Lock Change Cost

Understanding Locksmith Prices

How much it costs to change a lock in your home can vary depending on the requirements, albeit with the average qualified locksmith charging around £100 for a straightforward Yale lock replacement.

However, if you're locked out or have a broken lock, and need an emergency locksmith then prices may be higher. Alternatively, you may be looking to change all the locks in your property and to upgrade on home security, in which case the complexity of the job, amount of work involved and even where you're located can all impact locksmith prices.

Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when hiring a professional locksmith.

What are Typical Locksmith Prices?

Typical locksmith prices can range from £50 to £150 per hour, depending on the type of job and the locksmith’s experience. Although how much it costs for an emergency locksmith is likely to be higher, often with a minimum call-out charge of around £50 added to the overall fee.

Factors Affecting Locksmith Prices

Several factors can affect locksmith prices and how much it costs to change a lock, including:

• Type of lock: Different types of locks, such as mortice locks, euro locks, and upvc door locks, can have different prices.
• Complexity of the job: More complex jobs, such as installing a new security system, can cost more than simple lock changes.
• Location: Locksmiths in urban areas may charge more than those in rural areas.
• Time of day: Emergency locksmiths may charge more for jobs done outside of normal working hours.
• Locksmith’s experience: More experienced locksmiths may charge more for their services.

How Much to Change Locks?

The average cost of getting your locks changed is between £100 and £150 for replacing a standard deadlock or Yale lock cylinder, including materials and labour.

Lock Change Prices

How much will a lock cost to get changed?

Below are some estimated costs of hiring a qualified locksmith to change a variety of different door locks:

Emergency Locksmith Prices

There may be an occasion where you find yourself locked out, break your keys, or there's been a burglary. If so, you’ll need to call an emergency locksmith to get you into your house safely and securely, which will cost slightly more than a regular locksmith.

• Emergency Call-Out Fee — This can reach up to £100 just for an initial consultation. Always check before agreeing to the call-out so you don't receive any unexpected charges.
• Emergency Hourly Rate — Standard cost of about £90 per hour if you just need to get into your property. Whereas extra time and materials may be needed for a break-in or any damage to the door.
• Outside of Working Hours — If you call at unsociable hours, such as weekends or weekdays 7pm to 6am, then you will be charged more. Likewise additional fees may apply on bank holidays and over the Christmas period.

How long does it take for an emergency locksmith to arrive?

This can differ depending on your area and personal circumstances, but this can typically be within an hour of calling if your locksmith lives nearby. This can be a really stressful experience for both parties so make sure you have all the correct details of locksmiths in your area and who is close to you.

Should I change the locks if I lose my keys?

It’s better to be safe than sorry, and if you are burgled using your own house key, your insurance will likely not pay out! A new lock is definitely the safest option, which should be requested as part of your emergency call-out.

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Door Lock Prices (Supply Only)

Material costs for changing your locks are often relatively cheap depending on your choice of lock and type of British Standard, ranging from £15 to £60.

Below is a table with estimated prices of supply costs when buying materials individually before labour and waste removal costs, as well as the cost of a locksmith. This is an excellent way to set your budget out prior to hiring a contractor:

How Much Do Locksmiths Charge? (Labour Only)

The average labour costs and timeframe of a standard locksmith job are usually not too pricey. Generally, a locksmith will charge up to £80 per hour for a Monday to Friday 9 – 5 job.

However, if you hire an emergency locksmith at late hours or on weekends, then they can charge you a call-out fee of a minimum of £50 just for coming out.

Emergency locksmith jobs typically incur higher costs, with increased hourly rates and a tiered pricing structure based on the time of the emergency call.

How Long Does Changing a Lock Take?

Timescales can differ depending on the scale and difficulty of the job; however, in most cases, a standard lock changing job will take from between 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Emergency call outs can vary, but an initial consultation can take up to an hour, and more complicated jobs which require materials may be extended to the next day.

A locksmith can replace and upgrade your home’s locks. Why would your locks need changing or replacing? The most common reasons why new locks need to be fitted include:

• Moving into a new home.
• Current locks insufficient for insurance reasons.
• Lost keys.
• The existing lock is worn or faulty.

It is important to consider replacing all the locks in a property, especially when moving into a new home, to ensure comprehensive security.

So it is essential that you only deal with reputable and professional locksmiths who are vetted, inspected & background checked. The easiest way to do this is to use only MLA (Master Locksmiths Association), locksmiths.

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What Impacts Lock Change Costs in the UK?

Below is a general outline of the different cost factors that you’ll encounter when changing your locks.

Emergency Call-out

If you’re ever in a situation where you’re locked out of your house, or your lock breaks and you’re stuck, then you’ll need to call an emergency locksmith to sort the job.

Material

The material costs include whichever lock choice is suited for your door. A budget lock cylinder will be cheaper (starting at £50), whereas a high quality and secure lock cylinders are more expensive, starting at £150 but can prove a saving in the long run, helping you avoid potential repairs at a later date.

Size of Job

How much it costs to change locks will vary depending on how many locks need doing and in the event of damage or a break in, the severity of the issue. For example a key broken inside the lock or any external damage that also needs fixing at the same time.

A standard lock change can take from 30 minutes, up to 2 hours and if you're having more than one lock changed then expect to be charged by the hour or quoted for the total job.

However, if you’ve rung for an emergency locksmith, then they may not have the right materials or parts for you and will take an extra day or two to order them in.

What Is Involved in Getting Your Locks Changed?

Changing your locks is usually a simple and stress-free job for any professional locksmith, with the work involved as follows:

• Removing Previous Lock — The first two bolts will be detached before turning the plate assembly and removing the deadbolt lock assembly, after which the screws and deadbolt plate are also removed.
• Changing Locks — Next, the new lock and deadbolt are fitted, including the mechanism and assembly plate. The doorknob is twisted to access the bolt holes, and the key assembly is then fastened.
• Testing the Lock — The locksmith will lock and unlock the door with the key several times to check their work and ensure a smooth operation before clearing up any waste.

Can I Change Locks Myself?

There’s nothing to stop you from fitting your own locks, but this is not recommended for most unless you know exactly what size and type of door lock you need to keep the home secure and not invalidate your home insurance.

Incorrectly specified and/or fitted locks are useless when it comes to stopping criminals, so the best bet is to get advice from a Master locksmith to prevent any security issues.

If you decide to ignore the advice of the Police and consumer organisations and fit locks yourself – at least take advice from a locksmith on which locks to buy and make sure you fit them correctly following all the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choosing a Lock

Deciding what type of lock you get may not even be up to you, as certain door makes will only fit with one lock. This is why it’s always essential to have a professional locksmith to change and fit new locks: they’ll know exactly what type of lock you need.

Below is a general outline of the most popular locks you can get and a few pros and cons.

5 Lever Mortice Deadlock Cost

A 5 lever mortice deadlock typically costs between £120 and £150 and is commonly fitted on wooden doors as it can be locked from both the inside and the outside.

Pros

• ✔ Easy to install
• ✔ Average pricing
• ✔ Secure

Cons

• ✖ May not be tested against burglar techniques

Multi-point Locking System Cost

This is an excellent choice for uPVC and composite doors because it adds an extra safety element by using multiple locking mechanisms. This usually costs around £200.

Pros

• ✔ Difficult for trespassers to disarm
• ✔ Great for public settings

Cons

• ✖ Confusing
• ✖ Higher expense

Rim Automatic Deadlatch Cost

A rim automatic deadlatch is often a cheaper option, and a usual replacement can be between £50 and £80. This type of lock is an extension on the door frame as opposed to a normal lock, usually placed at the top of a door.

Pros

• ✔ Extra security
• ✔ Cheap

Cons

• ✖ Can be dismantled
• ✖ Can’t be used solely as a lock

Euro Cylinder Lock Cost

This is a very popular lock choice, with a replacement costing between £70 and £100. A euro cylinder lock is often used in schools and is seen between a lock case.

Pros

• ✔ Cheaper option
• ✔ Good for large grounds
• ✔ Adaptable

Cons

• ✖ Standard quality

Benefits of Changing Locks

If you’re unsure on whether you should be replacing or changing your locks, below are several benefits which may sway your decision.

Safer Home

In general, changing your locks from time to time will make your home safer. You should always change your locks when you first move into a new house, as you never know who had access to it before you moved in.

Deter Thieves

If you’re feeling uneasy from a burglary experience or have heard rumours of neighbourhood thieves, then changing or updating your locks to a more secure version can help deter thieves from targeting your home.

Peace of Mind

This can be for a whole host of reasons, such as if a flatmate or ex has moved out of your house, and you may be concerned that they’ve had an extra set of keys made. This is also applicable in workplaces; if an employee gets fired, you can never be sure who has access to your office.

Do I Need To Change My Locks?

Changing locks is an extremely common job which people will have to do several times throughout their life as a homeowner. Reasons differ from thieves, such as lost keys, locked out, old locks, area of the home, and updating to a more secure option.

Unlocking a locked door often involves a locksmith who uses non-destructive methods to minimise damage. The cost can vary based on the type of lock and door, with several factors influencing the overall price.

Sometimes, it may just be that your lock needs repairing; things to look out for include:

• Damaged locks, ranging from unstable and loose keyholes to noticeable chips and scratches.
• Defects, this can be detected if you’re struggling to open your door or having trouble unlocking it.
• Older locks will typically need either repairing or replacing straight away when moving into a new home.

If you’re worried about the aesthetic of your doors and locks, then you may want to hire a contractor for a repair job if you notice any scuffs, scratches or marks.

Cost of Door Lock Removal

Removing a sole door lock by itself is typically uncommon — in most cases, you’ll have to replace the old lock with a new one. However, there may be times when landlords want to take locks off doors, or parents wish to access their children’s rooms.

In cases like this, a contractor can simply remove the lock and seal over the existing hole, taking no more than an hour for a single door and costing an average hourly rate of £50 to £60.

DIY enthusiasts can easily undertake this task if they have extensive knowledge of different types of locks. For a regular cylinder lock, you’ll need a Phillips head and flathead screwdriver, and an Allen wrench. Starting by removing the screws and spindle with both screwdrivers, then popping the cylinder out with your Allen wrench.

Lock Repair Costs

Lock repair costs can vary depending on the type of lock and the extent of the damage. Here are some approximate prices for common lock repairs:

• Repairing a mortice lock: £55 – £80
• Repairing a euro lock: £45 – £65
• Repairing a upvc door lock: £75 – £100
• Replacing a broken key: £90 – £120
• Replacing a lost key: £100 – £150

Note: These approximate prices may vary depending on the locksmith and the specific job.

Locksmith Part Pricing

Locksmith part pricing can vary depending on the type of lock and the quality of the parts. Here are some approximate prices for common locksmith parts:

Checklist: Hiring a Locksmith in the UK

Below is a checklist to consider when hiring a contractor for changing a lock and checking locksmith near me prices.

• Make sure your locksmith is approved by the Master Locksmiths Association scheme and has the correct qualifications for the job.
• Seek out a few different options and ensure you ask for a handful of quotes from locksmiths before settling on one company/tradesman. Even if you think you have a good deal straight away, you should always weigh up other options.
• Double-check that your locksmith is authorised to change your locks and has completed similar jobs to this before. Always ask for references and pictures from their previous clients.
• Always put a written agreement with your locksmith out before any work takes place. This will ensure you have a clear outline of the job specification and what services will be included in their quote.
• Always make sure that your tradesperson is insured and offers a guarantee for their work, as well as being registered with a reputable trade body.
• Last but not least, remember to ask for a receipt or payment confirmation to protect you against possible future disputes.

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