Locksmith Cost: Find Out How Much You Can Save By Calling Key On Spot!

Locksmiths are professionals who can help you with various locksmithing services. They can make replacement keys for you, change out locks on your doors and windows, repair broken locks, and much more. There are many different types of locksmiths who specialize in various areas such as automotive, residential, or commercial locksmithing. So, how much does a locksmith cost?  The cost of hiring a professional locksmith will depend upon the kind of service they provide and where they are located. 

In this article, we'll look at some common questions surrounding locksmiths and provide answers so that you can feel confident in your decision to hire one.

When Do You Need a Locksmith?

Before we discuss the cost of locksmith services, let's talk first about when you'll need their assistance. There are plenty of scenarios for when you'll be needing one and it's essential to know the situation you're in so that the locksmith will be prepared once they arrive.

You'll want to get in touch with a locksmith if:

Lost or Stolen Keys

When you've lost your keys or someone has stolen them, a locksmith can approach this problem in many ways. They will either provide a: 

• REKEY Service (Changing the mechanism and pins inside your locks making the previous one obsolete)
• LOCK INSTALLATION Service (Installing new, high-quality locks)
• KEY DUPLICATION Service (Making a copy of your key without the need for the lost key)

Now you will have to decide which one is the best for you, as a locksmith can only give advice for you to choose from. For example, if you've lost your keys but you know no one has stolen them, a locksmith will suggest a key duplication as it is cheaper than a lock installation service.

Moving into a New Apartment or Home

It's always essential to install new locks if you just moved into a new home or apartment as you do not know if anyone has a copy of your keys. If the locks are relatively new, it's best to have them rekeyed by a locksmith instead of installing new locks. Now, if you moved into an apartment, let the landlord or property owner know that you'll be replacing your locks or rekeying them.

Being Locked Out

A lockout means that you cannot access your property because you lost the keys, broke them, or someone stole them. A lockout does not only happen to homes but also to cars and businesses. A Lockout Service provided by a locksmith will get you back inside your property in no time. This means a locksmith can open your doors without the original keys, which we will explain further in a bit.

Cost of Locksmith Services 

Locksmith services are necessary for everyone, even if you don't think you need them. You may not realize it, but you could find yourself in a situation where you need to call a locksmith, and the professionals at Key On Spot Locksmith can help.

A locksmith service cost will depend on what service you will need, such as the ones we've stated above. But expect to pay a minimum cost of $50 to a maximum cost of $500, which will depend on what type of situation you’re in and the service you’ll need.

Cost to Rekey Locks

We've stated above that a Rekey Service is changing the mechanism and pins of your locks to make the old key useless. A new key will then be made to fit that rekeyed lock so only you can access it. The cost depends on which lock you want to be rekeyed, such as:

• Home Locks: $80-$150
• Car Locks: $50-$180
• Car Key Ignition: $50-$150
• Business Locks: $150

These prices depend on the type of locks that will be rekeyed. For instance, if it's a more complex lock like a high-security lock, a standard knob lock, the model and make of the vehicle, or smart locks. Rekeying locks is an affordable option rather than installing new locks.

Cost of Locks Installation

Installing new locks for your home is not cheap but a great way to keep your mind at ease when you had your keys stolen or you've just moved into a new house/apartment. The cost will vary depending on the locks you want to be installed but the average is between $50-$200.

• Knob Locks: $60 to $70
• Cylindrical Deadbolts: $50 to $70
• Mortise Locksets: $125 to $175
• Car Locks: $200 to $600
• Electronic Locks: $50 to $2000

As you see, these examples of lock prices go higher and higher. From your standard knob locks, which are only good for interior use such as bathrooms and bedrooms to electronic locks. Although not as cheap, the best electronic locks feature biometric systems, RFID, security tokens, passcodes, and more. However, this is not recommended for homes as they are far too expensive. A deadbolt lock will suffice for your home security. 

Cost of Key Duplication

A key duplication service is the cheapest locksmith service if you've lost your house/business/car keys. A locksmith will use blanks for your metal keys to cut new keys that are exactly the same. But if you've lost your car key fobs, a locksmith will then program a new one so that the older one will no longer work. What are the costs?

• Standard home/car metal key: $1 to $20
• Programming Car Key Fobs: $30 to $175

Standard home/car metal keys are easy to duplicate as locksmiths have tools that are designed for these types of services. The same goes for car key fob programming as locksmiths will also have tools like scanners, readers, programming tools, and more. However, programming key fobs can reach up to hundreds of dollars as high-end vehicle key fobs are more difficult to program and some of them have limits for duplicating key fobs.

Cost of Lockout Service

If you are looking to get your door open at any time of the day, then a lockout service is exactly what you need. 

Now you may be wondering, how much is a locksmith to open a door for me at any time of the day? It will all depend on your location and urgency. So what are the costs of lockout services?

• Door Locks: $65 to $200
• Car Door Locks: $75 to $150

If you notice the locksmith about to drill your locks, it's best to call off the service immediately as no professional locksmith resorts to drilling locks first. A locksmith will not drill your locks if there is no other option and even if it's plan Z, a locksmith will still try to find a way before drilling locks.

How Much Is a Locksmith for a Car?

An automotive locksmith service provides a variety of services, and as you've seen above, some of the average service costs are higher than for residential needs. In addition, the prices may go up or down depending on the model and make of your vehicle as well as the complexity of the work. For example, an automotive locksmith will program a new car key fob for a Lambo and a Toyota, which one do you think is more expensive? That's right, the high-end vehicle.

Can a Locksmith Unlock any Door?

Locksmiths are trained for years and have certificates to prove it. However, if you're thinking that a locksmith will just open any door without verification, then you're mistaken. A locksmith will never unlock any door either be it for a car, business, or home, without any verification. A locksmith will usually ask for two IDs or any proof that it is your property such as utility bills, licenses, passports, and more.

Can I Install Locks by Myself?

You can absolutely install locks on your own. It's cheaper and you get to feel like a real DIYer, but be sure to do your research and know what you're doing before you start. If you mess up, it'll be a waste of money as you probably will have to repair the door or locks. 

In need of a locksmith service? Call Key On Spot Locksmith!

Don't worry about the cost of a locksmith service! Key On Spot Locksmith always offers affordable rates for all types of services. We're a local licensed lockout service and provider of various locksmith services 24/7 in Philadelphia, PA. Some of our most popular services include residential, commercial, and automotive Lock Change, installation, and Repair Services. 

While we're most famous for our Unlocking Services, we cater to the needs of hundreds of satisfied customers on a daily basis. So if you need a locksmith around Philadelphia, PA, we are the right company to call. In need of a locksmith service? Give us a call today!