If you’re in a situation that requires the help of a professional locksmith, one of the information you might want to find out is how much locksmiths charge.
While there are different answers online on how much you should expect to pay, there are several factors that can influence the price a locksmith charges you.
To help you understand the cost of locksmith services and various factors that can influence it, we’ve created this guide explaining everything you need to know about how much locksmiths charge before you hire one.
Who is a Locksmith, and When Do You Need One?
A locksmith is a skilled professional who installs, fixes, and unlocks various types of locks (ranging from mechanical locks to electronic locks and keyless lock systems).
Besides their technical abilities, locksmiths can also help in emergencies. They assist individuals locked out of their homes, vehicles, or businesses, using specialized tools to regain access without causing damage. Plus, they provide security consultations, assess vulnerabilities and recommending solutions to improve property safety.
When Do you need a locksmith?
A locksmith can come to your rescue in different situations including the following;
- Lockouts
This is one of the most common reasons many of us call a locksmith. Perhaps you forgot your keys inside your house, car, or office, your key broke, or you’ve misplaced it, a locksmith can quickly help you regain access without damaging your property. Many locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency services, ensuring you’re not stranded for long.
- You Want to Replace Lost Keys
If you want to create a replacement key, a locksmith can help you get that done without a problem. They also offer complete lock change and rekeying services.
- You Want to Fix Damaged Locks
Locks can wear out over time due to frequent use, weather exposure, or attempted break-ins. So, if you have a damaged lock, a locksmith can help you repair or replace it.
- Rekeying
If you suspect someone has unauthorized access to your property and you’re looking to rekey your locking system, a locksmith can also help you in such a situation. Instead of replacing the entire lock, a locksmith can help you change the internal mechanism so that the old key no longer works.
- You Need a Lock Upgrade
You can also employ a locksmith when you need to upgrade your home lock. They can help you install deadbolts, smart locks, or electronic keypads that offer improved protection against break-ins. And they can recommend the best lock types based on your specific needs.
- Emergency Situations
Whether you’re locked out in the middle of the night, dealing with a broken key, or facing a compromised security system, many locksmiths provide 24/7 emergency services to help you out in urgent situations.
General Costs for Locksmith Services
The average cost of a locksmith service is between the range of $107 - $241. However, it varies depending on the type of service you require. And keep in mind that other factors can influence costs, as explained below.
Factors That Affect Locksmith Costs
Locksmith fees aren’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve shared several factors that can affect the total price of using a locksmith service below;
- Service Type
The specific service you need significantly influences how much a locksmith would charge you. Simple tasks like key duplication cost as little as $5–$20, while complex services like electronic lock installation or transponder key replacement can reach $400 or more. See the breakdown below;
- House Lockout: $50–$150
- Car Lockout: $60–$85
- Rekeying Locks: $50–$130 (plus $10–$25 per lock cylinder)
- Lock Replacement(Home): $80–$200
- Installing Electronic Locks: $50–$500
- Broken Key Extraction: $50–$200
- Emergency/After-Hours Services: Add $100–$250 to regular costs
- Location
Your location is another factor that impacts locksmith pricing. City areas generally have more locksmiths, so they charge decent rates. However, if you live in rural locations with fewer options, most locksmiths charge an extra fee for transportation.
- Lock Type
The type of lock you need serviced can also affect how much a locksmith charges you. Traditional deadbolts and standard locks are more affordable to repair or replace, costing around $50–$200, while high-security locks, electronic keypads, and smart locks can be around $500 or more.
- Locksmith’s Experience Level
An extremely competent locksmith with years of experience will have higher fees than an inexperienced one. Most of the time, more seasoned locksmiths do complicated work effectively and offer greater security suggestions, which warrant their higher costs.
Should You Tip a Locksmith?
Tipping a locksmith is not mandatory. However, it can be appreciated in certain situations. For example:
- Emergency calls during holidays or late-night hours.
- If the locksmith provides quick, exceptional service that you’re really satisfied with.
- If the locksmith helped with additional tasks beyond your initial request.
How Much Should You Tip?
The standard guideline is 15–20% of the total service cost. However, you can adjust it based on the complexity of the work or the circumstances.
Helpful Tips to Save on Locksmith Costs
Locks and keys are essential for securing your property, but their costs shouldn’t leave you locked out financially. Here are some helpful tips to save on locksmith services:
- Installing keyless smart locks can significantly reduce locksmith expenses by eliminating the need for traditional keys, thereby preventing lockouts and the associated costs of emergency services.
- Reach out to multiple locksmiths and compare detailed estimates to avoid overpaying.
- Unless it’s an emergency, try to book services during standard business hours to skip after-hour surcharges.
- Rekeying your existing locks is often much cheaper than installing new ones.
- Regular lock lubrication and upkeep can prevent costly breakdowns (and emergencies) in the long run.
- Keep a spare key in a secure location (or with someone you trust). This can save you from costly lockout services.
Bonus: New Palm Recognition Keyless Smart Lock
A notable keyless smart lock is the eufy FamiLock S3 Max. This new smart lock introduces an upgraded palm vein unlocking method, which is almost impossible to forge and the palm vein pattern does not change while aging.
Key Features:
- Triple Security Integration: Combines palm recognition, a 2K HD camera, and a video doorbell for comprehensive security.
- Remote Access and Notifications: Manage your door and receive instant alerts through the eufy Security app without subscription fees.
- Matter Compatible: Compatible with popular matter-compatible platforms, including Google Home, Apple Home, and SmartThings for seamless integration.
- Longlasting Battery: It uses a 15,000mAh rechargeable lithium battery that can last up to six months, and comes with an extra 4 AAA batteries as backup.
FAQs About Locksmith Services
How much does it cost to unlock a door?
On average, unlocking a house door ranges between $50 and $150. The price can increase to $200–$250 for emergencies.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?
Rekeying is generally more affordable, costing around $50 to $130, while replacing locks can range from $80 to $200 per lock.
How much does it cost to install electronic locks?
Installing electronic locks starts at $50, with advanced smart systems costing up to $500. Features like Bluetooth, biometrics, or Wi-Fi connectivity affect the cost.
Can a locksmith open a door without damaging it?
Yes, most locksmiths use non-invasive tools to open doors without causing damage.
How much do locksmiths charge for emergency services?
Emergency calls typically add an extra $100–$250 to regular fees due to the urgency and inconvenience involved.
Conclusion
Hiring a locksmith can feel like a daunting expense, but knowing the general costs and what to expect makes the experience less stressful. We hope we’ve answered your question about how much a locksmith charges. And if you’re looking for an innovative way to eliminate the hassle of traditional keys, invest in the eufy smart locks for a secure, convenient, and contactless home entry solution!