Alright, let’s talk about locksmiths. Living in the city that never sleeps, you’re bound to need one eventually. Whether it’s because you lost your keys, locked yourself out, or need a new lock installed, a locksmith can be your best friend. But how much does a locksmith actually cost? It’s one of those things you don’t really think about until you need it, and suddenly, you’re wondering if you’re about to break the bank. I’ll give you the lowdown in a real New York style, breaking it down piece by piece, just like how we roll here.
Factors Affecting Locksmith Prices
The cost of a locksmith depends on a few different factors. Just like everything else in life, it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal.
- Time of day: Let’s be real here, if you’re calling a locksmith at 2 a.m., you’re gonna pay more. It’s called the after-hours rate, and it’s like ordering pizza at midnight—you’re gonna get charged extra.
- Job complexity: You locked yourself out of your car? That’s one thing. But if you need a full lock system replaced for your business, that’s a whole different beast.
- Location: You in the heart of the city or out in the suburbs? That’s gonna change the price. City work usually comes with a bigger price tag.
Want to know what else impacts the cost? Let’s break it down further:
| Service Type | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| House lockout | $50 – $150 |
| Car lockout | $50 – $100 |
| Rekeying locks | $40 – $100 per lock |
| Key duplication | $1 – $10 per key |
| Broken key extraction | $50 – $200 |
| Lock installation | $100 – $200 per lock |
| High-security lock installation | $150 – $300 |
| Emergency service (after-hours) | Additional $50 – $100 |
House Lockouts: What’s It Gonna Cost You?
Let’s say you locked yourself out of your house, and you’re standing there staring at the door like, “Now what?” First of all, relax. You’re not the first person to get locked out, and you won’t be the last. So, how much is it going to cost?
Typically, for a house lockout, you’re looking at anywhere between $50 and $150. If it’s a simple lock, you’re probably on the lower end of that range. But if you’ve got some high-security lock, things can get more expensive. Now, if you’re calling Milton Locksmith Pro at midnight because you forgot your keys inside after a night out, expect to add another $50 to $100 for after-hours service.
So, what do you do if this happens? Check out our house lockout service for a quick, affordable solution.
Car Lockouts: That ‘Oh No’ Moment
Nothing like walking back to your car, only to realize your keys are sitting on the driver’s seat, mocking you through the window. We’ve all been there, so what’s the cost of saving your day?
A car lockout service will typically cost between $50 and $100. Again, like with house lockouts, the time of day matters. And if you’ve got one of those fancy push-to-start cars, it might cost a little more, since some cars have more complicated locking systems.
Now, if you’re ever stuck in that situation, and you’re in need of a key fob replacement, Milton Locksmith Pro has got your back. Our locksmiths know how to handle the techiest of cars, so you’re not stranded for long.
Rekeying and Lock Changes: The Costs of Keeping Your Place Safe
Sometimes, you just need to change the locks. Maybe you just moved into a new place, or maybe your old roommate still has a key, and things got weird. Whatever the case, rekeying your locks is cheaper than replacing them entirely. It’ll run you about $40 to $100 per lock.
If you want to install new locks, though, that’s going to be a bit pricier. You’re looking at about $100 to $200 per lock, depending on the type. And if you’re one of those “go big or go home” types, installing high-security locks will set you back $150 to $300.
Check out our rekey services for more info on keeping your place secure.
Key Duplication and Extraction: Little Things Add Up
Need to make some spare keys? You’ll be happy to know that key duplication is the cheapest locksmith service. It’s about $1 to $10 per key, depending on the type of key.
But what if your key snaps in the lock? Now that’s another story. Broken key extraction can cost anywhere between $50 and $200, depending on how tricky it is to get that key out of there.
Not sure how to get that broken key out? Check out our guide on broken key extraction and call us if you need help.
FAQ’S
Is it worth paying extra for after-hours service?
Here’s the thing—emergencies happen. You’re locked out, and it’s after midnight, and now you’re wondering if it’s worth calling a locksmith at this hour. The answer is, if you absolutely need to get inside or get your car running, yes, it’s worth it. Most emergency locksmith services tack on an extra $50 to $100 for after-hours calls. Sure, it’s a little more expensive, but if it’s freezing outside or you need to be somewhere, it’s money well spent.
Can locksmiths unlock cars without damaging them?
Absolutely. A good locksmith knows how to unlock your car without scratching or denting it. Whether you’ve got an older car or a modern one with electronic locks, a skilled locksmith has the tools to get you in without damage. And in case you’re worried about your new ride, we at Milton Locksmith Pro can unlock anything from your standard sedan to the most advanced keyless systems.
Should I rekey my locks or replace them?
Good question. If you’ve lost your keys or you’re concerned about someone else having a copy, rekeying is often the cheaper and quicker option. When you rekey a lock, the locksmith adjusts the internal mechanism so that the old keys won’t work anymore. This usually costs less than installing new locks. However, if your locks are old or damaged, replacing them might be the better call.
Want to learn more about whether rekeying is right for you? Read our article on why you should rekey your house.
What’s the difference between residential and commercial locksmith services?
Residential locksmith services focus on homes—whether it’s lockouts, rekeying, or security upgrades. Commercial locksmith services deal with larger security needs, like master key systems, high-security locks, and panic bars. These services tend to be more complex and, as you might guess, more expensive.
For businesses, the cost of commercial locksmith services can range from $100 to $300 for basic jobs, and even higher for more advanced security systems. Need to secure your business? Check out our commercial locksmith services for more info.
Conclusion:
So, how much does a locksmith cost? Well, it depends on what you need and when you need it. But whether you’re locked out of your car in the middle of the night or you need new locks installed at your business, there’s a price range for everything. And while it may cost a little more to call a locksmith at 2 a.m., it’s always worth it to get back inside and on with your life.
When you need fast, reliable locksmith services, Milton Locksmith Pro has you covered. From house lockouts to key fob replacements, we handle it all. Want to know more about how we can help? Don’t hesitate to contact us for all your locksmith needs, and learn more about our services.
