How Much Does A Typical Locksmith Cost?

Posted on 8th, Sep 2014

Locksmiths vary in price, with different factors being taken into consideration for the price of the job.  Let’s take a look at a few factors that influence the price a locksmith will charge.

Factors that Influence the Cost of a Locksmith Job

The most obvious factor that influences the cost of a locksmith job is the type of locksmith service itself. Different complexities involved in the job will result in different prices charged by the locksmith. For instance, whether you need a door unlocked or a key fitted. Sydney locksmiths may also charge an additional fee that is determined on the distance they’ll need to drive to reach your location; whether the call is placed during normal business hours or after hours, the amount of time the locksmith in Sydney will need to perform the job, the cost of the materials used for the job, and the cost of living in the area.

When We Call a Locksmith

Most home, business and auto owners, don’t call a locksmith unless the service is absolutely necessary- such as an emergency locksmith situation that requires the urgent need of a locksmith in Sydney. When an individual needs a home, commercial or auto locksmith they usually don’t have much time to shop around for a locksmith with the best price. When the individual has already performed background research on locksmiths they will save money, as well as help to ensure they have chosen a reputable locksmith, and know whom to call when a locksmith emergency arises.

The Cost of Service Calls and Lockouts

Generally speaking, a locksmith will charge between $50 and $60 to come to your home or business and open a lock. For locksmith services like a lockout, most locksmiths in Sydney charge a fixed rate; however, depending on the distance that the locksmith needs to travel will depend on whether the locksmith charges an additional fee. Most locksmiths charge about $60 per hour.

The Cost of Duplicate Key Making

To make a duplicate key, a locksmith only charges a few dollars, so it is the cost of the service call that is so expensive. Single cut keys are about $1.50 to $2, and double cut keys are twice as much. The charge will not be the same for all keys as some, such as flat steel keys, foreign keys, safety deposit box keys, shaped keys, and high security keys. Keys that are broken will also cost more to duplicate.

Keys which require programming, i.e. smart keys, will cost more to duplicate and fit with a transponder by the locksmith. However, the cost charged by the locksmith is about half the amount that a car owner would pay through the dealer.

Re-Pinning Keys

Re-pinning locks are simply making a new key from a lock. In other words, the locksmith does not have a key to duplicate the key from. There are two ways locksmiths can do this. You can remove the lock from your door and take it to the locksmith shop in your local area, which is the cheapest way to have a key made from re-pinning, or you can have the locksmith come to you. To take the lock into the locksmith having keys re-pinned will cost about $10 to $20.