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 |  | Low: Copying a Key Runs $1.50-$4+ |  | Medium: Re-keying Locks Runs $5-$25 per Lock |  | 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.
Related articles: Door Lock, Key Copy, Exterior Door
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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[1] and the standard types[2] 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[3] 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[4]
- 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[5] for hiring a reputable locksmith.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: Ivory in Denvet, CO. | Posted: October 9th, 2023 05:10PM |
| Type of Service: Lock Out Apartment | Number of Locks: 1 |
Googled locksmith in my area, LockSmith 4U Denver, was the second one down and open 24 hours. Called an operator said a technician would call me back within 10 minutes. Technician asked for my address and phone number, he was 20 minutes away. My phone was dying and I would be hanging in my lobby until he arrived. I was relieved, not knowing what was to come. Even though it took no effort at all to open my apartment door (he used the air pump method and some other mechanisms to insert into the key whole and jiggle), he was EXTREMELY condescending! Every other word was “hope you don’t die this again, these door knobs are for commercial building.” After the 1st time hearing it I understood, the 3rd time I’m like “I didn’t chose the door knobs, but thanks for your help.” He proceeded to give a demonstration on locking and unlocking the door. Accepts Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay. Initially wanted $350, gave $245. Did arrive in 20 minutes took less than 10, over charged. |
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| Posted by: Hermanu Tito in Oakland, CA. | Posted: October 3rd, 2023 07:10PM |
| Type of Service: Removed Old Lock & installed dead bolt | Number of Locks: 1 Fresh Install |
Estimates varied from 5 business $120 to $270. However most no house calls after 4:30 pm or fully booked for day |
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| Posted by: Carla Axelrod in Boca Raton, FL. | Posted: March 22nd, 2022 04:03PM |
| Type of Service: Changed lock mechanism | Number of Locks: 1 |
I was quoted $29 for a service call. The technician
didn't give me a price but went ahead with the repair. It took about 10 minutes. Then he told me the charge was because the owner of the business gets most of the money I paid. He gave me his card and said he would have charged less if he wasn't working for this other person. |
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| Posted by: Chris M. in Little Rock, AR. | Posted: December 29th, 2021 07:12AM |
| Type of Service: Unlock House Door | Number of Locks: One |
$100 min for arrival then $29 for unlocking door. About 10mins of actual work.
Expect $95-100 min fee
FYI back door was easier than front to unlock. So if that’s an option may show locksmith all doors first. |
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| Posted by: Eddie VanHoorebeke in Royalton, IL. | Posted: July 16th, 2021 11:07PM |
| Type of Service: Chipped Key Cut | Number of Locks: 1 |
Verns Locksmith Located in Mulkeytown,Illinois not only came to my house once to gain access to my SUV but had to come back again do to the fact that I had to work over . I remembered after he was on location for approximately 20 min waiting on me in the miserable Southern Illinois Summer Heat approximately 98 degrees . Upon remembering I called to reschedule only to find out he was already there. Needless to say I rescheduled for the following day. This day he too was delayed for the reason of having a dead battery and he needed a good battery in the vehicle in order to cut key. He didn’t complain while he waited another 30 minutes for me to unbolt the hood latch on my navigator in order to get the old battery out in order to put the battery I borrowed from a neighbor in my vehicle. Finally he was and to cut the chipped key that works perfectly every time. I understood the price increase from the Initial quote of $85 dollars. I was happy to pay the man and even happier to be on here |
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| Posted by: Sprad Mike in San diego, CA. | Posted: May 31st, 2020 12:05AM |
| Type of Service: Car rekeyed | Number of Locks: 1 |
My car was stolen in by SDSU in SanDiego and located by the sheriffs dep a few days later in Alpine ca , about 40 miles away , I misplaced my car keys and the deputy could only give me enough time to get there. I called a mobile locksmith at 930 am on a Tuesday he charged me 70 to unlock the car 30 to travel to me 15 per key total charge was 270 I was told it would be under 100 . Word to to the wide had I have called roadside service I could have saved 7o off the bill or had it towed to locksmith . Think before you call a mobile guy |
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| Posted by: steve67 in Scottsville, KY. | Posted: February 27th, 2020 08:02AM |
| Type of Service: lock | Number of Locks: 1 |
I find it incredible that people complain about the price of their service call.
People. If you can do it yourself or find someone else who will do it cheaper, then by all means do so. The people providing the service are free to charge whatever they want. If you don't want to pay that price, then simply don't. Either do it yourself, or find someone else. If you can't do it yourself, then pay someone who has the necessary training and tools to do it. If you don't like their price, then find someone else.
Don't complain because you don't have the training, or tools.
Everyone needs to make a living. |
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| Posted by: John Teague in Jasper, GA. | Posted: November 6th, 2019 10:11AM |
| Type of Service: Lock outs | Number of Locks: 1 |
I am a locksmith, why do people want to be so greedy? I have opened several cars, cabinets, and houses. A lot for free. Because, I am providing a service. If I have to charge an arm and a leg to be dishonest, that's not very Christian like. Love thy neighbor as thyself. If they can pay, great, if not, be professional anyway, but be of service always. |
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| Posted by: William Gallant in Cupertino, CA. | Posted: October 17th, 2019 06:10PM |
| Type of Service: Expensive Locksmith | Number of Locks: 2 |
Service charge advertised at $16 but paid $19, no big deal. Quoted initially at $65 final cost to open car door based upon model of car $189. Drilled out rear seat lock to gain trunk access where the keys were located, paid $165. What a ripoff for a daughter in college. |
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| Posted by: Tried to take me for more! in San Leandro, CA. | Posted: September 14th, 2019 07:09AM |
| Type of Service: | Number of Locks: 1 |
I locked my door and lost the key.It was 9pm on a Friday night. |
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| Posted by: PISSED IN FLORIDA in Fort Myers, FL. | Posted: May 6th, 2019 10:05PM |
| Type of Service: Locked Exterior House Door | Number of Locks: 1 |
Took him 30 seconds to drill a hole into my slider and open it and charged me $227.00. Do not call Dynasty Locksmith!!!! |
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| Posted by: David82 in Washington DC, MD. | Posted: October 14th, 2018 02:10PM |
| Type of Service: Open car | Number of Locks: 1 |
There are realy so many horror stories, I found really nice men in Maryland, that open my car in dc, and charge me only 72$ flat without story or surprise, the same price he told me on the phone.
I promiesed him that I would publish his phone number cause he really deserve it
(202) 378-0581 |
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| Posted by: Pepi44 in Oxon hill, MD. | Posted: October 3rd, 2018 07:10PM |
| Type of Service: Locked out | Number of Locks: 1 |
I left my keys inside. Had to call someone |
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| Posted by: Martin Y. in Inglewood, CA. | Posted: May 23rd, 2018 12:05PM |
| Type of Service: Locks picked | Number of Locks: 0 |
Be aware that many of the listed locksmiths are a call service and many of them are in another state. Some even try to pass as other businesses. Academy lock is a thief and abuses they employed too. There are many. Normally the one that shows up firsts is the one that will charge the most. |
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| Posted by: Relieved Customer in Campbell, CA. | Posted: December 13th, 2017 01:12PM |
| Type of Service: Opening file cabinet | Number of Locks: 1 |
I stuffed so much stuff into my metal HON file cabinet that the door wouldn't open. I had the key and could turn the lock, but I couldn't open the door. I called a local locksmith (Baker's Lock and Key Service) who quoted me $90+$45/hr (min 1 hr).
The locksmith showed up a few hours later. At first, he was surprised and said that getting into a stuck cabinet isn't what he normally did, but he said he'd try. With a combination of turning the file cabinet on sides and wedging a screwdriver into the seams and pulling/shaking some of the junk out, he was able to get the doors to open.
I need to replace the file cabinet, but I knew I had already messed it up -- plus, I don't want to risk this again.
I was relieved. It only took the guy maybe 20 minutes but I didn't mind the $135 total. It seemed reasonable, the guy was skilled and professional. I actually liked the fact that he asked me how it happened and wanted to make sure it was my cabinet. Seems like a company that wants to be safe. |
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| Posted by: Tymad in Philadelphia, PA. | Posted: July 27th, 2017 02:07AM |
| Type of Service: Locksmith | Number of Locks: 1 |
Rip off!!!!! Only paid because battery would've died and I couldn't prol lock opened |
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| Posted by: BHall in Warner Robins, GA. | Posted: February 6th, 2017 07:02PM |
| Type of Service: Sheriffs Department | Number of Locks: 1 |
I locked my keys in my vehicle more than once. the last time was 1AM on a Friday night. I had heard that the local Sheriff's dept would open it for free. I called 911 and told the dispatcher it was not an emergency and I'd locked my keys inside my truck. 20 minutes later a Sheriff arrived and with the aid of a "slim jim" I was in my truck and on the road. No questions asked. |
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| Posted by: crying customer in Los angeles, CA. | Posted: January 24th, 2017 04:01PM |
| Type of Service: House door lock | Number of Locks: 1 |
I just got conned out of $ 270 for a simple room door lock which took less than 5min to open. There was no machinery involved. The locksmith used a hand-held air-pump and the door poped open. The cost for this is $ 270.00 It was a Tuesday at 7pm. He requested cash for cheaper rate. I found him on Google search 866 number. Do not search for them on google. There are a lot of people who are there to rip off customers in trouble. I was in hurry and didn't know anybody. I google searched and they came up first. Their website listed $35 for a house lock. I had no idea I would be paying for over $ 200 for 5min job. |
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| Posted by: cowboy1623 in melrose park, IL. | Posted: January 16th, 2017 01:01PM |
| Type of Service: truck locked | Number of Locks: 1 |
Called the locksmith service they said it would be 15 for coming to the home and charges for what tools needed. guy gets there in 10 minutes. I asked how much he says 250. I laughed in his face. I said to open a car door? I said why so much? He says cause its winter time lol. It was like 45 degrees out. I told him I had it done a couple years ago on a Sunday it only cost 60. He says it wasn't him let him call his boss and of course he said ok 60. thenhe wanted cash I said no credit card so I have documentation. Bottom line is don't trust these people they will rip you off!!! |
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| Posted by: Sparkme16 in Bridgeport, CT. | Posted: December 17th, 2016 12:12PM |
| Type of Service: Exterior house door | Number of Locks: 1 |
Guy was quick to come out and do the repair but way too expensive. First price came in at $270 to remove lock which had jammed, replace with a $20 off the shelf door knob, change locking mechanism with old to keep Keyes uniform, and tweak door plate. Total call took 20 minutes. I told him his pricing was outrageous and he had to come back with a better rate. He reduced it down to $227 which included tax. He them had me tear up the check written to the company and rewrite it to him personally which is something I hate doing. If your charging me tax but clearly avoiding counting the income towards business, it's just bad business.
On a side note, he was more expensive them my electrician who ran a new outlet and moved my thermostat and was onsite for over 2 hours.
Definitely won't recommend this company to anyone. |
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| Posted by: Cindy C in Cleveland, OH. | Posted: November 28th, 2016 04:11PM |
| Type of Service: open car | Number of Locks: 1 |
Someone told me a long time ago the following.
Take your VIN# to a car dealership same kind as yours and they make you a new key. At that time, 20 ys ago, cost was $2. Nowadays, you can take an Uber ride to the dealership. H***ofalot cheaper, if you don't have someone to bring u another key that you gave them to keep for you. Alternative: keep a spare, non-electronic key under your car. Tape it with postal tape or use strong magnetics. Never go thru that again. |
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| Posted by: SB in NYC in Flushing, NY. | Posted: September 8th, 2016 06:09PM |
| Type of Service: unlock driver-side car door | Number of Locks: 1 |
I locked my keys in my car (Doh!!) and after a quick search called the "Always Available 24 hour Service" locksmith very close to me at 4155 College Point Blvd, Flushing, Queens, NYC.
A woman said it would be $29 to come to my car, and a minimum $25 to unlock it. I got a call on my cell within 15 minutes and he pulled up 5 minutes later... young guy driving a beige Lexus sedan. He looked at my car and said no problem to open the door with a balloon inflater and long steel rod with a hook. Before he did anything I asked price. He said $220!! I said no way, I just don't have that and can only give you $80 cash. He started to leave then said he would "negotiate" with his boss. Made a call. Came back and said "OK, $80" and unlocked the door with the inflater and rod with hook in LESS THAN ONE MINUTE. While he quickly unlocked my car door and knew his trade, the charge quoted of $220 was crazy and I am sure others have likely paid it. Bottom line: do not accept the quoted fee, negotiate!!! |
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| Posted by: Hobbiest in Baltimore, MD. | Posted: August 17th, 2016 05:08AM |
| Type of Service: Lockouts | Number of Locks: 1 |
This is an interesting site. I am studying to be a Locksmith. I've googled the standard rates and most of the charges I see here seem to be in line with normal charging. The only thing that is unscrupulous is not giving an honest assessment of the cost on the phone before coming out.
I like the hobby of Locksmith'ing and have been practicing for years. When I decided this might be a nice retirement part-time job, my goal would be to avoid destructive entry. I currently have about $2000 tied up in equipment and I would only be able to provide full service for residential locks. When I pick a lock, I use 6 different techniques. Each of those require a more elaborate skill set. If I can get you in your house in 5 minutes, you should be happy. You are getting in due to my experience and countless hours practicing on many different locks (2-4 hours per day). After reading these complaints, I'm having 2nd thoughts and may just help friends and family. |
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| Posted by: luis medina in queens, NY. | Posted: July 3rd, 2016 04:07PM |
| Type of Service: open car door | Number of Locks: |
I call a locksmith just to open my car door $85 and when he open my car door I gave him my credit car he did not charge 85 he tock $217 those people what they are doing is putting democracy in jeopardy stop stealing from honest people. |
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| Posted by: Melanie Gray in Phoenix, AZ. | Posted: April 16th, 2016 10:04PM |
| Type of Service: Lockout | Number of Locks: 1 |
I was quoted on the phone $14.95 plus $29 for labor. After he got here he said I will do a bump lock so not to damage your lock but he made no mention of the $385 dollar charge for this service. ( which took him exactly 1 minute). After he was in the apartment he writes up the bill and I go to sign the debit card swiper and the bill was for $430. This is 24/7 locksmith and the phone number 866-777-1429. I live in Phoenix Arizona and this is criminal. I have a neighbor next door who listened to my whole conversation with this locksmith. It also was a standard lock. I have never in my life heard of such shenanigans to wait until the job is done and give your client the cost. That should be completely addressed before service is rendered. Also he then stated well you can read the charge says $385 you don't read things before you sign them. I had no reason to read the bill because he quoted me the rate I mentioned at the beginning of this post. $430 TOTAL. Beware of this 24/7 LOCKSMITH. |
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| Posted by: trevino mattingly/ Jumping Jockey Emergency Services in Nicholasville, KY. | Posted: March 22nd, 2016 05:03PM |
| Type of Service: lockout | Number of Locks: 1 to 2 |
Locked out your car or home 5p flat rate no hidden fees... |
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| Posted by: Proche in Wrentham, MA. | Posted: February 25th, 2016 11:02AM |
| Type of Service: Locksmith work | Number of Locks: 1 |
There are so many so called Locksmith services that run full page adds which are the first places most people call. If they can afford a full page add you know you will get ripped off. When people say the locksmith did their job in minutes and charged around $120. Think of how much time your Doctor spends checking you out and what he charges for that time. Education and experience cost and is worth it when you need help now. No mater what job you do. |
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| Posted by: HATE 24/7 LOCKOUT IN SLC!! in SLC, UT. | Posted: January 11th, 2016 09:01AM |
| Type of Service: CAR LOCKED | Number of Locks: 1 |
WAS QUOTED 20 SERVICE FEE AND 39.00 A N HOUR FOR LABOR , HE WAS AN HOUR LATE ( MY CAR RUNNING)AND IT'S 5 DEGREES OUTSIDE I CAN BARELY FEEL MY FINGERS , HE PUT SOMETHING ON THE WINDOW AND IT WAS OPEN IN LITERALLY UNDER 5 SECONDS, HE SAYS THAT'LL BE 150.00$ I HAD NO CHOICE, IF I WASN'T GOING TO BE LATE FOR WORK AND FREEZING I WOULD HAVE TOLD EM TO GO TO HELL.. IHAD NO CHOICE , GET A FIRM QUOTE! HE SAID IT COST MORE BECAUSE OF THE CAR... IT'S A 2003 MONTERO XLS, NOT A FERRARI |
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External Resources: |
- www.ehow.com/video_4401287_locks-work.html
- www.ehow.com/video_4401286_different-types-locks.html
- www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/dependable-locks-quick-locksmith-c3769.html
- www.findalocksmith.com/
- www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0089-finding-locksmith
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