Locksmith pricing
Understand what goes into the total before you agree to a visit or any work.
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Choose a guide for a closer look at costs, inclusions and what can affect the total.
Start with the job, then the price.
A useful estimate starts with your suburb, the door and the problem. The lock type, the work involved and the booking time can all affect the total.
Check which charges are included and whether the figure is an estimate or a quote for a defined scope. If an inspection changes what is needed, ask for the revised work and price before agreeing to it.
How pricing varies by service
Use the breakdown below to check the scope of the work, rather than comparing a headline figure on its own.
| Service | Pricing basis | May include | May add to the cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency lockouts | The door, lock and reason access has been lost. | Travel, assessment and entry work, if these are included in the agreed scope. | A damaged mechanism, replacement parts or a booking outside standard hours may change the work or charges. |
| Lock replacement | The chosen hardware and the fitting work required. | Removal of the old fittings, installation and checks of the latch, strike and keys, as specified in the quote. | Different lock dimensions, door or frame alterations, extra cylinders or a different finish can affect the total. |
| Rekeying | The number, type and condition of compatible cylinders. | Rekeying the agreed cylinders, testing and the stated number of new keys. | Additional cylinders or keys, missing working keys, or unsuitable hardware may require more work or a replacement. |
| Commercial locks | The doors, hardware and access arrangement at the premises. | The listed mechanical lock or keying work, operation checks and the agreed key handover. | Several doors, more involved keying, limited site access or requested work times can alter the scope and cost. |
If you are considering a key change or new hardware, compare rekeying and lock replacement before comparing quotes.
The parts of a locksmith quote
Call-out
A charge for travelling to the property or assessing the problem may apply. Ask what it covers and whether it is payable if you decide not to proceed.
Labour
The work needed to open, rekey, repair or fit the agreed hardware. Confirm whether labour is a fixed amount or charged by time, and whether a minimum charge applies.
Parts
Cylinders, locks, handles, keys and other materials may be separate from labour. Check the model, quantity and inclusions before approving the work.
After-hours
The requested booking time may carry an additional charge. Confirm availability and the full total for that time; an after-hours visit is not assumed to be available.
For work involving several cylinders, read about planning one key for several doors. Compatibility and the number of keys affect the scope to confirm.
Before you approve the quote
A clear scope makes the price easier to understand. Keep a written record of what you have agreed.
- What is the total for the work described, including GST where applicable?
- Is there a call-out or assessment charge if no further work goes ahead?
- How is labour charged, and is there a minimum charge?
- Which parts and how many keys are included?
- Are there extra charges for the location or requested booking time?
- How will any additional work and revised price be agreed before proceeding?
Questions about quotes and costs
Provide your suburb, the type of door and a short description of the problem. Mention whether you have a working key, whether the door is open or locked, and any visible damage. If several locks are involved, include the number of cylinders or doors.
An estimate is an indication based on the information available. A quote should set out a price for specified work and its conditions. Ask which you are being given, what it covers and what would need to be agreed if the scope changes.
Not necessarily. It may cover travel, assessment or a stated part of the job. Ask whether labour and parts are additional, and whether any fee remains payable if you choose not to have the work done.
Ask for an explanation of the additional work, the parts required and the revised total. Confirm the change before work proceeds, rather than relying on the initial estimate to cover a different job.
Get a quote for the work you need.
Start with your suburb and a short description of the lock or door problem.