Locksmiths are essential for maintaining security and resolving emergencies, such as car or house lockouts. The average cost of a locksmith is $150, but prices can vary depending where you live. Prices can range from $50 to $400 depending on when and how the service is performed. Let’s examine the factors that affect the cost of a locksmith.
Locksmith Costs Overview
Locksmiths charge between $50 and $75 per hour, or flat rates. The final cost will vary depending on a number of factors.
- Emergency Services: Service charges will be higher at night and weekends.
- Electronic locks cost more than manual locks.
- Service Required: Unlocking a car door is not the same as rekeying a house.
- Trip Fees: A standard fee is charged for all visits. This may be higher if you are visiting remote areas.
Locksmith Cost Factors Explained
1. Electronic Locks
It can be costly to install or replace electronic locks, such as keypads and smart-home devices. Costs of locks can vary greatly depending on their complexity.
| Lock Type | Price range |
| Biometric | $150-$500 |
| Bluetooth | $200-$300 |
| Keypad | $50-$300 |
| Here are some examples of RFID tags. | $100-$300 |
| Wi-Fi | $250-$450 |
- Simplest keypads use an alphanumeric code.
- Biometric locks use fingerprints or other physical identification.
- Mobile devices can control Bluetooth and WiFi locks remotely.
- RFID locks open when the key fob comes close.
2. Emergency Services
Lockouts often occur at inconvenient times. Although many locksmiths offer after-hours services, prices are higher at weekends and during the night. Emergency locksmith visits may cost between $150 and $250 per hour or more.
3. Trip Fees
A locksmith’s trip fee is a fixed amount that may vary depending on distance, time and location. The fee may be higher during peak hours or on weekends, or in remote or difficult to reach locations.
4. Service Type
Locksmith prices are determined by what type of locksmith service you require. Here are some prices you can expect:
Car Locksmith Services
| 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 |
Residential Locksmith Services
| Service | Price range |
| Change your house locks | $50-$200 per lock |
| Deadbolt installation | $40-$75 per door |
| Repairing door locks | $50-$200 |
| Installing electronic locks | $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
Locksmith services vary in price depending on their level of expertise.
Change your locks
Replace locks if you are moving, have lost your key or experienced a break-in. For their services, master locksmiths may charge up to $125 per hour. Basic locksmith services usually cost $50 to $75 an hour. A lock costs between $20 and $80.00, and new lock systems can cost between $50 and 300 dollars.
Commercial Locksmith Services
Commercial locksmiths are more expensive because they must provide greater security. A business lockout can cost between $70-$200. The cost of a new lock installation can vary between $150 and 450 dollars, depending on its complexity.
Deadbolt Installation
External doors are more secure with deadbolts. Prices vary according to the type.
- Cylindrical deadbolts: $40-$60
- Cylindrical lever locks: $50-$70
- Mortise locks: $75-$125
Costs of labor can range from $40 to $75.
Installing electronic locks
Upgrades to electronic locks can be costly, ranging between $100 and 500 per lock. Smart-home security system can cost up to $2,000.
Key Duplication and Extraction
Locksmiths can produce specialty keys such as master keys or two-sided keys for $1 to $10. Dealerships will handle transponder or smart keys, and can do so for $75 to $400. If a broken lock key is needed to be extracted, the cost will range from $50-$200.
Rekeying Services
Rekeying a Car
Locksmiths can rekey locks on cars for between $30 and $50. Rekeying car ignitions costs between $50 to $150.
Rekeying your home locks
Rekeying locks gives homeowners peace of mind. The cost of this service ranges from $70-$160.
Safe Locksmith Services
Locksmiths charge anywhere between $50 and $125 for the replacement of safe locks. Manually opening a safety can cost up to $150. However, drilling can increase the price by $250-$450.
Unlocking the house
Costs for lockouts and emergency calls can range from $50 to $180.
DIY Locksmithing vs. Hiring a Professional
Simple lock changes or installations can be done by the DIYer. Locksmiths are needed for more complex jobs.
Professional Locksmiths
Locksmithing requires certification and licensure. Master locksmiths are highly trained and can install high security locks without damaging the door or frame. Locksmiths are able to advise you on what security measures will work best for your home.
The best solution for auto problems, such as lockouts, is to call an auto locksmith. Modern cars equipped with electronic locks can be damaged by DIY fixes. The locks on cars are complex and require special tools.
DIY Locksmith
With a screwdriver or Allen wrench, you may be able to replace the lock manually. Rekeying kits range from $10 to $75, but require patience and precision.
Why Hire a Lock Locksmith?
In certain situations, locksmiths are required.
- Lockouts in the home or car
- Lost or unwanted keys
- For a new house, rekeying or replacing locks is required.
- Upgrade your locks for enhanced security
- Broken keys stuck in locks
- Looking for an intelligent home security system?
Locksmith Services: How to save money
Locksmith services can be expensive but there are ways you can cut costs.
- Easy DIY deadbolt and door lock installation.
- Roadside assistance is available in remote areas to help with car lockouts.
- Rekeying your locks is a better option than replacing them.
- Schedule appointments during business hours to avoid the morning rush.
- Before you use the keys again, replace any broken ones.
- Bundle your services if you need multiple services such as deadbolt installation or rekeying.
- Avoid scams by researching reputable locksmiths beforehand.
The conclusion
You should still be cautious when choosing a locksmith, even if it is an urgent service. Ask family and friends to recommend someone in advance, so you’ll know who to contact in an emergency. You should choose a locksmith who is licensed, insured and insured.
You can feel secure knowing your home or car is protected by a reputable locksmith. Plan ahead and avoid future headaches. Keep the contact details of a reputable locksmith in case you need them.
Unico Locksmith’s expert wrote this article. Unico Locksmith, your local Maryland Locksmith, is a specialist in commercial and residential lock changes, rekey services, automotive service, and locksmith-qualified emergency. Contact Unico Locksmith to get the best emergency locksmith Lanham MD today!