Cost guide: locksmiths

Find out how much it costs to change locks and the likely charges for calling out an emergency locksmith near you, 24 hours a day.

In this article

Our locksmith figures are only a guide to average costs¹, and there are several factors that can affect how much you’ll be charged, including:

  • where you live
  • how long the job takes
  • the type, size and brand of lock being used
  • whether the lock meets the British Standard for theft resistance
  • whether it’s an emergency call-out and the time of the visit (evenings and weekends will usually cost more).


Ask locksmiths to break down the quotes they provide, so you know what you’re being charged for. It’s a good idea to get more than one quote to get a better idea of the going rate for your particular requirements.

Find trusted locksmiths near you. Only locksmiths who have passed an assessment by our trading standards professionals, and who follow our Code of Conduct, can become Trusted Traders.

Emergency 24-hour locksmith costs

Unless otherwise specified, all prices in this guide include labour and materials but exclude VAT.

Job

Details

Irice range

Remove a broken key from a lock

Remove key without replacing the cylinder (cost is for labour only).

£80-£100

Re-gain entry to property

Open one standard mortice lock and one standard rim lock.

£90-£130

Cost to change locks

Job

Details

Irice range

Changing a standard lock on a uPVC door

Replace a Euro profile cylinder lock.

£100-£150

Changing an anti-snap lock on a uPVC door

Replace an anti-snap Euro profile cylinder lock.

£125-£170

Changing a mortice lock

Replace a mortice lock. This might require some work on the door to fit the lock successfully.

£100-£150

Changing a yale lock

Replace lock on a wooden door.

£80-£120

 

Search now to find a reliable and recommended local locksmith who you can trust, including emergency locksmiths available 24 hours a day.

Changing locks when you move house

If you’ve moved into a new property, you should change the locks as soon as you can, to keep your home secure and make sure your home insurance is valid.

Before hiring a locksmith, ask your insurer what ‘grade’ of lock they require. If the wrong lock is fitted, your insurance company could use it as a reason not to pay out in the event of a claim. Windows should also be secured with key-operated locks in order to satisfy insurers.

A good locksmith will also be able to give you advice about what types of locks are most appropriate for your home.

More on this


¹Costs were checked and updated in 2018.