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A typical job within business hours costs between £65 to £100. Emergency jobs or working over the weekend can cost more than £150.
A locksmith installs, repairs, and adjusts locks in homes, vehicles, and businesses. They help people who are locked out or need to upgrade their security systems. Locksmiths also cut keys, rekey locks, and install safes or smart lock systems. Their role is crucial for ensuring safety, access, and peace of mind.
In some cases, employing a locksmith is an emergency. You could be locked out. You could have to change your locks. Or perhaps a key snapped within the lock. Whatever the issue, knowing the costs of locksmiths can ensure that you do not get ripped off.
This is a breakdown of all locksmith charges in the UK. It provides prices for average jobs, emergency call-outs, and location prices. It also indicates what influences the price and how to stay away from scams.
The majority of locksmiths have an hourly fee. On average, this will cost about £65 per hour throughout normal working hours. Others also charge a standard fee for the initial hour, e.g., £80, and then an hourly fee after that at a lower rate.
For instance, you will pay £80 for an hour and £65 for every subsequent hour. The fixed charge will still apply for the work regardless of whether it takes less than one hour. The base fee might also cover travelling time or call-out.
Emergency locksmiths charge more for their hourly fee based on the time. If you require a locksmith before 6 pm, the hourly rate is about £80 on average. From 8 pm to midnight, you may be charged about £100 per hour. After midnight, prices can climb as high as £145 per hour.
Some locksmiths also make a charge for an emergency call-out. This is between £50 and £150. Most locksmiths nowadays do not make a charge for call-outs, even in emergencies. Always ask first to make sure the price covers this.
Also, ensure the price includes VAT. Not all locksmiths are VAT registered. This can alter the overall cost by 20%, so always check.
A break-in or burglary might make your house defenceless. It is possible to have a locksmith board up windows or doors during an emergency. On average, the charge will be in the range of £200. Both labour and material are covered here. A majority of the time, this will be an immediate temporary measure pending full repair or replacement.
The prices of locksmiths increase after working hours. Within normal hours, that is 8 am to 6 pm, the hourly average fee is approximately £65. Between 6 pm and 8 pm, the fee is about £75. The charge goes up to £85 an hour between 8 pm and midnight. Between midnight and 6 am, the fee can amount to as much as £120 an hour.
These are costs of labor only. New locks or new parts will be billed on top of that. Be sure to find out what is included in the hourly rate before the start of work.
Not all jobs come with a call-out free of charge. Some charge the fee for certain reasons. This involves work that occurs outside of normal working hours, over holidays, or if they have to travel a considerable distance. The call-out fee can also be charged for congestion charges, parking fees, and travel time to your residence.
In urban cities such as London, locksmiths can charge an extra fee for covering traffic time, parking fees, and congestion charges. They can also use the fee in case the work is cancelled once the locksmith has already arrived at the property.
If there is a call-out charge, this will typically be the time for travelling to your premises, the initial minutes at the property, and additional costs for location or traffic. Some locksmiths do not charge the call-out fee if you book their estimate and proceed with the work. Others charge the call-out fee in any event.
Replacing a lock is among the most popular works for locksmiths. Prices fluctuate depending on the lock's type, daytime or nighttime hours, and region. A replacement uPVC lock typically comes at a rate of £125. If an anti-snap uPVC lock is ordered, you are likely to be charged nearly £150. A replacement Yale lock tends to run at about £100.
For garage door locks, the cost is about £85. Patio door locks are about £95. To replace a night latch can cost approximately £90. Rim cylinders cost around £75. Mortice locks, which need more complicated installation, cost approximately £140.
If you have to replace all the locks in a house, for example, two front doors and several window locks, the overall cost can be about £500. These are labour and material prices and are daytime rates. Emergency work will be more expensive.
If you are locked out, there is a locksmith who can unlock you. Locksmiths generally use non-destructive techniques. This implies that they do not drill the lock and try to open it without damaging it. The average cost of this service is approximately £110. This covers unlocking one rim lock and one mortice lock.
If the lock is broken or destroyed to open it, you might also have to pay for the replacement. That varies according to the lock type and is an additional fee besides the entrance fee.
Keys snapping inside locks is more common than many think. Removing a broken key without replacing the cylinder costs around £90. This covers labour only. If the lock cylinder is damaged and needs replacing, expect to pay more based on the lock type.
Various locks have varying costs. Some are simpler to fit. Others are more secure and are more expensive.
Yale locks: These tend to be nightlatches, which are placed on top of the door. They are typical in the UK and are in the middle price range. Mortice locks are installed within the door. They provide improved security but are longer to fit, adding to the labour cost.
uPVC door locks: These tend to feature multi-point locking systems. These contain a minimum of three locking points. Standard models are less expensive, but anti-snap models are more expensive because they are better protected. Rim cylinders are found in older doors and are less expensive to replace.
Garage and patio door locks: These depend on access and fitting complexity. These may need special tools or types of locks, which also influence the cost.
Fees vary based on where you live. London will typically have the most expensive locksmith fees. The northern cities tend to be the cheapest.
In London, the mean price of regular services is about £163. In Leeds, it is approximately £149. Glasgow is at approximately £142. In Sheffield, it is about £135. Bolton locksmiths pay about £140. Carlisle is at approximately £131. Exeter is one of the lower cities, at about £102. In Edinburgh, the average price is about £100.
These rates cover typical services such as lockouts or lock changes. Always request a customized quote according to your location and requirements.
Several factors can raise or lower the cost of employing a locksmith.
Location: Your area is among the key determinants. City centres such as London are pricier because there are more expensive living costs, parking difficulties, and congestion charges. Countryside areas can be more costly if the locksmith has to travel far.
Service Time: The time of day also comes into consideration. Work carried out late at night, at weekends, or during holidays incurs more.
Service Type: The nature of the job also influences price. It is faster and less expensive to unlock a door than to replace multiple locks. If you require high-security locks, that is more expensive because of more costly components and a longer installation time.
Total Hours: Labour time is also an issue. Most locksmiths bill by the hour. If the job is complicated and takes more time, the end cost will be greater.
There is no government regulation of locksmiths in the UK. Anyone can call themselves a locksmith. This leaves the door open to scams. Rogue locksmiths tend to overcharge or do unnecessary work.
Warning signs are ambiguous pricing, no written quote, unmarked vans, and high-pressure sales. Some will demand cash payments or refuse to give receipts.
Always request identification. Ask for a full quote before starting the job. If a locksmith is evasive or unclear regarding prices, seek another. Online reviews and trade association memberships can assist you in finding reliable professionals.
Asking the appropriate questions can be a money and stress saver.
It is lawful to change your locks. Most locks are supplied with instructions and are simple to fit. But attempting to do it yourself has risks.
Installing an incorrect type of lock or a poorly fitting lock can be problematic. Issues include faulty locks, broken keys, and a door that fails to close properly. Poor fitting can also nullify your home insurance.
It is safer if you lack the proper tools or expertise. They will make sure the lock functions well and is of a security standard.
Locksmith prices in the UK vary depending on several factors. The time of day, location, type of lock, and level of job play a part. Always request a complete breakdown of the cost. Obtain several quotations from local professionals. Ask direct questions and verify credentials. By being an informed consumer, you are safeguarding your home and saving money on unseen expenses.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.