complexity of the lock.
Why do locksmiths charge so much? ›Locksmiths are expensive because they have the technical training and expertise to do jobs that most other people can't do. They're also available 24/7 which means they can charge extra if it's outside of normal business hours.
Is it hard to rekey a lock? ›If you have a traditional pin and tumbler lock, rekeying isn't as difficult as it sounds. First, you'll need to purchase a rekey kit for the brand of lock you have. The kit should contain various tools to aid in the lock's removal and a set of different sized pins.
Should I tip a locksmith? ›Unlike restaurant staff, locksmiths don't rely on tips to make up a bulk of their pay. However, a tip might be particularly appropriate in certain circumstances such as emergency calls late at night, on holidays, when the weather is bad or if they had to travel long distances.
How do locksmiths open doors? ›One of the most common ways a locksmith will attempt to open your door is by picking the lock. Their lock picking kit will contain the tools needed to open your locks. Lock picking leaves your lock in good working order. Meaning that your key will continue wot work with the lock and it will not need to be replaced.
Can I rekey locks myself? ›Homeowners may not know that they can rekey their locks by themselves. Rekeying your locks saves considerable money, especially when you need to rekey multiple locks. Plus, if you like new challenges, rekeying a lock can be an inexpensive project that helps you learn how locks operate.
Should you change the locks when you buy a new house? ›Whenever safety and security are at risk, we recommend changing the locks or having the locks rekeyed. The most common situations requiring the locks to be changed include: When you have purchased a new house. When you have experienced a break-in or burglary.
Can all locks be rekeyed? ›
Since most homes have multiple doors with multiple locks, re-keying can get expensive. You can re-key a lock like a pro at a fraction of the cost. Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home.
How much does rekeying a lock cost? ›Costs of rekeying can vary for the locksmith company. In general, prices average between $20 and $50 for a single lock and can cost up to $130 for a house. However, if you call a locksmith out on an emergency you can expect it to cost an extra $100 to $150.
How much does it cost to replace a door handle and lock? ›Replacing existing hardware on most doors will range from $75-$150. Prepping a new door for hardware takes more time and skill than a replacement project and could cost between $200-$400.
How much does it cost to install a deadbolt? ›How Much Does It Cost to Install a Deadbolt? Prices for deadbolt locks are typically between $25 to $300 depending on the the quality. Deadbolt installation typically costs between $75 to $400, depending on if you do it yourself or hire a professional to help you.
Can you trust locksmiths? ›One of the easiest ways to determine the trustworthiness of a locksmith is asking to see some accreditation. All good locksmiths should have professional accreditation to a recognized locksmith organization, such as the Society of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL) or the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
Are locks covered by home insurance? ›Usually, yes. A front door and its locks are considered part of the overall home, and so should be covered by home insurance. Of course, this is only if you have not caused the damage yourself. If damage has been done to your front door by an intruder, your insurance should pay out.
How much does it cost to unlock a car? ›How much does it cost to unlock a car? The cost for a locksmith to unlock a car typically ranges from about $50 to $250, according to eLocal.com. Towing services or car dealerships can be expensive too.
How do you unlock a door without a key in 5 seconds? ›How to Open a Locked Door Without a Key - YouTube
How long does it take for a locksmith to rekey a lock? ›Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it. The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler. If it's simple, should you rekey your lock yourself?
Does Ace Hardware rekey locks? ›Toole's Ace Hardware can help! We rekey Kwikset and Schlage locks at a fraction of the price of having to replace your locksets. We can also create a 'master key' for superintendents or landlords that need access to multiple units without carrying a hundred keys.
Do you tip locksmith Reddit? ›
M:"it is by no means required but always appreciated, and anything more than covers it."
How much do you tip your apartment painter? ›House painter
Tipping is not required or expected, but if you are especially pleased with your new paint job, you can give each painter $10 to $20, depending on the scope of the work. Even better than a tip, however, would be to give the painter a positive review on Yelp, HomeAdvisor or similar websites.
HOW TO OPEN DOOR WITH CREDIT CARD HACK!!! - YouTube
How do you get into my house if I locked myself out? ›- Call a Friend, Family Member, or Your Landlord. ...
- See If a Window Is Open. ...
- Ask a Neighbor For Help––Or a Warm Place to Stay. ...
- Break Out Your Credit Card. ...
- Take Apart the Door Knob. ...
- Break In. ...
- Contact an Emergency Locksmith.
Generally, all you'll need to pick a lock are some picks (long, thin metal pieces with curved ends of different shapes for different types of locks) and a tension wrench. You can use paperclips as picks in a pinch, and a tension wrench can be any tool used to create tension, including a flathead screwdriver.
Do locksmiths damage doors? ›Yes, a locksmith can open your lock without damaging it, most locksmiths use a non-destructive way to open your door to enter the property ensuring no damage is done to the lock or door.
How long does a locksmith take to open a door? ›It can take anywhere from 7 seconds to 45 minutes for a locksmith to pick open a lock. Generally a locksmith should be able to unlock most doors in about 10 minutes. Of course this is effected by the type of lock.
Can locksmiths open any door? ›A well trained and experienced locksmith will possess the knowledge needed to open any common lock and gain entry, although, not all locksmiths will be trained to use specialised techniques and tools. There are several ways a locksmith will open a door, many of which will require working with the door lock itself.
What is a 999 key? ›Bump keys are specially cut keys that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks. Bump keys are also referred to as “999 keys” because all of their ridges are cut to the maximum depth (999) in a key-making machine.
What does it mean by rekey? ›Definition of rekey
transitive verb. 1 : to key (something) again There's no sense in rekeying data that you already have in your computer.— Richard O. Mann. 2 : to provide (something) with a new key rekeyed the house/room/door You can take your lock and key to a locksmith and have them rekey it, making it unique. —
What is a rekey mean? ›
Rekeying a lock means to change the working key of the lock to a different key, without replacing the lock itself. In simpler words – you keep the same lock but the old key will no longer operate it. This is done by taking the lock apart and replacing some of the parts inside (called “tumblers” or “key pins”).
How often should you change your locks? ›Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years.
How does a locksmith rekey a lock? ›Rekeying is a procedure completed by a professional locksmith. The lock cylinder is removed from your current lock. Next, the pins/ tumblers are removed and replaced, with a different combination and the lock cylinder is re-installed.
How do you rekey a lock without a kit? ›- Step 1: Take out the lock face. ...
- Step 2: Remove the lock cylinder from the knob and take off the cylinder retainer ring. ...
- Step 3: Remove the cylinder plug from the cylinder. ...
- Step 4: Remove the old pins and put the new key in. ...
- Step 5: Put the new pins on the lock.
Most home improvement centers will re-key locks for free if they are purchased new from their store. You can leave the interior half of the doorknobs in the door when you are taking them apart because they easily stay in place.
How do I get all my house locks keyed the same? ›Remove the locks that need to be rekeyed and take them to a locksmith or a hardware store. Bring a key that works each of the locks and the key you want all the locks keyed to and give us five minutes a lock.
How do you duplicate a key without the original? ›- Ask a locksmith to provide a few key blanks. ...
- Then, you will need to file that key blank into a sharp point, kind of like a blade, and we do that using a Pippin file. ...
- Once you have that key filed down, use a pair of vice grips to hold the blank firmly.
A locksmith will recommend you change your door locks if you lose your keys as a security prevention. Changing your locks after losing your keys will stop anyone from accessing your home who does not have permission to.
How do you rekey a deadbolt lock? ›How to Rekey a Pin and Tumbler Deadbolt - YouTube
How do you rekey a deadbolt without the key? ›Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.
Do locksmiths replace door handles? ›
As well as locks, locksmiths can often also repair or replace other hardware on both doors and windows such as handles, hinges, door closers etc.
How much does it cost to have a door knob changed? ›You can find different types of doorknobs. Their prices start at $10 to as much as $80. Labor costs for doorknob installation start at $37 to $190. If you're installing a doorknob, you can include locks, deadbolts, and other hardware for $2 to $320.
Can I change my own locks? ›Changing the locks is a quick, cheap and easy way to get peace of mind about your living situation. It requires little technical skill and no tools fancier than a screwdriver to replace the common deadbolt.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks? ›Rekeying your lock is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.
How much does a handyman charge to install a deadbolt? ›Deadbolt installation typically costs between $40 and $200, including the lock and installation equipment, but the price varies by several factors. For instance, if you decide to install a deadbolt lock yourself rather than hire a pro to do it, then your price will likely be lower.
Can someone break into a deadbolt lock? ›Deadbolt and lock all of the exterior doors to the home. Since deadbolts are one of the best ways to secure your home, you will have the peace of mind you need when leaving home. A burglar will not be able to break through a deadbolt with a crowbar or pick them open, which ensures the safety and security of your home.
How do you unlock a locked door? ›- Use a bobby pin. The bobby pin lock pick is one of the most common tricks used to unlock doors. ...
- Use a screwdriver. ...
- Use a knife. ...
- Lock picking. ...
- Use a credit card. ...
- Use a Bump key. ...
- Remove the hinges.
How to Get into Your House with a Credit Card If You're Locked Out
What do I need to rekey a lock? ›How to rekey a lock 101 - YouTube
How much is it to change locks UK? ›You should expect to pay at least £50 for a locksmith to come out and fix an external lock. If you want to change or replace an existing lock, you'll likely pay at least £75 including materials. However, the cost could be quite a bit higher depending on the type of lock you want to change.
How do you unlock a door without a key in 5 seconds? ›
How to Open a Locked Door Without a Key - YouTube
How do you unlock a door without a key or bobby pin? ›how to unlock a door without a key with a bobby pin - YouTube
How do you get into my house if I locked myself out? ›- Call a Friend, Family Member, or Your Landlord. ...
- See If a Window Is Open. ...
- Ask a Neighbor For Help––Or a Warm Place to Stay. ...
- Break Out Your Credit Card. ...
- Take Apart the Door Knob. ...
- Break In. ...
- Contact an Emergency Locksmith.
Also, don't call 911 for help if you are locked out of your house (unless the lock out is connected to an actual emergency, like a fire)—the police and/or fire department aren't going to come to your rescue.
How do you unlock a door from the outside? ›How to Unlock a Bedroom Door from the Outside - YouTube
How do you unlock a door with a credit card? ›Open Door Lock with Credit Card - YouTube
Can I rekey a lock myself? ›Homeowners may not know that they can rekey their locks by themselves. Rekeying your locks saves considerable money, especially when you need to rekey multiple locks. Plus, if you like new challenges, rekeying a lock can be an inexpensive project that helps you learn how locks operate.
Should you change the locks when you buy a new house? ›Whenever safety and security are at risk, we recommend changing the locks or having the locks rekeyed. The most common situations requiring the locks to be changed include: When you have purchased a new house. When you have experienced a break-in or burglary.
Can you rekey a lock without the key? ›Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.
How do I choose a locksmith UK? ›- Look for 3rd party approval. One way we'd suggest when looking to hire a locksmith is for 3rd party approval and any accreditations. ...
- Go Local instead of National Call Centres. ...
- Recommendations & Word Of Mouth. ...
- Get 3 Quotes.
How much does it cost to change a lock on a uPVC door UK? ›
An average uPVC door lock replacement cost is around £35 - £45 for the lock, plus the price of the labour. Including labour, the cost of replacing a budget Euro cylinder in a uPVC door could cost from £100 - £150.
How much does it cost to fit a door handle UK? ›Doorknobs start at £14 to as much as £65. On the other hand, door handles cost as low as £7 to as much as £218. Labour costs for doorknob/handle installation start at £90 for half a day. If you're installing a door handle, you can include locks, doorstops, hinges, and door latches for £1.49 to £8.99.