How much does a locksmith charge per hour in the UK?

A locksmith in the UK typically charges £50–£95 per hour during standard working hours, with the national average around £65 per hour. Evening, weekend, and bank holiday call-outs typically cost 50-100% more. Emergency out-of-hours service can cost £100–£200 per hour plus a call-out fee.

How much does a lock change cost in the UK?

Lock changes in the UK typically cost £125–£250 depending on the type of lock. A basic cylinder lock replacement costs £75–£150, a mortice deadlock costs £100–£200, and a sophisticated multi-point locking system for UPVC doors costs £150–£300 or more. Prices include labour and standard locks but may exclude premium security hardware.

How much does an emergency locksmith call-out cost in the UK?

Emergency locksmith call-outs in the UK typically cost £50–£150 for the call-out fee, plus the cost of any work carried out. If you're locked out outside normal hours (evenings, weekends, bank holidays), expect to pay 50-100% premium on standard rates. Some locksmiths offer fixed emergency rates starting from around £150 all-inclusive for basic lockouts.

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost UK 2026?

Average locksmith costs, hourly rates, and typical prices for lock services across the UK.

Note: Prices are estimates only. Always get a written quote before work begins. Rates vary by location, experience, and job complexity.

Average Hourly Rates

Type of Service	Hourly Rate
Standard Hours	£50-£95
Evening (6pm-10pm)	£75-£120
Night (10pm-6am)	£100-£150
Weekend	£75-£130
Bank Holiday	£100-£200

Call-Out Charges

Type of Call-Out	Average Cost	Notes
Standard Call-Out	£50-£100	Within normal hours
Emergency Call-Out	£75-£150	Outside normal hours
Urgent Response	£100-£200	Within 1 hour
Free Call-Out (with work)	Often free	If work proceeds

Lock Change Costs

Type of Lock	Average Cost	Notes
Yale Type Cylinder	£75-£120	Basic rim cylinder
Euro Cylinder (standard)	£80-£150	Most common UK door lock
Anti-Snap Euro Cylinder	£100-£180	Enhanced security
Mortice Deadlock (BS3621)	£100-£200	Insurance-approved
Night Latch	£80-£150	Yale type
Multi-Point Lock (UPVC)	£150-£300	Full mechanism
Patio Door Lock	£100-£200	Sliding doors
Garage Door Lock	£80-£160	Standard mechanism

Emergency Services

Service	Average Cost	Typical Time
Lockout (house)	£80-£150	15-45 mins
Lockout (car)	£80-£200	20-60 mins
Lockout (safe)	£150-£400	1-3 hours
Broken Key Extraction	£60-£150	15-45 mins
Key Cutting (standard)	£5-£15	Per key
Key Cutting (laser)	£15-£30	Per key
Lock Repair	£60-£150	30-60 mins

Window and Security

Service	Average Cost	Notes
Window Lock (standard)	£40-£80	Per window
Window Lock (security)	£60-£120	Enhanced
Patio Door Lock	£100-£200	Mechanism replacement
Door Handle Repair	£50-£100	Internal mechanism
Door Closer Adjustment	£40-£80	Fire door closers
Security Bar Installation	£80-£150	Per bar
Door Viewer Installation	£30-£60	Peephole

Safe Services

Service	Average Cost	Notes
Safe Opening	£150-£400	By complexity
Safe Combination Reset	£80-£200	Existing safe
Safe Installation	£150-£400	Wall or floor
Safe Relocation	£100-£300	By size

Regional Variations

Region	Average Hourly Rate
London & South East	£70-£120
South West	£55-£90
West Midlands	£50-£85
East Midlands	£45-£80
East Anglia	£50-£85
North West	£45-£80
Yorkshire	£45-£75
Scotland	£45-£80

Tips for Hiring a Locksmith

Locksmith services are often needed urgently, making it important to know what to look for:

Verify identification and credentials — Ask for ID when the locksmith arrives. Legitimate locksmiths carry ID cards and should be happy to show proof of identity. Check for membership in organisations such as the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).
Get a written quote — Always request a written quote before work begins. A reputable locksmith will provide a clear breakdown of costs including call-out fee, labour, and parts. Be wary of vague estimates.
Beware of cold callers — Be cautious of locksmiths who advertise through flyers left on windscreens or appear in search results without proper verification. Use reputable directories or get recommendations from friends and family.
Ask about VAT — Some locksmiths quote prices excluding VAT, which can add 20% to your bill. Always clarify whether the quoted price includes VAT.
Check for hidden fees — Ask about any additional fees such as mileage, out-of-hours charges, or emergency response fees. Ensure the final price matches the initial quote.
Verify insurance-approved locks — If you're replacing locks for insurance purposes, ensure the new locks meet BS3621 or other relevant British Standards. Your locksmith should be able to advise on insurance-approved options.
Get a proper invoice — Always request a detailed invoice that includes the locksmith's company details, VAT number (if applicable), and a breakdown of costs. This is essential for insurance claims or warranty purposes.

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Disclaimer: These are average figures based on typical UK rates. Always get a written quote specific to your job. NearbyTraders provides directory information only — always verify qualifications and insurance directly.