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CostHelper.com > Home & Garden > Locksmith
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Locksmith Cost |
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How Much Does a Locksmith Cost? |
 | Low: Copying a Key Runs $1.50-$4+ |
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 | Medium: Re-keying Locks Runs $5-$25 per Lock |
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 | High: Installing Locks Run $20-$30 per Lock |
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| Typical costs: | - The cost of having a locksmith make a "house call" when you've locked yourself out of your home or vehicle varies considerably depending on location, type of lock and time of day, but starts with a minimum charge (also called a mobile fee) of $35 -$150 for coming to you. Service on evenings, weekends or holidays can go as high as $150 -$250, particularly in high-priced or remote areas and depending how much time and work is involved. Some locksmiths include most standard lock-out services in their house-call price; others charge a lower minimum but additional fees for specific services, such as drilling out the lock. Having the locksmith rekey or replace the locks adds to the total cost.
- Locksmiths typically charge $1.50 -$4 to copy a standard key, but they may charge $3 -$20 or more for specialized keys, and it can be $50 -$175 for vehicle keys with an electronic or transponder chip.
- To come to your home and re-key your door locks, a locksmith will usually charge a minimum fee of $40 -$100 plus anywhere from $5 -$25 per lock cylinder.
- To come to your home and install new door locks that you supply, a locksmith will usually charge a $40 -$100 minimum fee plus labor charges of $20 -$30 per lock.
What should be included: | - Locksmith licensing requirements vary widely between states; in some states locksmiths have to pass an exam and in others, states they simply have to pay a licensing fee. Professional locksmiths should have insurance, plus a substantial investment in equipment and inventory. A locksmith hosts videos discussing how locks work and the standard types of locks.
Additional costs: | - When getting estimates over the telephone, ask detailed questions about what is included or you may end up with a much higher bill than expected. A locked-out homeowner was quoted $55 on the phone for coming to her home, but ended up with a total bill of $200. In addition to the service charge of $55, she was billed $85.85 to break in (drilling the lock), $15.15 to uninstall the old lock, $5.55 for a new lock, and $15.15 to install the new lock, less a $25 discount both for paying cash and because the locksmith arrived later than promised.
Shopping for a locksmith: | - If you're locked out of your car and have a roadside assistance service, call that service first. Roadside assistance plans often have a list of companies pre-approved to unlock cars.
- If possible, call several locksmiths for their rates. Try to give as many details as possible about what you need done (such as the brand of lock and whether it's a metal or wood door, or the make, model and year of the vehicle).
- Ask about the locksmith's training and experience, whether the company is insured (in case your property is damaged during the process), and if there will be additional charges for after-hours work or other fees. Search for certified locksmiths with the Associated Locksmiths of America
- When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, including a business card and, if applicable, a locksmith license (locksmith licenses are required in nine states -- Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas). The locksmith may ask to see your ID, in order to verify your identity and that you are the property owner.
- The Federal Trade Commission warns against locksmiths that appear local but operate deceptively in wide-ranging areas with an 800 phone number, and without proper professional training. The FTC offers tips for hiring a reputable locksmith.
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Article updated September 2009 |
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| overcharge? |
| Amount: $280.00 |
| Posted by: Martin Teller in Dulles Airport, VA. | Posted: October 17th, 2010 07:10AM |
| Type of Service: lock Hino truck | Number of Locks: |
| Took lock smith 35 mins to get to me. Took 20 mins to open up the door, a HINO truck, 2008. Did I pay to much? |
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| locked out house |
| Amount: $104.00 |
| Posted by: PG 13 in Dublin, OH. | Posted: November 10th, 2010 08:11AM |
| Type of Service: open door | Number of Locks: 2 |
| Only had one locked because locked keys inside door. Taken almost hour to get to me. Was told $19 service and reasonable labor. $95 + 19 for 5 minutes. Is this reasonable? |
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| Lost Vehicle Keys |
| Amount: $304.95 |
| Posted by: AnthonyOn in Union, NJ. | Posted: December 15th, 2010 04:12PM |
| Type of Service: Re-make keys | Number of Locks: 1 |
| My wife had lost the only vehicle key we had so we had to get a new key remade. It's for a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix. We actually paid $204.95 out of pocket, but the total cost is $304.95. We have AAA (premier) so AAA pays up to $100 for locksmith services. The key also had to be programed, with manufacturer codes (it has a transponder). Did I pay too much? |
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| locked out of house |
| Amount: $199.00 |
| Posted by: Vedhava in Glen Allen, VA. | Posted: May 10th, 2011 08:05PM |
| Type of Service: open door | Number of Locks: 1 |
| We are locked out of house this evening. Called the locksmith, he was at my house in less than 20 min.s. He took around 5 min.s to look at the door and unlock it. He charged 39 for service fee and then another 160 for labor. |
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| Lock out of apartment |
| Amount: $180.00 |
| Posted by: MsKitty in SCHAUMBURG, IL. | Posted: August 25th, 2011 07:08PM |
| Type of Service: open door | Number of Locks: 1 |
| I was told on the phone the cost would be $45.00 for the service call,but they could not give me a quote for opening the door, said the locksmith would have survey the situation first. He arrived 20mins later and promptly told me it would be $180.00 plus the $45.00. He used the airbag and door was opened in 2 mins. No other choice but I did talk him down to $180 for the job. I had figured it would be at least $100.00, because it was 1:30am. Its really got me thinking about a career change at this point.. |
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| On a hurricane day (Saturday) at 6PM |
| Amount: $460.00 |
| Posted by: m65 in new york, NY. | Posted: August 27th, 2011 03:08PM |
| Type of Service: Unlock a door lock | Number of Locks: 1 |
| I called the lock smith on satruday, a hurricane day at 6 pm because I locked myself out. The door lock is the cheapest one you could get. He said that the only way to open the door is to drill it. And for the drilling, installing a new lock and the service call, it added up to $460. Is this crazy or is it reasonable? |
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| Locked out of apartment |
| Amount: $165.00 |
| Posted by: tweet in Philadelphia, PA. | Posted: October 10th, 2011 05:10PM |
| Type of Service: Open door | Number of Locks: 1 |
| Closed the door on my apartment with my keys inside. Randomly googled and found the closest locksmith advertised as $15 service fee. Called and wasn't given any quotes - was told would be here in 20 min. Locksmith arrived after an hour, took 5 min to open with airbag and hammering. $129 basic fee, $24 service fee, and $12 tax = $165 total. Never knew locksmith service costs this much until saw this website. The locksmith that came even asked me how I found out, what I googled, because he's starting his own business. Wow, so lucrative! (i'm a physician also rethinking my career.) |
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| Locked out of my truck |
| Amount: $40.00 |
| Posted by: Jenfarmer in Beaverton, OR. | Posted: December 18th, 2011 02:12PM |
| Type of Service: locked out | Number of Locks: 1 |
| I locked myself out of my truck this morning, again! I dealt with the scammers in Jan, that was a bad experience and left me not trusting locksmiths… Mark was great, friendly, on time, and fast. I have his card and will keep it in the office in case anyone else needs assistance. He had the right price, due to my unpaid furlough days his $40 price was great. He did not scam me, I have never met the man before today and I would reccomend him. He seemed like he was an honest man trying to make a living, like all of us! Thanks Mark of Mark\\\\\\\'s Locksmith in Beaverton, OR. His web site: www.MarksLocksmith.com |
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| Locked out of house |
| Amount: $74.00 |
| Posted by: FLMatt in Winter Park, FL. | Posted: January 13th, 2012 08:01AM |
| Type of Service: Lockout | Number of Locks: 1 |
| Locked out of house, Kwikset lock, All American Locksmith Orlando, FL. $29 service call, $45 for first hour minimum. Took about 15 minutes to open the lock. |
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| Ripped off my Locksmith's R Us |
| Amount: $230.00 |
| Posted by: abw in Bellevue, WA. | Posted: January 16th, 2012 04:01AM |
| Type of Service: locked out of truck | Number of Locks: 1 |
| Locksmith's R Us based out of Fife, WA gave me a $29 service charge and I swear the dispatcher said $50 per hour, but apparently he said $150 per hour. The local guy was there in 25 minutes. He said it would cost $179 to get into my truck. This was an addition to the $29 service charge, and tax. In total I spent $230 getting for this total rip off service. Had I known it was going to be this high, I would have broken out my side window, which I have replaced before, and it cost less. He wanted to leave me his business card for future problems, and I said NO, I will NEVER use you guys again. I went out and bought a hide a key afterwards. My first experience getting ripped off by them is my last. I don't care if that is a typical price, $200+ for less than 5 minutes of work IS a rip off. |
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| I wish I made that much money for that little work |
| Amount: $225.00 |
| Posted by: ClintJCL in Annandale, VA. | Posted: January 20th, 2012 05:01PM |
| Type of Service: Open the front door | Number of Locks: 1 |
| Friday night at 6PM. Took the guy all of 15 minutes to get in. No drilling, no nothing. Seems unreasonably high. Baldino Lock & Key, Alexandria, VA. Guy came from Woodbridge (25 minute drive away). |
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| the price was a joke |
| Amount: $119.00 |
| Posted by: a user in monterey park, CA. | Posted: February 4th, 2012 09:02PM |
| Type of Service: open the roon door | Number of Locks: 1 |
| i locked myself out of my room so i decided to call the locksmith. the locksmith told me that it will cost $30 for him to drive to my place and to open my door will cost $15, but the fact was that when he arrived he told me that the total cost should be $119. i asked him why the price is $119, and he tell me that my lock is more difficult to open, wtf that was so not fair! my room door is just with the normal lock!! anyway it cost him about 10 mins to open my door... |
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| Locked bedroom door with keys inside. |
| Amount: $50.00 |
| Posted by: a user in Atlanta, GA. | Posted: February 8th, 2012 10:02AM |
| Type of Service: opened room door | Number of Locks: 1 |
| This guy was unbelievable! I get quoted over the phone for a great price of $15 dollar service call (because of internet special) and then was told it will be a minimum of $35 dollars to open the door depending on the lock. It a simple cheap lock so I figured 50 bucks isn't that bad. the guy comes 30 mins after the call and then tells me it is $20 for the service call and $140 to open the door. WTH! I told him "NO and i'll just pay the service call charge" He tried to haggle with me, telling me he would do it for 100, then 80, then 60, but in the end, (I guess he was desperate) he gave me the price of $50. It took him less than 2 mins to open the door too! I don't know if I should be happy or complain. |
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| Left Keys in Car and Ripped off |
| Amount: $190.00 |
| Posted by: kjazz115 in Avondale, AZ. | Posted: March 5th, 2012 09:03PM |
| Type of Service: opened car ddor | Number of Locks: 1 |
| It amazes me that locksmiths get away with charing so much money! I locked my keys in the car as many of us have done. I got the name of a company off my FIND button on my cell. They were only 2 miles away. I was told there would be a 15.00 charge just to show up and the loclsmith would then "quote" me a price. 45 minutes later he showed up, I was now late for an appointment, he quoted me 159.00 in addition to the 15.00. it took him less than a minute to open my 2008 Corolla and on top of that he charged me an additional 10% to use my debit card since I did not have that much cash on hand. Tim's Lock Shop also outsourced to another company who did not have their name on either the cc form or quote sheet. Left them a negative review. What if I didn't have that much money? Guess I would be SOL with no money for gas. What if I were elderly on a fixed income? The whole experience pisses me off and then they had the nerve to call and harass me after I left them a bad review. |
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| Locksmiths R US |
| Amount: $167.00 |
| Posted by: pymckee in Lakewood, WA. | Posted: March 6th, 2012 10:03PM |
| Type of Service: Car Lock Out | Number of Locks: 1 |
| Do your research prior to getting services done by a locksmith. I went with the first person recommended by my roadside assistance program. The number was local but the recording seemed to be for a answering service. They took almost an hour to get to me and the charge seemed to be astronomical for the service provided. I am OK with the standard service fee, but the charge for the lock out was higher than I expected. I had to talk the guy down in price. All is well, but I will definately do my homework next time. |
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| Locked of Hous on a Thursday night at 10pm |
| Amount: $750.00 |
| Posted by: pops in Forney, TX. | Posted: March 20th, 2012 06:03PM |
| Type of Service: LockSmith | Number of Locks: one |
| Call emergency lock at 10pm on a spring night at 10pm he could not unlock door so drill it out and charged $375. He came back 5 days later with the replace lock he say he had to order and charged keyed the lock to fit the key and charge another $375\r\nI turning this into the BBB if that any help and the fair Labor practicing laws. |
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| T D Locksmiths |
| Amount: $238.00 |
| Posted by: catpaladin in Costa Mesa, CA. | Posted: March 29th, 2012 04:03PM |
| Type of Service: Open locked door | Number of Locks: 1 |
| Locked my keys in office. This is a Kwikset lock. Interior Suite. Arranged for 1130A show. Asked about price range. Dispatcher said start at prices start at $35. I figure, "ok." Office easy, nothing tough.\\r\\n\\r\\nKid 1 hour late. \\r\\n\\r\\nOpens lock in 2 min. He had a "master" key and hammered it in while manipulating lock.\\r\\n\\r\\nCost:\\r\\n\\r\\nService Call $65.00\\r\\nLockout serice $173.00\\r\\n\\r\\nTotal: $238.00\\r\\n\\r\\nI feel totally ripped off. |
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| Broke Key in House Door Lock |
| Amount: $400.00 |
| Posted by: Jim Allen in Bellevue, WA. | Posted: March 31st, 2012 04:03PM |
| I called the company. They said it would cost 16.00 and then they would assess the situation. I had broken off the key in the front door of my home. 15 minutes later and 2 keys made, he charged me $400! Never again! I can buy a new door for that price! |
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| locked out of the aparment |
| Amount: $350.00 |
| Posted by: a user in Brooklyn, NY. | Posted: April 2nd, 2012 09:04AM |
| Type of Service: | Number of Locks: one |
| MY key got stuck in the lock and the guy had to drill and take out the lock from the unit. Charged me $350 on a Saturday morning and it took him only 10mins to do his job. I am thinking to change my career. |
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| unlocking a storm door |
| Amount: $250.00 |
| Posted by: paulo in queens, NY. | Posted: April 11th, 2012 12:04PM |
| Type of Service: unlock storm door | Number of Locks: 1 |
| was told on the phone $25 service call, the guy came over, told me it's $125 to unlock, then another 85 to repair lock, with tax came to $250, felt ripped off, i could have asked him to just unlock the door, after which I would replace the lock myself, and save me that $85 on a very good lock itself. |
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| Ripped off by RunLocal Locksmith |
| Amount: $190.00 |
| Posted by: a user in Eureka, MO. | Posted: April 12th, 2012 10:04AM |
| Type of Service: unlocked car door | Number of Locks: 1 |
| The dispatch couldn't quote me a price over the phone. She said it would depend on how much work he had to do when he got there. It took the guy 30 mins. to arrive and less than 5 mins. to pop the lock. The service charge was $15. I can't possibly imagine how he could justify charging $175 for sticking a pole through my window and pushing a button. This was a Wednesday at noon. I sure wish I had a job that paid $175 for 5 mins. of work. |
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| Om Lock and Key (orm.lockandkey@gmail.com) |
| Amount: $125.00 |
| Posted by: Joan Howe in Newport Beach, CA. | Posted: April 17th, 2012 04:04PM |
| Type of Service: unlock bedroom door | Number of Locks: 1 |
I was quoted $15 for service, $49 for unlocking
Omri Mizarchi took 4 minutes to open door, he said the operator should not have quoted the price. Called operator, hung up on me. |
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| Locked out of my truck |
| Amount: $130.00 |
| Posted by: Mikee in Plano, TX. | Posted: April 22nd, 2012 08:04PM |
| The guy said it would be 15 to come and look at it, looked And gave me a quote of 130 all together. I said no thanks trying to give him $15 and he said it would be $50 because he came out and gave me a quote. He was done in a matter of 3 min and it cost me $130 for a 3 minute job. I was pissed off. |
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