Locksmith costs in London 2022

January 13, 2022

How much do locksmiths charge in the UK and London in 2022?

Locksmith price guide in London and the UK 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.



Text us on Whatsapp for an accurate quote

Call us for an emergency
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
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.
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When you’re locked out, you need help fast – but who do you call? It might be tempting to ring the first number you find online, often a national call centre , but choosing a local locksmith can make all the difference. The Problem with National Call Centres Big national firms often outsource work to subcontractors. That means long wait times, unclear pricing, and poor communication. You might end up paying more for a job done with less care. Why Local Locksmiths Are Better 1. Faster Response Times A local locksmith like SMS Locksmith is nearby and can often be with you in under 30 minutes . 2. Transparent Pricing We don’t believe in hidden fees or inflated charges. What we quote is what you pay. 3. Personal Service You're not just a ticket number – we care about your safety and satisfaction. Our locksmiths are local, polite, and highly experienced. 4. Local Knowledge We know the area, the types of doors and locks common in homes, and how best to secure them. Whether you’re in Worcester Park , Twickenham , Chelsea , or Clapham , we’ve got your area covered.  Next time you need a locksmith, go local. Choose SMS Locksmith for expert service and complete peace of mind.
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Feeling safe in your own home is non-negotiable. Whether you live near Twickenham Green or closer to the stadium, basic home security steps can go a long way in preventing break-ins. As your trusted Twickenham locksmith , we’ve put together a quick checklist to help you protect your property. Check All Entry Points Burglars often look for easy access through back doors, garages or windows. Make sure all entry points are fitted with quality locks – and don’t forget your shed or side gate . Upgrade to British Standard Locks Many older locks don’t meet insurance standards. Our Twickenham locksmiths can upgrade your locks to British Standard quickly and affordably. Don’t Hide Keys Outside That flower pot or fake rock is the first place a burglar will look. Avoid hiding spare keys outdoors. Instead, consider a secure key safe or trusted neighbour. Install Outdoor Lighting Motion-activated lights are a simple but effective deterrent – and they also make it safer when returning home after dark. Book a Security Check If you’re unsure where to start, we offer free security assessments across Twickenham. We’ll point out vulnerabilities and offer affordable fixes. Want help securing your home? Contact our expert Twickenham locksmith team today.
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A burglary can be terrifying if you have never experienced one. You may first see damage to your doors, locks, and windows, causing the worst thoughts to come to your head. Then, when you investigate the situation, you realize a burglar has damaged and stolen property in your home or business. What do you do in this situation? Here are the top four things to do after a burglary occurs on your property. 1) Contact the Local Authorities The first thing to do is contact your local police to notify them of the burglary. They will send patrol or uniformed officers to your home or business to question you about the incident. If you believe a burglar may still be in your home or business after discovering evidence of a potential burglary, do not attempt to engage them. Otherwise, you will risk getting injured or killed by engaging with a person who may be dangerous. Secure yourself in a safe location and call the police. Burglars will not usually stick around for very long, especially if they hear police sirens outside. 2) Evaluate Your Belongings Explore your burglarized property once you are sure it is safe. Take inventory of your remaining belongings and create a list of all the missing items. The police must know this information to assist with their investigation and help you recover the stolen items. Make sure you are honest about the stolen items. The police and your insurance company will ask you for the estimated value of each stolen item. Give the best answers possible. 3) Contact Your Insurance Company Notify your home insurance company about the burglary after notifying the police. They will also ask you for the list of stolen items to calculate the value of your claim. Provide any information or documentation requested, including photos, police reports, medical reports, etc. All these things are factors in calculating the highest possible value for your claim. 4) Upgrade or Repair Your Locks The police might not find the burglar for several days or weeks. In fact, they might not find them at all. Either way, do not wait for the next burglar to strike your home or business without taking action to secure your property. A burglar usually damages a door or window lock to gain unlawful entry into a building. If they are successful, the door might have a worn-out or low-grade lock incapable of stopping a standard burglary attempt. If unsuccessful, the door might have a high-grade lock that resisted the attempt. However, the lock could have still suffered damage. After any burglary, the best thing to do is upgrade or repair your door and window locks to ensure your property remains safe. A professional locksmith can evaluate your existing locks to see which ones should be upgraded or repaired to keep you and your property safe.  Contact a Professional Locksmith Do you need to hire a professional locksmith to install or replace the locks in your doors or windows? Call SMS Locksmith at 020-3151-0531 for assistance.
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