The lock charge and the visit.
Published supplier examples · AUD · attendance is additional
Scope Security · per lock
Scope Security
From A$49.50
From A$49.50 per lock or cylinder
Moore Park Kensington · per lock
Moore Park Kensington Locksmiths
A$53.90
A$53.90 per standard lock
Market guide, not NearMe Locks rates. Confirm GST, attendance and the full job total.
Two published Sydney examples advertise standard rekeying at roughly A$50 per lock, plus attendance. The visit charge can be a substantial part of a small job, so ask for the total for all the cylinders you want changed.
Rekeying costs: the lock charge and the visit charge
| Published example | Standard rekey charge | Attendance charge |
|---|---|---|
| Scope Security | From A$49.50 per lock or cylinder | From A$110 per visit |
| Moore Park Kensington Locksmiths | A$53.90 per standard lock | A$121 service call |
Scope publishes A$45 + GST per rekey and a call-out from A$100 + GST. Moore Park Kensington publishes A$49 + GST per standard rekey and A$110 + GST for the service call. Neither entry specifies a universal key allowance or covers every lock type.
What might one lock or a whole-home visit add up to?
The following calculations show why the charge per lock is not the final bill. They assume one attendance, standard compatible locks, unchanged unit rates and no extra work. They are arithmetic illustrations based on the published structures, not quotes for completed jobs or advertised multi-lock packages.
| Locks included | Using Scope’s starting charges | Using Moore Park Kensington’s charges |
|---|---|---|
| One standard lock | A$110 + A$49.50 = A$159.50 | A$121 + A$53.90 = A$174.90 |
| Three standard locks | A$110 + 3 × A$49.50 = A$258.50 | A$121 + 3 × A$53.90 = A$282.70 |
| Five standard locks | A$110 + 5 × A$49.50 = A$357.50 | A$121 + 5 × A$53.90 = A$390.50 |
These are separate examples, not the lower and upper ends of a market range. Extra keys, different cylinders, gaining entry, repairs or an after-hours booking can change the total. Ask for a quote for your actual list of locks.
What counts as a lock or cylinder in a quote?
One door can have more than one lock, and some hardware has key-operated cylinders on both sides. Ask how the locksmith counts the items to be rekeyed. Sending “three doors” may not provide the same scope as an itemised cylinder list.
Explain which old keys need to stop working. If one key currently opens several entrances, list them all, including any gate or side door. Changing only one included lock leaves the other locks outside that work.
What changes the price?
What if you do not have a working key?
Tell the locksmith before booking. Gaining entry or dealing with a cylinder without a working key may involve extra work. A standard rekey price should not be assumed to cover opening a locked property as well.
If you are outside and cannot get in, see house lockout costs. Ask for the opening and key-change components to be explained together so you understand the complete job.
Does putting several locks on one key change the cost?
Ask about compatibility first. Not every existing cylinder can be arranged to use the same key, and some doors may need different parts. The proposal should distinguish rekeying suitable locks from supplying replacements.
Our guide to using one key for several door locks explains what to check. For pricing, confirm the number of cylinders, any replacement hardware and the number of new keys supplied.
When replacement may be needed instead
Rekeying does not fix every mechanical problem. Mention sticking keys, loose parts and doors that do not latch correctly. Ask whether the issue is key access, worn hardware or the way the door closes.
Where suitable hardware can stay, compare the rekey proposal with the cost of replacing the lock or cylinder. The rekey or replace guide covers the wider decision.
A clearer answer before you book.
Rekeying cost questions
Are new keys included?
Ask how many are included and whether extra copies or a restricted-key arrangement change the price. The per-lock figure alone does not establish the key allowance.
Is rekeying several locks cheaper per lock?
One attendance can be shared across several suitable locks, which changes the average cost per lock for the visit. That does not guarantee a discount on the unit rate or make the total lower than a one-lock job.
Is rekeying always cheaper than replacement?
No. It can retain suitable hardware, but the comparison depends on condition, compatibility, the parts needed and the desired result. Ask for both options where either could meet your needs.
More price guides
Planning a change of keys?
List the entrances, explain whether you have working keys and tell us your suburb.
Rekeying changes which key operates a compatible existing lock. If your aim is to stop an old key working, it may be suitable without replacing the whole lock. The quote still depends on the hardware, its condition and the key arrangement required.
Explore the rekeying service or return to the pricing overview.