How much does a locksmith cost in London and the UK 2021
July 30, 2025
What are locksmith prices in the UK and London for 2021?
If you've ever locked yourself out of your home or car in London, or if you need to change out the locks on your home, you know what a hassle, and an unexpected expense, it can be. To avoid damaging your home or car, think about getting an SMS locksmith in. We have the tools, knowledge and expertise to get into the lock without too much issues.
The cost to hire a locksmith in London is about £100 on average, though you might pay anywhere from £59 to £350 depending on what kind of locksmith service you need, the locks you want and number of keys you need.
Some tips to keep in mind when hiring a locksmith are:
What type of lock do you need changed or repaired?
- Rim lock prices London
- Rim cylinder locks or Yale locks
- These cylinders usually start from - £25 depending on brand and number of keys.
- The high security rim cylinder locks start from approximately - £85
If a night-latch - often described as a ‘Yale Lock’ is just being changed for security reasons, then only the cylinder will need to be changed which will keep the price down. If the whole night-latch needs to be changed (if you are upgrading the security, or its broken) then this will cost a little more.
Euro cylinder locks in London as pictured on the right, below the handle start from - £30 - they can range up to £250 for the highest security versions with master key systems and patented keys.
Fire safe versions on the right will often be a similar price. These are necessary on HMO's.
- Euro cylinder lock prices
- Euro cylinder locks start from £25 in London from you mobile locksmith
- Sashlock deadlock British standard
- British standard sashlocks are both the latch and deadlock combined.
These usually start from - £60 - Only ever use British standard locks on the entrance to your property.
When installed on french doors or double leaf doors of any types, they will need a rebate kit. These kits must match the lock they are being installed with and start from £50. Again we advise only installing british standard versions of these locks on entrance doors to your property.
Mortice locks (Often referred to as Chubb locks ) being among the most common are by far one of the most reliable locks for security.
Mortice locks in London usually start from £55
As there are a few different levels of security involved in a Mortice deadlock locks its best to check that they have 5 levers at least. They can range in price depending on the brand of manufacturer and number of keys. Don't forget to factor in the labour to change them as some require adjustments to be made in order for them to fit.
Changing Locks -The cost of changing locks in London is about £75 to £200 on average , which varies in total cost by lock type, fees (bank holidays, weekends, evenings) and your preferred security level. If you have experienced a burglary, we advise you to also consider changing your locks and maybe installing some new ones. There are various situations where changing your locks is necessary. Some additional considerations are:
If locked out of your home, they will charge about £59 to £150 to come to you. Evening, weekend or holiday services can go up to £95 to £250.
Locksmiths might charge £2 to £7 to copy a key, but it might cost you up to £35 for special patented keys.
Locksmith service prices in London 2021
The average cost of calling out an emergency Locksmith would be around £89 for the labour, plus any parts. Most respectable Locksmiths will not have a call out charge and will just charge you for the labour and parts. This is just an estimate, and until the Locksmith is actually stood at your door and can see the problem then the price can vary from this.
If you decide you need an emergency locksmith, expect to pay anywhere from £59 to £160 . While that sounds extremely high, there are some factors that play into the cost. If it's a night-time call-out or weekend call-out it may cost you extra. It’s harder to call a few services in these situations to get a few quotes, but make sure you aren’t being scammed for their services.
How much does a locksmith charge in London per hour?
Within normal working hours, which are often considered between 8am to 6pm, you can expect to pay an estimated £89 for up to an hours’ worth of labour.
However the time of day will impact the labour rate as outside of normal working hours, such as late at night or weekends, a premium is often charged. Do also keep in mind that a Locksmith could also increase his hourly rate should he have to travel a greater distance to get to you. You are free to shop around and use a more local service as with all trades.
Locksmith Price Factors : What can Affect the Locksmith prices?
You may be charged more for a Locksmith if you require their services at an inconvenient time such as late at night. Most Locksmith prices will increase between the hours of 8pm to 6am. So don’t expect to be charged the same amount at 3am that you would do at 11:30am.
Depending on the size of the job, for example; how many locks you need changing, will help you factor in to the overall cost of the job.
You will need to confirm whether the price you have been quoted is for the whole job, or changed by the hour.
If all you need is the Locksmith to remove a broken key, then you will only have to pay for the labour. Meaning the job will be less expensive.
However if you need multiple locks replaced, then this will take more labour hours and you will need to include the prices of multiple new locks.
TOP TIP - If you engage a Locksmith during work hours on a work day, then the price is likely to be lower than if you called them out late night on a weekend.
Lock Type and Brand
Using a budget cylinder will mean the job total will be cheaper in the short run
Picking a high security branded cylinder will definitely mean you are spending more money
Euro Locks, Mortice Locks, Nightlatches and Security Bolts all have different costs, so depending on what type of lock you need, the price may vary.
Size of Job
Most Locksmith companies will charge by the hour, if you only require one lock to be changed then you can be pretty confident that the Locksmith will complete the job within an hour. However, if you have just moved house and need every single lock on the doors and windows in your house replaced, then you may need to budget for 2/3 hours. You may also need to consider if your doors or windows have standard or unusual locks. Most Locksmiths carry the standard locks in their vans, however if a part needs to be ordered in, the Locksmith will have to return to your property, meaning they may have to charge another hour of labour. At SMS Locksmith this would only ever apply to special order lock, we don't charge more for coming back to fit a lock that is usually carried by emergency locksmiths, including mechanisms.
Parts/Equipment Needed
If you require locks to be replaced as part of the service, then you will be charged for the new parts as well as the labour. This is often the case with snapped locks and cylinders, or if a lock has been damaged beyond repair. The type of lock you need is be dependent on the type of door you have and what your insurance policy requires. This may stop you from getting the least expensive, basic lock. The parts cost may also increase if you have a digital or smart lock, as these are harder to fix and more expensive to replace. If you have a UPVC door or something has gone wrong with the mechanism, this may also increase the price as they must be matched like for like and are often from overseas manufacturers.
London Locksmith Prices
Locksmith Job Type
Gain access/ Lockout in London -
Changing the locks on a new property -
Emergency Boarding Up -
Replacing a Mortice lock -
Changing a Euro Cylinder -
Changing a Yale type lock (Rim cylinder) -
Broken key removal price London -
Post box lock opening and replacement -
Locksmith London prices
Prices will start from £59 and can go up to £250 for high security lock picking
Prices will start from £90 and can reach the £1,000's if there are many doors and locks to install.
Depending on the amout of damage done prices will start from £150 - £350 depending on the amount of damage
Labour prices will be approx £75 and the locks start from £55
Labour prices will be Approx £75 and the locks start from £35
Labour prices will be approx £75 and the locks start from £25
Labour prices will be approx £75
Labour prices will be approx £65 and the locks start from £15
London Locksmith Hourly Prices
The hourly price of a locksmith in London can be from £75 per hour as labour charges. Again most reputable locksmiths will not charge a call out fee, rather the labour charge will be higher.
The cost of hiring a locksmith in London may be slightly more expensive than elsewhere in the UK due to charges the locksmith has to pay such as congestion and parking charges.
Last but not least
London Prices for an Emergency Locksmith ( Out Of Hours 8PM to 6AM )
The cost of emergency locksmith in London per hour will be from £95 per hour rising to approximately £120 per hour after midnight, it's important factor in weekends, bank holidays/xmas & new year as the price may increase. Be sure to always ask the locksmith before they come out rough prices. If the quote goes from £45 to £300 real quick with no solid explanation, it may be time to call another company. Even if it means paying their cancellation fee, it can save you £100's in the long run.
If you're looking for an accurate price from a London Locksmith you can simply click our contact us page and send us an image through Whatsapp, Signal or Email.
If you live in Wimbledon’s SW19, you know the vibe - gorgeous tree-lined streets, the buzz of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the charm of the Village or Common just a short walk away. But between the stunning Victorian houses, sleek modern flats, and lively shops on the high street, there’s a catch: lockouts after a late night cheering at the All England Club or the odd break-in, in quieter spots can throw a wrench in your day. Even thing like moving homes or updating your home insurance can come with challenges. That’s when you need a local locksmith you can count on to sort things out fast. At SMS Locksmiths, we're proud to serve Wimbledon and the SW19 area (including Southfields, Merton Park, and Colliers Wood) with 24/7 emergency and planned services. Our DBS-checked, fully insured technicians arrive within 30 minutes, using non-destructive methods and transparent pricing - no hidden fees or call-out charges. Whether you're a homeowner securing your Edwardian semi-detached or a business owner in the Wimbledon Broadway retail hub, we're here to keep you safe. In this guide, we'll cover the top 5 locksmith services we provide to SW19 residents, tailored to local needs like upgrading heritage locks or handling post-match rush lockouts. Read on for practical tips, and remember: prevention is key to peace of mind. 1. Emergency Lock Opening: Back Inside in Minutes, No Damage to basic locks Nothing disrupts a Wimbledon evening stroll like realising you're locked out - keys forgotten after a coffee at Gail's or a tennis viewing party. Our lock opening service gets you back in fast using advanced pick-and-decode tools, bypassing tools and years of skill and experience, avoiding costly door damage. • Why Wimbledon residents love it: SW19's mix of old sash windows and modern uPVC doors means quick, non-destructive entry is essential. We handle everything from front doors to sheds and post boxes without a trace. • Real-life example: A local family in Southfields called us at 10 PM after misplacing keys during a dog walk on the Common. We arrived in 25 minutes, opened the lock in under 10, and advised on a spare key safe. • Pro tip: Always keep a copy of your keys with a family member or a person you trust, but call us immediately for lockouts - DIY attempts often lead to bigger bills. No matter the time, our 24/7 team ensures you're not stranded. Customer review: "SMS saved our night - professional and stress-free!" – Wimbledon Village resident (5 stars on Trustpilot). 2. Lock Changing: Fresh Security for New Starts in SW19 Moving into a charming Wimbledon flat or after losing keys? A lock change is your first line of defence against unknown access. We replace old locks with high-quality, British Standard (BS3621) compliant options that meet insurance requirements. • Tailored for Wimbledon: Many SW19 homes have outdated rim locks on period properties; we swap them for secure euro cylinders or deadbolts that fit seamlessly. • The process: On-site assessment (free quote), removal of old locks, installation (under 45 minutes), and a full test. Costs start from £110, with a 1-year warranty. • Local insight: With rising lettings in Merton Park, tenants often request changes post-move—we've helped dozens secure their new homes and flats without voiding deposits. Don't risk spare keys circulating; a quick change brings instant security. Book via our site for same-day service. 3. Lock Upgrades: Boost Protection Against Wimbledon Burglary Trends SW19 saw a spike in bike thefts and shed break-ins last year, per Merton Council reports. Our lock upgrades modernise your setup with anti-snap, anti-drill cylinders and multi-point systems, deterring thieves in high-traffic areas like Haydons Road. • SW19-specific benefits: Upgrade Victorian night latches to snap-resistant models or add 5 lever British standard deadlocks for Colliers Wood flats – we supply multiple brands for you to choose from on site. • Why upgrade now?: Standard locks fail 70% of tested break-ins; our BS-approved options slash that risk and keep premiums low. • Quick win: A Wimbledon Broadway shop owner upgraded their rear door after a near-miss; no incidents since, and they saved on insurance. We offer free security audits to spot weak points - perfect for families near the tennis grounds during tournament season. 4. New Lock Installations: Seamless Fits for Home or Business Renovating your Wimbledon townhouse or fitting out a new office near Plough Lane? Our lock installation service handles everything from single deadbolts to full master key systems for multi-unit properties. • Local expertise: We specialise in SW19's diverse builds -reinforced locks for ground-floor flats or heavy-duty ones for garage conversions in quiet Merton Park cul-de-sacs. • Step-by-step: Site visit for measurements, custom sourcing (e.g., thumb-turn cylinders for easy exit), professional fitting, and handover with keys and instructions. Most jobs completed in the first visit. • Business perk: For Wimbledon shops and cafes, we install mechanical digital access control for staff shifts, reducing downtime. Invest in lasting quality - our installations come with lifetime advice and no-fuss guarantees. 5. After-Burglary Services: Restore and Reinforce in SW19 A break-in is every homeowner's nightmare, and Wimbledon's green spaces can attract opportunists. Our after-burglary response includes immediate boarding-up, full lock replacements, and forensic-safe repairs to get you secure overnight. • Comprehensive support: We coordinate with police (providing reference numbers for claims), replace damaged frames, board up broken doors and windows to restore security providing you with peace of mind and giving you time to change doors. • Wimbledon focus: In areas like Southfields, where gardens back onto commons, we add perimeter advice like gravel paths for noise alerts. • From the frontlines: After a recent Merton burglary wave, we helped a family in SW19 board up, reinstall high-security locks, and claim via photos - back to normal in 24 hours. Act fast: Delaying repairs invites further risk. We're your second call after the police post-incident, with compassionate, efficient service. Why Choose SMS Locksmiths for Your Wimbledon SW19 Needs? As a family-run business with over a decade in South West London, we know SW19 inside out - from the rush of match days to the serenity of the Common. Our services aren't just fixes; they're tailored solutions with free quotes, 30-minute responses, and eco-friendly practices (we recycle old locks!). Plus, we're fully insured and DBS-vetted for your peace of mind. Ready to secure your Wimbledon home or business? Visit smslocksmith.co.uk to book online or request a free security check. For emergencies, we're just a click away - no postcode too far in SW19! Stay safe, Wimbledon - SMS Locksmiths has your back. #WimbledonLocksmith #SW19Security #EmergencyLocksmith #LockChangeWimbledon #MertonLocksmith ________________________________________ FAQs for SW19 Residents: Q: How quickly can you arrive in Wimbledon? A: Typically 20-30 minutes, 24/7 - no exceptions for rush hour on the A3! Q: Are your services insured for SW19 properties? A: Yes, all work is given a 1 year warranty and compliant with UK standards. Q: What's the cost for a basic lock change in Wimbledon? A: From £110, with no surprises - get a quote today. For more security tips, check our blog or follow us on social for Wimbledon updates!
Below is a more detailed breakdown of each service, which you can place under “Locksmith services we provide in Hounslow”: Lock Changes & Upgrades
 If you’ve just moved into a new home or want to increase your security, we can replace your locks with better, more secure models. Whether it’s euro cylinders, mortice locks, deadbolts or master key systems, we can recommend and install insurance-grade products. Lock Repair & Adjustment Locks wear out over time - maybe the key sticks or you force it to turn. We diagnose whether parts can be repaired (springs, levers, cylinders) or whether it requires replacement. We can also realign misaligned mechanisms so things work smoothly again. Emergency Lockout / Non-Destructive Entry Locked out at an inconvenient hour? We specialize in non-destructive entry, meaning we’ll open your door without breaking it. We carry a full set of specialised tools, from lock picks to tensioners, to gain entry safely and professionally. Burglary & Forced Entry Repair If your property has been broken into, we can repair or replace damaged locks, door frames, or hinges. We can also strengthen weak points and offer recommendations to prevent future incidents (e.g. reinforced strike plates, heavy-duty cylinders). Door & Frame Carpentry / Refurbishment Sometimes the door frame, jamb or door edge is also damaged or poorly aligned. We can carry out carpentry, reinforce the frame, repair door edges, or adjust the door fitting so your locks work properly. UPVC / Multi-Point Door & Window Mechanisms UPVC doors and windows often have multipoint locking systems that require delicate handling. We service, repair, or replace gearboxes, locking rods, handles, and cylinders. We can also realign or replace stuck mechanisms so your windows and doors seal properly. Commercial & Business Services For offices, shops, and commercial premises, we offer: Master key systems Restricted key zones Keyholding & emergency access Panic bars, exit devices, and high-security door furniture Mechanical Digital keypad / access control installations Lock re-keying when staff changeover occurs Area Coverage & Availability We cover the TW3 area and nearby zones in Hounslow, including Feltham, Heston, Cranford, and West Drayton. Wherever you are in Hounslow, we strive to reach you fast. We operate 24/7, every day. Even during weekends and bank holidays, we remain on call.
