How Much Do Locksmiths Charge Per Hour in the UK?
Locksmiths in the UK typically charge £40 to £100 per hour for routine work. Need someone at 2am, or on a Sunday? For emergency and out-of-hours calls the rate can climb to £150 or more.
Beyond that, rates vary a fair amount depending on what you actually need. A straightforward lockout sits at the lower end of the range, while a high-security lock installation costs significantly more. Location, time of day and the complexity of your locks all feed into the final bill.
At Kingdom Locksmith, we know security matters, but so does knowing what you are paying for. Whatever the job, ask for the numbers before any work starts, so you can decide with them in front of you.
This guide breaks down typical hourly rates, call-out fees, the extras that catch people out, and practical ways to keep the cost down.
How Much Do Emergency Locksmiths Charge Per Hour?
Emergency locksmiths charge between £80 and £200 per hour in the UK. Rates rise during evenings, weekends and holidays, because those are the hours when urgent work commands a premium. Call-out fees usually add £20 to £60, and more involved tasks such as lock repairs or rekeying push the total higher again.
As a worked example: a straightforward lockout might cost £80 to £120 during regular hours, rising to £150 to £200 late at night. Repairs to high-security or uPVC locks can add £50 to £150 on top. Knowing these ranges before you pick up the phone makes it much easier to judge the quote you are given.
Lock Replacement
Lock replacement typically runs at £90 to £150 per hour. That covers removing the old lock, fitting the new one and making sure it sits and operates correctly. Upgrading to a high-security or smart lock costs more because the job is more involved.
The work includes assessing the current lock, preparing the door and fitting the replacement. A multi-point locking system or a digital lock takes longer to fit, which adds to the labour.
Key Cutting and Rekeying Services
Key cutting and rekeying usually cost £5 to £25 per key, depending on the key type. Standard keys sit at the bottom of that range, while high-security and car keys cost more.
Key cutting duplicates an existing key. Rekeying changes the internal mechanism of the lock so that old keys no longer work. If you have lost a key or want to control who has access, rekeying is often the better-value option because it avoids replacing the whole lock.
Lock Repairs
Lock repairs typically cost £50 to £150 per hour, depending on the fault. Basic jobs, such as freeing a jammed or misaligned lock, sit at the lower end. Repairing more intricate systems, such as multi-point mechanisms or high-security locks, costs noticeably more.
A repair usually means fixing the internal mechanism, replacing worn components or realigning the lock so it runs smoothly. uPVC door lock repairs and smart lock repairs tend to take longer because of their complexity, which pushes the price up.
What Will an Emergency Call-Out Cost in Total?
An emergency call-out normally starts at around £80 per hour and can reach £120 to £145 or more late at night or on bank holidays, with the most complex jobs topping £200. Those rates cover lockouts, urgent repairs and security fixes after a break-in.
Remember that a call-out fee may sit on top of the hourly charge, so always ask for a clear, itemised quote before the job begins.
Treat quotes at the extremes with caution. Anything over £200 per hour deserves a second opinion, and a suspiciously low rate under £60 for emergency work is often the opening move of a scam. A locksmith with solid credentials and consistently good reviews is worth a few pounds more.
Typical Locksmith Hourly Charges by Lock Type
Hourly charges vary with the lock type and the complexity of the job. The table below shows how labour rates line up with common lock jobs and why the ranges differ.
| Lock Type / Job | Typical Hourly Charge Range | Brief Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard euro cylinder lock | £80-£110 | Simple to access and fit; common on uPVC doors. |
| Anti-snap / high-security cylinder | £90-£130 | Needs specialised tools and techniques. |
| Mortice lock (insurance-grade) | £95-£140 | Deeper, more secure mechanism; takes longer. |
| Multi-point uPVC lock | £100-£150 | Complex alignment across several locking points. |
| Night latch / rim lock | £80-£115 | Simpler mechanism but variable security levels. |
How Much Does a Locksmith Charge for a Call-Out Fee?
A locksmith's call-out fee typically ranges from £20 to £60. It covers travel and the initial assessment, regardless of how long the job then takes. For emergency work, especially after hours, the fee climbs, commonly £50 to £100 or more during evenings, weekends and holidays.
Any additional work, such as repairs, key cutting or installation, is charged at the hourly rate (typically £80 to £200) on top of the call-out fee. Some locksmiths include the first hour of labour within the call-out fee, but never assume it; ask.
Before you commit, request a full breakdown of costs. A locksmith with a clear pricing structure has nothing to hide, and you avoid an unpleasant surprise when the invoice arrives.
Additional Costs to Expect When Hiring a Locksmith
Replacement Parts and Materials
Parts can add a fair amount to the bill. Standard lock cylinders usually run £25 to £55, mortice locks £35 to £75, and high-security or smart locks can pass £100. The price reflects the security level and complexity of the lock, so always check whether parts are included in the quote.
VAT and Extra Charges
Most UK locksmiths add 20% VAT on top of labour and parts. Emergency work outside regular hours can carry extra fees too, typically £50 to £150 for late-night or holiday calls, and long-distance travel fees may apply in remote areas. Clarify all of this upfront to avoid surprises.
Surcharges for After-Hours Work
Locksmiths working unsociable hours usually add a surcharge, typically 25% to 50% on top of the standard rate for late-night or holiday calls. It is the price of getting help when nowhere else is open, but agree the figure before anyone sets off.
Multiple Lock or System Installations
Having several locks replaced or installed at once means paying more for both parts and labour, though many locksmiths will discount bulk work. Confirm the total price for the full set before the job starts.
Expert Tips for Saving on Locksmith Services
Saving money on a locksmith does not have to mean settling for poor work. These habits keep the bill down without cutting corners.
1. Get Multiple Quotes
Unless you are stood outside in the rain, get quotes from at least three locksmiths before hiring one. Prices vary by area and by job, and comparing quotes shows you the fair market rate. Make sure each quote includes every potential cost, including the call-out fee and VAT.
2. Keep Your Locks Maintained
Prevention is cheaper than repair. Cleaning locks and lubricating the mechanism extends their life and cuts the odds of an expensive failure. An occasional check also catches small problems before they turn into emergencies.
3. Avoid Emergency Call-Outs Where You Can
Emergency rates can run to double the standard rate, especially at night, at weekends or on holidays. If the problem is not urgent, wait for normal business hours. Be honest with yourself about whether it is a true emergency before paying the after-hours premium.
4. Choose a Local Locksmith
A local locksmith usually charges less for travel, particularly if you live rurally or well outside a major town, and they can often reach you sooner as well.
5. Consider Rekeying Instead of Replacing
If you have lost your keys or want to change who can get in, rekeying is usually cheaper than a full replacement. It changes the lock's internal mechanism so old keys stop working, without the cost of new hardware.
6. Agree the Costs Upfront
Discuss every possible cost before work begins. Ask about the call-out fee, VAT, and whether special locks or tools carry an extra charge. Clarity at the start prevents surprise charges at the end.
How to Choose a Professional Locksmith in the UK
The cheapest quote is not always the best one. These are the checks that matter when picking a locksmith.
1. Verify Qualifications and Certifications
Check that the locksmith is properly trained and holds certifications from a recognised industry body. Ask too whether they carry public liability insurance; a professional will have it and will not mind the question.
2. Check Reviews and Reputation
Read the locksmith's reviews on trusted platforms before hiring. Customer feedback tells you a lot about reliability, professionalism and quality of work. Look for consistently positive ratings and detailed, specific reviews rather than a handful of vague five-star ones.
3. Insist on Transparent Pricing
A trustworthy locksmith gives a clear breakdown of costs before starting any work. Confirm the call-out fee, the hourly rate and any extra charges for emergency work or particular lock types, and ask for a written estimate.
4. Check Availability, Including 24/7 Cover
If you want cover for emergencies, choose a locksmith who advertises 24/7 availability and is based close enough to reach you at short notice. Firms based nearby also tend to charge lower call-out fees.
5. Make Sure the Work Is Guaranteed
A professional locksmith should offer a guarantee covering repairs and installations. It gives you protection if a fault appears later, and it signals confidence in the work. Get the guarantee in writing.
6. Confirm the Locksmith's Specialisms
Some locksmiths specialise in particular work, such as digital locks, high-security locks or uPVC doors. Choose one with real experience of the job you need; a specialist will get it done more efficiently.
To Conclude
What locksmiths charge per hour in the UK comes down to the type of job, the time of day and the complexity of the work. Emergency and out-of-hours jobs cost significantly more, while routine work such as lockouts and key cutting sits at the lower end. Knowing the going rates before you call means you can budget sensibly and challenge a quote that looks wrong.
At Kingdom Locksmith, we can help whether you are dealing with a lockout, replacing a lock or upgrading the security of your home or business. Get in touch before you commit to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Lock in the UK?
Changing a lock usually costs between £90 and £150. Upgrading to a high-security or smart lock costs more, and changing several locks at once adds parts and labour, though bulk discounts are common.
Are Locksmiths Available 24/7?
Many locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency cover, but calling outside regular hours, at weekends or on holidays usually costs more, typically a 25% to 50% surcharge on top of the standard rate.
Can a Locksmith Open a Locked Door Without Damaging It?
In most cases, yes. Professional locksmiths carry tools that open a lock without harming it. If the lock is already broken, though, some damage may be unavoidable and the lock may need replacing.
Do Locksmiths Charge Extra for Weekends or Holidays?
Yes. Weekend, night and holiday call-outs often carry a 25% to 50% surcharge. Confirm the exact figure when you book, so the invoice holds no surprises.
Can a Locksmith Help With a Broken Key in a Lock?
Yes. Removing a snapped key is routine work for a locksmith, who can extract the broken piece and, where needed, repair or replace the lock. The cost depends on the lock's complexity.
