Locksmith costs in London 2022
July 30, 2025
How much do locksmiths charge in the UK and London in 2022?
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.
For our 2022 price guide we will divide the costs into types of services making it easier for you to find out how much each locksmith service may cost you.
We'll start with the most common and unplanned locksmith expense
How much does an emergency lockout locksmith cost?
The lockout locksmith is the professional which will help you get into your home when you get locked out. Whether you're locked inside your London home or you are locked from the outside without any keys, a locksmith will be there to help you 24/7 and you will have a range of companies to choose from. What you do need to keep in mind here is the prices can indeed differ based on the company you work with and times of the day. That being said, you can expect to pay around £50- £120 or something along those lines for a standard lockout. If you’d also want additional services such as changing of lock, this could rack up the costs. That’s however the amount you can expect to pay for an emergency lockout service alone.
How much does it cost to change a lock in London?
Changing a regular Yale lock cylinder is around £75.00 in London and slightly less in other areas of the UK. At this price you can get an appointment set for a lock change which includes labour, the lock and possibly a warranty. But again, if you talk about the more complex locks, then the prices are certainly going up from this. Replacing a mortice lock will cost more and installing British standard locks will also cost more. . The prices can be very different, yet the thing to note here is that to replace a lock is not always more expensive than to repair it. Don’t forget that some locksmiths may charge a callout fee so ask first before booking.
How much does it cost to fix a lock?
If the lock doesn’t work, or it's been hard to use at all recently, then you need a locksmith to identify what’s wrong and attempt a repair. However, the prices are very different here based on the door and lock type, the complexity of that lock and a variety of other factors. You should keep in mind the fact that you can pay anywhere from £20.00 to £50.00 on top of the labour charge to repair a lock. The total cost to have a locksmith come out to your property to repair a lock in London will be approx £89. The parts cost is a bit hard to identify because it’s a rather challenging and somewhat tricky situation with many variables. A good locksmith will be able to give a rough quote and come close every time.
How much does it cost to fix a broken door?
The average price to repair a door in London is £180. This price can include the materials used to complete the job or not, it's best to ask when you call. If the locks have been damaged after an attempted burglary for exampls, you may have to have new locks provided as well. Your best bet is to contact a 24/7 Locksmith company who can send a quote based on images. Once the locksmiths have seen the damage done to the door they can provide an accurate quote including materials. Please note that the above price would not include emergency out of hours charges if done outside working hours.
How much do locks cost from a locksmith in London?
Euro cylinders - £25 to £250 depending on level of security.
Mortice locks/ Chubb locks/ Deadlocks - £35 to £125
(The top lock in the image)
Rim cylinders/ Yale locks - £25 to £125
The higher security ones are usually patented keyways allowing easy key restriction.
Locksmith Price 2022 Factors : What can Affect the Locksmith prices?
Date and Time
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.
How much does a locksmith charge per hour in London?
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 which we always advise.
Last but not least
London Prices for an Emergency Locksmith in 2022 ( 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.
We along with many other reputable locksmith companies can provide an accurate quote if pictures are sent. This is especially the case if you have access to the door in question.
If you are looking for a lock change locksmith, you have come to the right place When someone searches for lock change locksmith, they’re seeking more than just a service—they want a trusted partner to keep their property safe. At SMS Locksmiths, we understand that replacing or upgrading locks is about security, peace of mind, and protection for your home or business. With years of experience serving London and the surrounding areas, our team of fully trained, DBS-checked locksmiths delivers reliable, professional lock change services every time. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you should know about changing locks—from why it matters and when to do it, to choosing the right locks and understanding the advantages of using professionals. By the end, you’ll know why SMS Locksmiths should be your first call for all lock and security upgrade needs. 1. Why Change Your Locks? Changing locks is about more than just replacing hardware. It’s a critical step in ensuring your property remains secure, especially when key control is uncertain. Here’s why professional lock changes are important: Unknown key holders: If previous occupants, tenants, or staff may still have keys, changing locks ensures only authorised persons have access. Wear and tear: Over time, locks can become loose or malfunctioning, making them less secure. Enhanced security measures: Upgrading to high-security or anti-snap locks can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins. Insurance compliance: Policies often require insurance-approved locks. A professional locksmith can recommend and install compliant hardware. 2. When You Need a Lock Change Here are common scenarios that warrant immediate lock replacement: Moving into a new property Keys lost, stolen, or unaccounted for After tenant departure or staff changes Following a burglary or break-in For security upgrades, including anti-snap or smart locks When locks show signs of wear or are difficult to operate 3. Lock Change vs. Lock Repair Knowing whether to repair or replace your lock is essential: Repair: Ideal if mechanisms are clogged or key entry is limited. Works best for wear-and-tear issues, and can be done quickly. Replace (Lock Change): Necessary if the lock is broken, non-operational, or security needs to be improved. Recommended for move-ins or post-burglary situations. At SMS Locksmiths, we assess and recommend the best option for both security and cost efficiency. 4. Types of Locks and Upgrades We specialise in a range of lock types suitable for different door types, usage scenarios, and levels of security: Lock Type Features & Benefit Whether your priority is keyless convenience, insurance compliance, or maximum protection, we have the right solution. Anti-Snap Cylinder Locks British Standard (BS3621) Deadlocks Multipoint Locking Systems High-Security Cylinder Locks Emergency Locks & Night Latches Smart/Keyless Entry Systems Security Hardware for Doors/Frames Window & Patio Door Locks Prevents forced entry commonly seen in burglaries. Insurance-approved, durable locks for wooden doors. Adds multiple locking points for uPVC or composite doors. Designed to resist drilling, picking, and bumping. Provides quick access control and additional security. Convenient, code-based access without traditional keys. Reinforced plates, hinges, and strike plates to prevent kick-ins. Secures all exterior openings—essential for full-property protection. 5. Our Lock Change Process Here’s how SMS Locksmiths ensures a smooth, fast, and secure lock change: 1. Initial Contact You provide details such as postcode, lock type, and availability. 2. Local Locksmith Assignment A professional locksmith from our London team is dispatched—no call-out fee. 3. Security Assessment on Arrival We check the door, frame, and current lock to determine the best solution. 4. Clear Quotation You receive a written, all-inclusive quote by text or email—no hidden fees. 5. Lock Change or Upgrade We install the replacement lock or upgrade components (cylinders, multipoint mechanisms) efficiently—most jobs are completed in under an hour. 6. Testing & Warranty Final checks ensure the lock operates smoothly. All work is covered by our workmanship warantee. 7. Documentation Provided You receive an invoice and insurance-compliant paperwork for your records. 8. Security Assessment and Upgrade Advice Our expert locksmiths don’t just change locks—they provide strategic advice to strengthen your security: Door frame reinforcement with metal strike plates Window and patio door upgrades with Yale or mortice locks Frame lining solutions to prevent drilling Home security risk assessments to identify weak points 9. Frequently Asked Questions Q. How much does a lock change cost? A. Usually between £100–£180 depending on the lock type. Includes all materials, labour, and zero call-out fee. Q. How long does it take? A. A typical lock change is completed within 60 minutes. Q. Are you insured? A. Yes—fully insured with DBS-backed locksmiths. Q. Do you work evenings and weekends? A. Yes—24/7 emergency availability is available. Call to schedule visits. 10. Need a Lock Change? Here’s How to Book Call us now for immediate assistance or to schedule a visit Message us via GMB or book through our website Email for a quote if you’d prefer to avoid phone calls Final Thoughts lock change locksmith isn’t just a search phrase—it’s a critical service for secure living and working environments. At SMS Locksmiths, we deliver top-tier products, expert service, and total transparency. Don’t leave your security to chance. Contact SMS Locksmiths today for fast, reliable, and guaranteed lock change services across London.
Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham, help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times. Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
