Locksmith services: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What locksmith services is

A locksmith opens, installs, repairs and rekeys locks on homes, vehicles and businesses. People usually call when they are locked out, when a key breaks or is lost, after a move, or when a lock has failed and needs replacing.

Signs you need it

  • You are locked out of your home, car or business and need entry without damage
  • A key has broken off in the lock, or the cylinder turns with no resistance
  • You moved into a place and do not know who still has keys
  • A deadbolt sticks, binds or will not latch, so the door does not lock properly
  • A lock was forced or bumped, and the door no longer closes square in its frame

What the pro does

  • Confirm you are the owner or an authorized resident, and check the ID or documents you show
  • Assess the lock type, the door and the frame, and decide whether the lock can be opened without drilling
  • Open the door with picking, impression or bypass tools, working to avoid damage to the frame
  • Remove the broken key or the failed cylinder, then cut, test and fit a replacement cylinder or key
  • Test the bolt, latch and strike alignment so the lock closes smoothly
  • Hand over the new keys and explain the key control, any codes, and any master key system

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Time of day, and whether the call is an emergency outside normal hours
  • Type of lock, such as a basic pin tumbler, a high-security cylinder, or an electronic or smart lock
  • Whether the job is opening, rekeying, cutting new keys or full replacement
  • Vehicle locks, which use different tools and sometimes key programming compared with house locks
  • Whether the door or frame must be drilled, and what repair that causes
  • Number of locks and keys, and whether a master key system is involved
  • Distance the locksmith must travel to reach the property

What a written quote should spell out

  • The service type, the number of locks, and the door or vehicle involved
  • Whether the opening is done without drilling, and what happens if drilling is needed
  • The cylinders, keys and hardware supplied, listed by type
  • Any after-hours or travel charge, shown as its own line
  • Warranty on the new hardware and the workmanship

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your business name and address, and will the vehicle be marked?
  • Will you open the lock without drilling, and what happens if you cannot?
  • How do you verify that I am allowed to have the door opened?
  • Is the price you quote the full price for this call, including the trip and any after-hours time?
  • What lock grade and brand will you install, and what warranty comes with it?
  • How many keys will I get, and who keeps the key records?
  • Do you carry insurance that covers work on my door or vehicle?

Red flags

  • They quote a low price on the phone, then raise it sharply when they arrive
  • They will not give a business name, an address or a way to verify who they are
  • They offer to drill a lock before trying a non-destructive method
  • They will not check your ID or ask for proof that you own the property or vehicle
  • They use an unmarked car and will not put the quote in writing

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can keep a spare key with a trusted person, check that doors close fully, and keep receipts and key records for each lock. Do not try to pick, bypass or drill a lock yourself, and do not pry a door or a vehicle window with metal tools, since frames, glass and side airbag wiring can be damaged. Call a locksmith for any lockout, broken key or lock that will not operate.

Licenses and permits

Some states and local areas license or register locksmiths, and some do not. Check with your state or local licensing agency to see whether the locksmith you hire needs a license or registration for this work, and ask for those details before the work starts.

Locksmith services questions

How long does a locksmith take to arrive?

Arrival time depends on the locksmith's location, the time of the call and their workload. Ask for a time window when you book, and confirm the name and company when they arrive.

Can a locksmith open my car without damage?

Often, yes, with the right tools. Some vehicle locks are harder to open without damage, and a locksmith should tell you the risk before starting.

Should I rekey or replace my locks after a move?

Rekeying changes the internal pins so your new key works and the old keys stop working. Replacement gives you new hardware. Ask the locksmith to inspect the locks and explain which option fits their condition.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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