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Whether you’re locked out of your car or need to replace your new home’s locks, a locksmith can help. These professionals are usually available anytime day or night, though you’ll pay a bit more for emergency after-hours services. The national average cost of hiring a locksmith is around $150, but the exact price depends on the services you need and when you need them.
Locksmith Cost
Locksmiths typically charge $50–$75 per hour, or they charge per lock with a flat fee for the visit. A locksmithing job may cost as little as $50 or as much as $400 depending on the following factors.
- Emergencies: You’ll pay extra for service at night or on weekends.
- Lock type: Electronic locks cost more to install, open, or repair than standard manual locks.
- Service: There’s a substantial price difference between opening a car door and rekeying an entire house.
- Trip fees: You’ll typically pay a set fee for a locksmith visit, which may be higher in rural or other out-of-the-way areas.
Locksmith Cost Factors
Here’s how locksmiths determine what to charge for their services.
Electronic Locks
Electronic locks are the most expensive to work on or replace. These locks run the gamut from simple keypads to complex smart-home devices that can be controlled from nearly anywhere via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Here’s how much the locks cost based on data from Fixr.com.
| Lock Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Biometric | $150–$500 |
| Bluetooth | $200–$300 |
| Keypad | $50–$300 |
| RFID | $100–$300 |
| Wi-Fi | $250–$450 |
Keypads are typically the simplest electronic locks. They open with a programmable alphanumeric code. Biometric locks require some kind of physical identification, usually a fingerprint. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi locks are controlled by a mobile device such as a phone, and Wi-Fi locks are operable from anywhere with an internet connection. Finally, RFID locks work with a key fob system and may unlock whenever the fob is nearby.
Emergencies
Lockouts never seem to happen during normal business hours. Most locksmiths offer after-hours services, but you’ll typically pay more on nights and weekends. An emergency locksmith may charge an hourly rate of $150–$250 or add an extra service fee on top of normal charges.
Trip Fee
Since a locksmith must come to you, the company may charge a flat fee per visit to your home or car. Trip fees often depend on the time of day. For example, costs will likely be higher during peak hours or on nights and weekends. Costs may also be determined based on the mileage the locksmith has to travel to get to you.
Service Type
The locksmith service you need has the biggest impact on price. The total cost depends on how difficult and time-consuming the job is and how many locks need service. Here are some typical price ranges for an auto locksmith.
| Car Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Car door rekey | $30–$50 per door |
| Car ignition rekey | $50–$150 |
| Car key cutting | $4–$10 |
| Car keypad replacement | $300–$400 |
| Car lockout | $60–$150 |
| Car lock change | $50–$200 per lock |
Locksmiths typically charge more to work on standard house locks. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for the most common services.
| Home Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Changing house locks | $50–$200 per lock |
| Deadbolt installation | $40–$75 per door |
| Door lock repair | $50–$200 |
| Electronic lock installation | $200–$400 |
| Home lockout | $50–$180 |
| Key duplication | $10–$25 |
| Key extraction | $50–$200 |
| Open safe | $50–$400 |
| Rekey locks | $70–$160 |
Locksmith Service Costs
Different locksmith services require different amounts of time and skill. An apprentice can complete some simple tasks, while more complex jobs require a master locksmith. You’ll need to pay for materials as well as labor if you require a new lock.
Changing Home Locks
Whether you’re moving into a new house, nervous about a lost house key, or dealing with the aftermath of a burglary, changing locks on your exterior doors can increase home security. A locksmith may charge $50–$75 per hour for this job, though a master locksmith may cost up to $125 per hour. Alternatively, they may charge $20–$80 per lock plus a trip fee. The overall cost for a new lock system can be anywhere from $50–$300. Deadbolts, garage-door locks, and spare keys cost more.
Commercial Locksmithing
Commercial locksmiths charge more because commercial buildings have more heavy-duty doors and locks. A lockout at a business usually costs $70–$200. Installing new locks may cost $150–$450 depending on the system’s complexity.
Installing Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolts add an extra layer of security to exterior doors. The cost to install them depends on the deadbolt type. Simple cylindrical deadbolts cost $40–$60, cylindrical lever locks cost $50–$70, and mortise locks cost $75–$125. Locksmiths usually charge an additional $40–$75 for labor, but may charge as little as $20 if you’re already changing the lock on that door.
Installing Electronic Locks
Individual electronic locks are expensive, so the cost of upgrading your whole house depends on which type you choose and how many you need. Installing electronic locks usually costs $100–$500 depending on how extensive the process is. Installing an entire smart-home security system can cost up to $2,000.
Key Duplication
You can get new keys cut at the local hardware store, but locksmiths can typically cut specialty keys such as two-sided, dimpled, and master keys for $1–$10 per key. If you need a duplicate transponder key for your car or fob for your smart-home lock, you’ll likely have to go to the dealership. This costs $75–$400 per key.
Key Extraction
Keys don’t typically break off in a lock, but a locksmith will need to be the one to extract it if this happens. The extraction costs $50–$200, plus any additional fees if the service call is after hours.
Rekeying a Car
It’s rare to change the physical lock on a car’s doors or ignition if your keys get lost or stop working. Instead, an auto locksmith can rekey the old locks so that only a new key will work. This costs $30–$50 per lock. Rekeying the ignition costs $50–$150.
Rekey Home Locks
You can also rekey a house’s locks so the old keys no longer work. This is often quicker and cheaper than replacing the locks while providing the same peace of mind. The downside is that new locks come with a warranty, whereas rekeying doesn’t. To rekey, the locksmith repositions the pins inside the lock’s tumbler and then cuts a new key that will open it. They may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee of $70–$160.
Safe Locksmith Cost
Locksmiths work with both manual and electronic home safes. Replacing a safe lock or upgrading to an electronic lock costs $50–$150. Opening a locked safe manually usually starts at around $150 but can cost $250–$450 if drilling into the safe is necessary.
Unlocking a House
A locksmith will usually charge $50–$180—including trip fees—if you’re locked out of your house. Emergency and after-hours service will cost more.
DIY vs. Hiring a Locksmith
It’s possible for handy homeowners to change or install their own locks in some cases. Other situations call for a professional locksmith’s tools and expertise.
Professional Locksmithing
Locksmithing is a licensed, certified trade for a reason. Master locksmiths spend more than 10 years on the job and undergo specialist training to gain their title. It’s a good idea to hire a professional if you’re dealing with a complex lock or want to ensure the highest security level. For example, a pro will be better able to install a strong, heavy lock without weakening the door or frame. They’ll also be able to advise you on the best locks for the security level you want.
It’s a good idea to hire an auto locksmith for any automotive project, even for something as simple as a car lockout. Most modern cars use electronic locks, so you’ll only damage your car by trying to fit a coat hanger or slim jim into the window frame. Additionally, car doors and locks are so varied and complex that trying to replace them yourself is daunting.
DIY Locksmithing
You can buy a simple, manual home door lock at a hardware store for $5–$25 and replace it with nothing more than a screwdriver. You may need a power drill, Allen wrench, or other tools if it’s a different size or lock type than what was there before. You can also purchase rekeying kits online for $10–$75. This process generally requires more time and precision than replacing a lock, but it’s possible to do yourself.
When Do You Need to Hire a Locksmith?
It’s time to call a local locksmith if you encounter any of the following circumstances:
- You’ve locked yourself out of your home or car
- You’ve lost your keys or given keys to people you no longer want to have access to your home
- You’ve just moved into a new home
- You want the increased peace of mind of new or upgraded locks
- Your keys no longer work in your locks
- A key has broken off inside a lock
- You want to upgrade to a smart-home system that includes electronic locks
How To Save on Locksmith Services
Hiring a locksmith doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some ways you can save.
- Save on labor by doing the job yourself if you’re switching out a simple door lock or deadbolt.
- Call for roadside assistance if you’re locked out of your car, especially if you’re in a remote or hazardous area. They’ll be able to recommend trustworthy local locksmiths.
- Rekey locks instead of changing them when possible.
- Call for services during business hours but after the morning rush.
- Replace old, damaged keys before they break off in the lock.
- Ask about package deals if you need more than one service (e.g., rekeying and deadbolt installation).
- Look out for scams: Don’t just call the first company that pops up on Google. Do a little research first.
Conclusion
Calling a locksmith is often urgent, but you can and should still be smart about who you hire. You may want to get referrals from family and friends before you even need locksmithing services just so you’ll know who to call. Make sure any company you hire has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as insurance and a current license if required in your state. Have a trusted locksmith’s number programmed into your phone in case of emergencies.
