Locksmith Cost Factors
There are many reasons why you may need to find and hire a local locksmith. From wanting more security to an emergency, here are some “key” factors that influence costs when reaching out to a locksmith near you.
| Cost Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency fees | $150 – $250 |
| Travel fees | $50 – $100 |
| Peak time fee | $150 |
| Electronic lock | $150 each |
Service Type
The type of service you require affects locksmith costs the most. Adding a simple deadbolt for extra security or extracting or duplicating a traditional key might cost $50. Installing new electronic locks or replacing a high-tech car transponder key could cost $400 or more.
Emergency Call Fees
If you return home after a late-night flight and realize you lost your keys, expect a service call to cost more. Many locksmiths are on call 24 hours a day. If you reach out to a locksmith during off-hours, such as nights, weekends, and holidays, you can expect to pay a surcharge between $150 to $250.
Angi Tip
If you're locked out of your home during an emergency with kids or pets stuck inside, call 911 for help.
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Location and Travel Fees
Locksmiths typically upcharge for rural areas and homes outside their routine services. You can expect to pay between $50 to $100 in travel fees for a locksmith who makes a special trip to your home. That is why it is essential to research locksmiths in your area to avoid expensive long-distance calls.
Peak Hours
Some parts of the day are busier for locksmiths than others. Peak hours tend to be mornings and evenings when people realize they cannot find their keys when leaving or getting home from work. Keep in mind that hiring a locksmith during these times may result in a surcharge of up to $150.
Electronic vs. Standard Locks
If you are upgrading from traditional locks to electronic locks, you can expect to pay about $150 per lock. Keyless door locks are a tech-savvy upgrade that allow you to open your door using a keypad system or phone app instead of a key. Keep in mind that keyless locks are more difficult to install, raising the cost of installation.
Common Locksmith Service Costs
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Locksmiths offer a variety of services, and pricing depends on what you are looking for—and whether you make an emergency call. On average, locksmiths charge $50 to $100 per hour and $75 to $125 per hour for an emergency call. The hourly cost of hiring a locksmith also depends on your home’s location and whether you call during their peak hours.
You should search for a reputable locksmith when you move into your home. Having a trusted professional locksmith near you will ease your mind and save time and money. That way, if you lose your keys or experience a break-in attempt, you will know exactly which locksmith service to call to receive fast and reliable service.
Unfortunately, locksmith scams can happen if you are in a rush for services. Avoid red flags like toll-free phone numbers, no-name companies, and suspiciously low prices. Research your professional thoroughly to find reputable home locksmiths for your projects.
| Home Locksmith Services | National Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Installing deadbolts | $40–$75 |
| Rekeying | $80–$160 |
| Unlocking your house | $65–$180 |
| Changing locks | $50-$200 |
| Installing electronic locks | $50–$500 |
| Key extraction | $50–$200 |
| Key duplication | $5–$20 |
| Unlocking a safe | $50–$400 |
| Unlocking a car | $50–$150 |
| Car transponder key replacement | $100–$400 |
Installing Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolt locks are a standard safety feature for a home’s exterior doors. The cost for deadbolt installation varies depending on the type of deadbolt.
Cylindrical deadbolts: This is an exterior knob that connects to an interior trim plate. The average cost is $50 to $70.
Cylindrical lever locks: These locks are for interior and exterior use, and they come with a knob or lever to open and close the door. The average cost is $60 to $70.
Mortise locksets: This is a rectangular cut-out on the edge of a door to fit a mortise—a hole that allows a lock insert. The average cost is $125 to $175.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks
Rekeying is when a locksmith rearranges the pins in the lock's cylinder, producing a new key. This process is recommended for homeowners who have a functioning and high-quality lock.
When deciding whether to rekey vs. change the locks, consider whether you would like to keep your existing lock system. If so, you can stick to rekeying. Rekeying is a fast and affordable option, taking an average of 15 minutes to rekey each lock without replacing the locks entirely. You can expect to pay $80 to $150 for this service.
Unlocking a House
If you get locked out of your home, a local locksmith will charge based on travel time, insurance, overhead, and the time and urgency of your service request. 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 immediately to use a drill for this task. The average rate for this service is $150, and you can expect to pay more during peak times and after working hours.
Changing Home Locks
Considering changing your locks? The cost to change locks will depend on the type, such as a door handle or garage door. The timing of your call will also factor into the total cost. We recommend changing locks when someone moves out of your home, if you are not sure who has copies of the keys, or when the lock wears out. Homeowners can expect the cost to change a lock to be between $50 to $200.
Installing Electronic Locks
Electronic locks are a great way to lock and unlock your doors from the comfort of your smart home hub. You can expect to pay $50 on the low end for a keypad and up to $2,000 for an advanced system with biometrics, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. The cost to install these locks runs from $50 to $500.
Key Extraction
Expect to pay $50 to $200 for professional key extraction services using special tools. It is not a common occurrence, but manual keys can snap in a stiff lock if you are too rough trying to get them to turn. Sometimes, you can get a stuck key out of a lock yourself, but it is tricky and you risk damaging the lock. It pays to learn how to lubricate a lock to prevent this type of emergency.
Key Duplication
If a family member loses their key, you might need to make a copy of the master key. Basic house key duplication might only cost $5 to $20. If you have a transponder key that transmits a coded radio signal to open doors (common for car locks), this could cost $100 to $400, depending on the key and car model and whether you have to order from a dealership.
Unlocking a Safe
Locksmith costs to access safe contents range from $50 to $400. If you have lost the key to a manual safe or have forgotten the code to an electronic one, you will need a locksmith to help access your valuables. Key replacement, setting a new combination, and changing a manual lock to an electronic one typically costs $50 to $150. To open a safe manually, costs range from $150 to $400, depending on the complexity of the job, the safe type and location, and whether drilling is involved.
Unlocking Your Car
It could cost $50 to $150 for a professional locksmith to unlock a car and rekey the ignition if you have lost your key. It will be more for out-of-hours calls or if the locksmith has to travel far. If you lose a coded transponder key, you might have to order a new one from the dealership, which could cost $150 to $400.
When to Hire a Locksmith
Calling a professional is not just limited to when you have lost house keys. Other reasons to call include:
Your keys are locked in the house or car.
You have lost your keys.
You do not want key holders to have access to your home (including when you move into a new home).
You want to replace or upgrade old locks.
You want to install a smart lock security system.
Your key breaks off in the lock.
Your key or the lock is faulty.
DIY vs. Hiring a Locksmith
We recommend that only DIYers handy with tools try to replace or install a deadbolt lock. Otherwise, you risk damaging the door and locks. For example, if you rekey your lock incorrectly, you will have trouble using the key, and you could cause further damage to the lock, door, and tumblers.
To replace a door lock, you will need a basic screwdriver. The switch should take under an hour, saving $100 to $250 in locksmith service fees. Rekeying your locks is more complex, and we recommend only experienced DIYers tackle this project. You can buy a rekeying kit for $30 to $150.
Cost to Hire a Locksmith
Purchasing locks can cost anywhere from $50 to $2,000, depending on the type and technology. If you install them yourself, you will save labor and travel costs for hiring a locksmith. We recommend hiring a pro to ensure the job gets done properly. You can find a top locksmith near you and expect to spend $100 to $250 for your service call.
How to Save on Locksmith Costs
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You can save money on locksmith services by researching different lock styles and price points and giving yourself time to find the right options. Here are some ways to save on locksmith services.
Always keep a spare key in a reachable place.
Proactively make copies of keys that show signs of wear.
Put in place a proper door lock maintenance schedule to prevent stuck keys or unexpected breakages.
Shop around for locks at a lower price point.
Pinpoint the exact issue you have so you can hire the correct professional for the right price.
Call a locksmith during regular working hours to avoid peak charges.
Get price quotes from a few local locksmiths.
Opt for rekeying instead of replacing locks.
Have your locksmith make copies of new keys on-site so you can save a trip to the hardware store.
Choose a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-enabled system if you lose keys often.
Ask if there are any special discounts for military, persons 65 and older, or students.
