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How Much do Locksmiths Charge in the UK? | From Repairing to Installing Locks

  • Standard charges range from £65 to £80 per hour for labour.
  • Emergency or out-of-hours costs you around £100 to £150.

Locksmith prices in the UK vary significantly depending on the type of service required and the time of day, such as emergency services, which require additional costs. It generally ranges from £65 to £200 per hour. But every lock type costs you differently, whether replacing or upgrading with a new one. In emergency situations, not lying during working hours may incur higher prices of up to £80 per hour. Also, your location matters, locksmiths in London have higher charges, around 10 pounds, more than the standard rates of other UK cities. 

Note: The following prices are the estimated cost range used to provide services in the UK. However, they may vary, so it is recommended to get a quote before hiring a locksmith by giving the exact task details and informing them about the lock type.

Locksmith Charges Breakdown for Changing Locks

Several key factors can influence how much locksmiths charge for a lock change. These include the time of day you call, the location and the brand or type of lock. A simple euro lock cylinder costs you around £100, while if you are upgrading the mortise, it tends to cost more due to its intricate designs. 

Lock Type Estimated Cost Range
Yale Lock£100 to £120
Standard uPVC Lock£100 to £150
Anti-snap uPVC Lock£125 to £175
Mortice Lock£115 to £160
Garage Door Lock£85 to £100
Changing a Rim Cylinder £70 to £90
Patio Door Lock£90 to £120
Replace all Locks£400 to £600

 

Expected Rates to Pay for Re-entry to Your Property—Unlocking

The price of unlocking the door in the UK can depend on the complexity and security of the lock being opened. Standard locks are generally easier and quicker to unlock compared to high-security or electronic ones, which may require specialized tools and techniques. 

Service typePrice Estimate
Unlocking Door Lock £85 to £110
Double Lock Door£100 to £160
Electronic Lock£50 to £150
Remove broken/snapped key£80 to £95
Lost Key ReplacementFrom £95

Charges to Repair a Damaged or Broken Lock

The repair charges depend on the extent of the damage and the time it takes. Typically it starts from £55, which may include the parts required for replacement.

Lock Repair JobAverage Cost
Repair Front or Back Door Lock£80 to £100
Repair Internal Door Lock 

(bedroom or bathroom)

£40 to £80
Repair uPVC Door Lock£65 to £120
Repair uPVC GearboxFrom £65
Window Lock£50 to £70
Door Handle£30 to £50
Garage Door Lock£50 to £70

Locksmith Labour Rates in the UK per Hour

The charges are classified according to the time, such as morning, evening, or late midnight. They also depend on the location where the service is required. If you hire a locksmith for an hour, it generally costs you somewhere around £60 to £80, but in case of the extended period, you may have to pay extra. Some lock experts may charge you half for the next hour or offer discounts for longer projects.

Time PeriodHourly Rate
Normal working hours

(8 am to 6 pm)

£65 to £89
Evening 

(6 pm to 9 pm)

£90 to £115
Weekend rates £90 to £130
Emergency Call-outs£50 to £150
London Locksmith £90 per hour
Emergency Locksmith call in London £115 to £150
Out-of-hours Rates£80 to £200

Costs for Different Lock Types Excluded Service

There is a range of lock types used in the UK for residential and commercial properties at varied costs. From cheaper basic Euro Cylinders to BS3621-approved Nightlatch, here is a breakdown of prices without labour costs so you can make an informed decision.

Lock TypeRates 
Euro Cylinder Lock£24 to £60
Night Latch ( Yale Lock )£30
Mortice Locks

(2-5 lever)

£20 to £40
BS3621 Night Latch£95
Rim Cylinder£10 to £20
Sashlocks£25 to £40
Multi-point Locking SystemsAround £200

If you need additional keys, locksmiths charge between £5 and £30 per key, based on the structure complexity. 

Conclusion

Understanding locksmith pricing in the UK is vital for homeowners seeking assistance. Some locks are more complex than others, influencing the cost. The charges also widely depend on the service you acquire, from repair to replacement, timing to call out during working hours, or in an emergency and regional area. However, the labour costs you a minimum of 60 pounds in standard hours and for basic locks.