How much does a locksmith cost?

If you’re wondering ‘How much does a locksmith cost?’ it’s a good question that has no easy one-size-fits-all answer. The cost of a locksmith will depend on many factors, such as what you’ve hired them to do, what time of day you call them and how experienced they are.

In short, the average cost of locksmith in Australia can be anywhere from $20 to $350 – depending on the job. At the lower end of the scale are jobs such as rekeying and key duplication, which can cost $20 to $50, while on the other end are more expensive locksmith services that could cost anywhere from $180 to $350, depending on the locksmith you’ve chosen.

Here’s everything you need to know about engaging a locksmith whether your job is big or small and the types of services they offer.

What can a locksmith do?

When you think of a locksmith, you typically think of someone who can unlock your door if you’ve accidentally locked yourself out or someone who can make duplicate keys. But locksmiths these days are much more advanced than that and offer a host of specialised services such as:

• Digital or smart lock installation.
• Deadbolt and security door installation.
• Repair ignition issues and make transponder keys.
• Safe installation.
• Install and update your security system.
• Install or repair garage locks.
• Install master key systems.
• And more.

How do locksmiths work? 

Locksmiths are skilled tradesmen who use hand tools and specialised machines to do their jobs. A locksmith can help repair, replace or update a lock and can even conduct a security audit to help improve your home security.

To become a qualified locksmith in Australia, you must complete a locksmith apprenticeship. Certificate and diploma courses in locksmithing are available at TAFE institutes across Australia. Once a four-year apprenticeship is completed, they become fully qualified locksmiths.

Can a locksmith open a locked door?

‘Can a locksmith make a house key without the original?’ is a commonly asked question, and the answer is yes. A locksmith has the skill, knowledge and tools needed to help you out in a lockout emergency. If you find yourself locked out of your home, then hiring a reputable locksmith is the best way to resolve the situation.

How do locksmiths open doors?

If you’re locked out of your property, don’t try to pick the lock yourself. Amateur attempts to unlock a door without the key can result in extensive damage to the lock which will then be an expensive mistake to fix. Instead, call in a professional locksmith.

Locksmiths possess the knowledge and training to open pretty much any lock, including safe combination locks which are difficult to work with. The first thing a locksmith will do when trying to unlock a door is to try and ‘pick the lock’. Picking the lock refers to manipulating the mechanism with the right tools to open the lock, bypassing the need for a key. But this technique might not work with high-end locks with more complex mechanisms. In such instances, the locksmith might resort to drilling the cylinder to unlock it, in which case the cylinder or the lock itself will have to be replaced.

What tools do locksmiths use?

Some of the tools that locksmiths commonly use are:

Bolt cutter: bolt cutters are used for cutting locks that are jammed or to open padlocks and chains.

Hook pick: the hook pick is perhaps the most frequently used tool in a locksmith’s toolbox. They’re used to pick locks and come in a variety of different sizes.

Torsion wrench: torsion wrench is used to keep the pins in place when picking a lock. It helps in opening the lock fully and without causing any unnecessary trauma or damage to the lock.

Bump key: bump keys are perfect for opening pin tumbler locks.

Key duplication and laser cutting machinery: a professional locksmith will have key duplication and laser cutting machines that allow them to create duplicate keys quickly.

Most locksmiths travel in a mobile locksmith service van that’s equipped with all the tools and machinery they need. If you need to have a lock replaced or a security door installed, the locksmith will arrive at your location, have a look at the door to determine which lock would be the best fit, then go and purchase it, before returning to install it. But with a broken key in the lock or a lockout situation, the locksmith should have all the tools he needs to fix the issue then and there.

Do locksmiths open safes? 

Yes, locksmiths do open safes. Locksmiths are the only ones with the right equipment and skills to open safes. Unlike regular locks, the locks on safes are much more complex and require expert skills to unlock. A locksmith can do this for you, so its smarter to call one than attempt to break open the safe yourself as you can end up jamming it, making matters worse.

How long does it take for a locksmith to come?

Depending on your location and the time of day, a locksmith, on average, takes 30 minutes to an hour to arrive. Most reputable locksmiths have mobile locksmith service vans stationed across different suburbs to help them get to their clients ASAP. When looking for a locksmith, be sure to ask them how long it will take them to get to you. The last thing you need is to be locked out of your home or car, waiting hours for the locksmith to arrive.

How to find a good locksmith?

To ensure the locksmith that you choose is reliable and competent, look at their website and find online reviews of them. See what past customers are saying about their service, and you’ll get a pretty good idea of whether or not they’re reliable and trustworthy. Looking at their website will also give you all the relevant information you need to make an informed decision – such as how long they’ve been in the industry, what services they offer and other pertinent details.

Hopefully, our guide has unlocked the info you need to make an educated choice the next time you need to hire a locksmith.