How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?

LOCAL LOCKS

Locksmith prices typically start at around £45 per hour for standard daytime labour, with the total cost of a locksmith job usually ranging from £50 to £250+. The final price depends on the type of service required, the time of day, the complexity of the job, and your location.

Emergency locksmith services, lock replacements, security upgrades, and out-of-hours call-outs can all cost more than standard daytime work.

Average Locksmith Prices by Service

The following are typical price ranges for common locksmith services in the UK:

Standard Lockout / Gaining Entry: £49 – £130 — typical daytime prices for gaining entry to a property by picking or opening a standard door.
Standard uPVC Lock Replacement: £125 – £150 — with an average cost of around £125 per lock, including parts.
Anti-Snap uPVC Lock Upgrade: £125 – £175 — with an average cost of around £150 for a high-security replacement, including labour.
Yale / Rim Cylinder Replacement: £25 – £120 — with typical prices averaging between £55 and £100.
Mortice Lock Replacement: £25 – £165 — with an average cost of around £140 for a BS3621 high-security mortice lock, including labour.
Key Cutting: £5 – £20 per key — depending on whether you need a standard cylinder key or a high-security/mortice key.

Prices can vary between locksmiths, so it’s worth confirming exactly what is included before work begins.

How Much Does an Emergency Locksmith Cost?

Emergency locksmith services generally cost more than standard daytime appointments. If you need a locksmith outside normal working hours, such as during the evening, overnight, at weekends, or on a bank holiday, additional hourly rates and call-out charges may apply.

Typical out-of-hours rates include:

Standard Hours (8 am – 7 pm): Around £45 per hour.
Early Morning / Evening (6 am – 8 am / 7 pm – 00.00 am): Around £85 per hour.
Nighttime (8 pm – Midnight): Around £85 per hour.
Overnight (Midnight – 6 am): Around £120+ per hour.
Emergency Call-Out Fees: Typically £125 – £150. However, many independent local locksmiths do not charge a separate call-out fee when they carry out the required work.

It’s important to check whether the quoted price includes labour, parts, VAT, and any emergency or call-out charges.

Locksmith Prices in London and Other UK Regions

Your location can have a significant impact on the final cost of a locksmith. Larger cities and urban areas generally have higher operating costs, which can be reflected in labour rates and call-out charges.

London, in particular, can attract a 20% to 30% premium on labour and call-out costs. Parking and congestion charges may also affect the final price. As a result, an emergency locksmith or lockout service in London can commonly cost around £120 – £250+.

In regional cities such as Glasgow, Leeds, and Nottingham, standard emergency locksmith jobs generally fall within the £90 – £150 range.

The exact cost will depend on the service required, the time of the call-out, the type of lock, and the locksmith’s pricing structure.

How Much Will a Locksmith Cost for My Situation?

The cost of a locksmith depends heavily on the circumstances. For a more accurate estimate, consider the following:

What service do you need? For example, are you locked out, dealing with a broken lock, replacing an existing lock, or upgrading your home security?
When do you need the locksmith? A standard daytime appointment is generally less expensive than an emergency out-of-hours call-out.
What type of door and lock do you have? The cost can vary depending on whether you have a uPVC, composite, wooden, or aluminium door and the type of lock installed.
Where are you located? Locksmith prices can vary between London, major cities, and other areas of the UK.
Can you provide a photo? A clear photograph of the lock or door can sometimes help a locksmith identify the type of hardware and provide a more accurate initial estimate.

Quick Summary

For most UK homeowners, locksmith costs can range from £50 to £250+, depending on the service, timing, location, and parts required. Standard daytime locksmith labour is around £45 per hour, while emergency and overnight services can cost significantly more.

Getting a clear quote before work begins is one of the best ways to understand the total cost and avoid unexpected charges.