Ever pulled the key to a lock? Then you will know how frustrating it is to not have access to your home. It could be worse; The lock has failed, and the key is of no use. Whatever the problem, you will need the skills of a locksmith to solve the problem.
When calculating how much it costs to change your locks, there are several factors. Do you need to replace the cylinder? Has the multipoint lock on your front door failed and needs to be replaced? Is it an out-of-hours emergency? Or it’s time to upgrade Smart home security system? Here, professionals reveal how much you can expect to pay for any scenario.
Andrew Dunn is a qualified master locksmith with extensive experience working on doors, windows, garages and entry systems. Along with locks and keys, their work regularly includes maintenance and troubleshooting of uPVC, aluminium, glass and fire doors as well as addressing common wear and tear that homeowners experience.
Typical cost per hour
Costs will vary, but as a general guide, at Andrew Dunn, Master Locksmith Lemon LocksmithA qualified locksmith usually shares what they charge per hour. “For a daytime, non-emergency visit, the usual charge is around £60 to £90 for the first hour, then £30 to £60 per additional half hour, although many direct jobs are quoted as a fixed price.”
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This will increase outside of normal working hours, Dunn continues, “Of the hours, the first hour is usually £90 to £150. VAT may apply, so it’s worth checking if the quote is inclusive.”
“Cost depends primarily on the time of day, how quickly attendance is needed, the type of door or locking system, whether non-destructive entry is possible, and the cost and availability of parts,” he adds.
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A guide to general job costs
Here Andrew Dunn gives the low down on the costs you can expect to pay for more common lock change jobs.
- Unlock the front door
A front door Unlocking costs around £70 to £120 a day where access is gained without damage. If the cylinder or lock needs to be replaced, parts can add around £30 to £120 depending on security rating and size. - uPVC or composite doors
Multipoint problems can be more variable because the problem can be the gearbox or the entire strip rather than the cylinder. Gearbox or strip parts often cost £60 to £130, labor £80 to £150, and if the mechanism is unusual or needs additional alignment work, the total is often £150 to £300 or more. - Window locks
For a Double-glazed For windows, minor repairs, such as handle or espagnolette adjustments, are often £60 to £100, while a failed gearbox can add £90 to £180 to the total. - Garage doors
For a Garage doorA gain entry is usually £80 to £130, a new T-handle or barrel is usually £25 to £60 in parts, making a typical total of around £110 to £180.
Cost of replacing a broken key
“Extraction of a broken key is often £60 to £90 a day if it can be done non-destructively and the cylinder is not damaged,” shares Dunn.
“If the mechanism is jammed in the key or the cylinder is damaged during a break, the lock may need to be replaced, adding around £25 to £120 for a new cylinder depending on the required security rating and size.”
New public spending
You can buy a new lock yourself, but it is better to let a locksmith provide the lock as they will select the right lock. front door. Here, Dunn breaks down typical costs for different types of locks. “For Euro cylinders, very basic cylinders can be £20 to £35, but that’s usually a false economy on the outer door.”
He adds, “High-security cylinders that meet UK normal expectations, such as TS 007 3-Star or SS312 Diamond, are typically £60 to £120.”
Dunn continues, “BS3621 mortise deadlocks often range from £45 to £90. BS3621-rated nightlatch sets are usually around £60 to £140. For uPVC multipoint systems, complete strip parts can be around £120 to £250, often £30 depending on brand and window and length. Espagnolette gearboxes are usually From £25 to £60.”
Emergency callout charges
The cost of an emergency callout will depend on a variety of factors, including time, as Dunn notes: “Typical hours are often 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, but they vary by firm and region.”
As a general guide, he points out what you can expect to pay, “For an out-of-hours emergency lock-out job, a typical gain-entry charge is around £120 to £220. Late nights, bank holidays and peak periods can push it to around £150 to £300.”
For emergencies outside of normal hours, at Jordan Harold, Director H Harold & SonsExpect to pay more for hours outside normal working hours, says “An out-of-hours locksmith or 24-hour locksmith from 8pm will cost around £106 an hour.” Again, this will vary by company and region of the country.
Dunn adds some final advice to help establish pricing and any extras: “Before confirming attendance, it’s worth asking all prices, whether VAT is included, what parts can be added, and whether there are any cancellation fees if access is regained before arrival.”
Jordan Harold is the Director of H Harold & Sons, Sheffield’s longest serving and only Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) approved locksmiths – providing locksmith and safe engineer services to South Yorkshire and surrounding areas since 1919.
FAQs
Can I change the lock myself?
Some locks can be fitted by a competent DIYer, Harold explains, “Yes, in many cases Basic Euro cylinder replacement on uPVC doors is relatively easy.” However, it can go wrong. “Improper sizing or fitting can compromise safety, and you should ensure that insurance requirements are met where necessary, so it is always recommended to use a professional.”
Dunn points out common mistakes: “The biggest DIY pitfalls are incorrect measurements, which can make the cylinder protrude and become more vulnerable, or a cylinder that doesn’t seat properly, affecting safety and sometimes insurance expectations.” “Mortis locks, nightlatches and multipoint mechanisms are generally better left to a professional,” he adds.
Does the locksmith fit the locks purchased by the customer?
A locksmith may fit the lock you supply, but this may affect your warranty. “Many locksmiths will fit locks supplied by the customer, but only expect a labour-charge which usually reflects the unlocking or fitting visit, often £70 to £120 depending on complexity,” Dunn explains.
“It’s also common for locksmiths to limit or exclude warranties on parts they don’t supply,” he adds. It is worth noting that the locksmith may not fit your lock. “Some will refuse items that are of poor quality, incompatible with the door, or unlikely to meet expected safety standards.”
Does home insurance cover changing locks?
This will depend on the type of insurance policy you have. “Many policies will cover key theft or lock changes after a burglary, but lost keys are often only covered if an add-on is chosen,” says Dunn. “Usually you will be covered when the locks are damaged due to another insured event such as fire or vandalism,” adds Harold.
Dunn shares that you also need to consider excess limits: “Typical claim limits can range from around £500 to £1,000, and policy excesses generally apply, which can make smaller claims less suitable.”
What is rekeying and is it cheaper than changing locks?
Harold quickly explains what rekeying means: “Rekeying is changing the internal pins of a lock so that the old keys don’t work and the new keys do.” “This type of work is common in commercial/master key systems, which are set up with keys and locks in mind that need to be updated,” he adds.
Dunn explains how much you can expect to pay, “In UK homes, this often means swapping or re-pinning the cylinder or re-taking the mortise lock. It’s usually cheaper than replacing the whole mechanism, especially on multipoint doors.”
He adds, “A cylinder change or key similar setup can typically be fitted for £60 to £140, while replacing a complete lock or multipoint strip can run £120 to £250 or more depending on parts and labour.”
Keys and locks are part of keeping your home and property safe, especially when you’re on vacation. Check out our guide On home security while you’re on holiday To see what you should do. If you’re looking to upgrade your home security, check out our guides The best home security systems And Home security system costs.
