Need to hire a locksmith, but not sure how much they charge? Read on below to find out typical locksmith costs, wherever you're based in the UK.
Yale lock replacement: £90 to £120+
Standard uPVC lock replacement: £100 to £150+
Locksmith call-out (standard): £65+ per hour
Emergency locksmith rates (out of hours): £50 to £150+ call-out charge plus £80 to £200+ per hour
If you've ever been locked out of your home or car, you'll surely know the value of hiring a reliable locksmith.
In this guide, we’ll break down the expected costs of common locksmith services, from standard lock replacements to emergency call-outs.
The average locksmith call-out cost starts at around £65+ per hour during standard working hours, but emergency call-outs can range widely based on time and location.
In some cases, you can hire a handyman to change locks – but it’s usually best to pay for a specialist locksmith.
Data for this guide was collected in November 2024 from online sources.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for some of the most commonly requested locksmith services.
Service | Cost (low) | Cost (high) | Average cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
Yale lock replacement | £90+ | £120+ | £105 |
Standard uPVC door lock | £100+ | £150+ | £125 |
Anti-snap uPVC lock | £125+ | £175+ | £150 |
Garage door lock | £80+ | £90+ | £85 |
Mortice lock replacement | £115+ | £165+ | £140 |
Costs accurate as of November 2024
Yale locks are one of the most commonly used lock types in the UK, offering good security for front doors.
Replacement typically costs between £90 and £120+ depending on location and the specific Yale model chosen
Standard uPVC locks are often found on newer doors and are popular due to their durability and reliable security performance.
Replacing a standard uPVC lock costs £100 to £150+.
Anti-snap uPVC locks are specifically designed to prevent lock snapping – a common break-in technique.
These locks are slightly more expensive than standard uPVC locks, generally costing between £125 and £175+.
Garage door locks come in a variety of types, including bolts and cylinders. You might need specialised locks for automatic garage doors.
Want an automatic garage door? You may need to check lock compatibility when installing an automatic garage door.
These locks cost £80 to £90+ for a standard replacement.
Mortice locks, commonly found on wooden doors, are usually replaced with British Standard-approved models for added security.
Expect to pay around £115 to £165+ for a replacement.
Service type | Average cost (£) |
|---|---|
Standard locksmith call-out | £65+ per hour |
Emergency call-out (before 6 pm) | £80+ per hour |
Emergency call-out (6 pm to 8 pm) | £90+ per hour |
Emergency call-out (8 pm to midnight) | £100+ per hour |
Emergency call-out (after midnight) | £145+ per hour |
Emergency call-out (out of hours) | £50 - £150+ call-out charge, plus £80 - £200+ per hour |
Costs accurate as of November 2024
The cost of locksmith services varies based on the time, service, and region. Here’s a closer look at what influences these prices:
Type of lock: more advanced or high-security locks, like anti-snap uPVC locks, tend to cost more than standard locks due to the additional security features
Time of service: emergency services provided outside of normal business hours often come with additional charges. For instance, an emergency call-out after midnight typically costs at least £145+ per hour
Location: regional cost differences mean that rates in cities like London may be higher than in smaller towns
Urgency: emergency call-outs, particularly in high-demand situations, will be priced higher than pre-booked services
Complexity of installation: if a door requires structural adjustments for the lock, such as fitting a mortice lock on an older door, the price can be higher due to added labour and time
Need to know more about hiring a locksmith? Get answers to your most-asked questions below.
How much does it cost to change locks on a front door?
Changing the locks on a front door typically costs between £90 and £150+.
This partly depends on the type of lock you choose, your location, and the locksmith’s call-out fee.
What factors influence locksmith call-out fees?
Call-out fees vary based on the locksmith’s hourly rate, time of day, and whether it’s a standard or emergency service.
After-hours emergency call-outs can cost significantly more than standard weekday appointments. Unfortunately, this is often unavoidable.
For example, if you cannot figure out how to get a broken key out of a lock in your front door, you will probably need to hire a locksmith to help you regain entry urgently.
Is it cheaper to rekey locks rather than replace them?
Yes, rekeying can be more cost effective if the lock mechanism is intact.
Rekeying involves changing the internal pins, so only new keys work with the lock, without the need for a full replacement.
Locksmiths can advise you on whether a lock can be rekeyed or needs to be replaced.
How can I reduce locksmith costs?
Here are some tips to keep locksmith service costs lower:
Pre-schedule non-emergency services during business hours to avoid premium fees
Compare quotes from multiple locksmiths to get the best deal
Ask about rekeying instead of replacing locks, which is often cheaper
What is an anti-snap lock, and is it worth the cost?
Anti-snap locks are designed to resist lock-snapping techniques used by burglars.
These locks are especially valuable for uPVC doors and cost between £125 and £175+.
For those in high-risk areas, they offer added security that many consider worth the investment.
Should I tip my locksmith?
Tipping is never required, but if a locksmith goes above and beyond, a tip is appreciated by many in the trade.
For example, many locksmiths go the extra mile by providing suggestions for improving home security and avoiding common home security mistakes, which you could reward with a tip.
Always prioritise high-quality service over costs when it comes to securing your home.
Locksmith costs vary depending on the service type, time, and region, but understanding these costs helps you plan for emergencies or general maintenance.
Typical locksmith costs start at £65+ per hour, with emergency services priced higher.
For added peace of mind, consider high-security locks like anti-snap options, especially on uPVC doors.
Whether you’re locked out or just want to improve your home’s security, professional locksmiths in your area can provide highly rated services.
On Yell, you can hire local locksmiths easily. Start by browsing profiles and reading customer reviews.
Or, alternatively, post a free enquiry, provide a few quick details, and hear from nearby locksmiths today.
For more on home improvement costs, money-saving tips, and even DIY guides, explore the Yell blog now.
Disclaimer
Cost data was gathered from an analysis of wider industry data. Actual costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the task, project, or service. We encourage customers to reach out to industry professionals for specific quotes based on their unique requirements.
