Find a locksmith you can trust

When to call a locksmith

Most people only think about a locksmith while standing outside a locked door. Fair enough, but that’s only part of what they do. It’s worth calling one when:

• You’re locked out, or a key has snapped off in the lock
• You’ve just moved in and have no idea who else has a key
• Keys have been lost or stolen, or a housemate or tenant has moved out
• A lock is stiff, sticking or only works if you jiggle it just right
• You’ve had a break-in, or a near miss, and want the place more secure
• You’d like deadlocks, window locks or a keyless lock fitted

Locked out right now?

Before you ring anyone, check the obvious. Is there a spare key with family, a neighbour or a friend? If you rent, your property manager may hold one, or have an after-hours number. Try every door and window you can safely reach, but don’t climb onto the roof or force anything. A broken window usually costs more than a locksmith.

If a child or a pet is locked inside a car, especially on a warm day, call triple zero (000) straight away. Don’t wait for a locksmith.

Rekey or replace?

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer usually saves money. Rekeying means the locksmith changes the pins inside your existing lock so the old keys stop working. The lock stays, and you get new keys. It’s typically cheaper than a new lock, and it’s the right call when you’ve moved in or lost keys and the locks themselves are in good nick.

Replace the lock when it’s worn, flimsy or damaged, or when you want something better, like a deadlock on a door that only has a basic knob lock. If you’re doing several doors, ask about keying them all alike so one key opens the lot. Apartment buildings on a restricted master key system are a special case: new keys can only be cut through the locksmith who holds that system, usually with sign-off from the owners corporation or body corporate.

What to check before you hire

Locksmith licensing varies a lot around Australia. NSW, Queensland, WA and the ACT require locksmiths to hold a security licence, and you can look it up on the relevant register. Victoria and SA don’t license locksmiths for everyday lock work, although installing alarms or CCTV needs a security licence in both. Our licence checks by state explain the rules and the right register for where you live.

Wherever you are, a common trap is the operator who quotes a tiny “from” price on the phone, then names a much bigger number once the door is open. Get the total upfront, including call-out, labour, parts and GST. A legit locksmith will give you a business name and ABN, and will ask for proof you live there before letting you in.

What a locksmith costs

As a rough guide, a house lockout in business hours runs around $100–$250, and more at night, on weekends and on public holidays. Rekeying is typically $50–$120 a lock, and a deadlock supplied and fitted around $150–$400. Some locksmiths charge a separate call-out fee and others build it into the job, so ask which. Our locksmith price guide has the full list, including car keys and smart locks. It’s a guide, not a quote.

How needatradie matches you

Tell us what’s going on and your postcode, and we match you with one vetted local locksmith. Before we send anyone, we check the licence where your state requires one, plus insurance, ABN and reviews. It’s free for homeowners, and we don’t pass your details to a string of businesses. If it’s urgent, say so when you tell us about the job.

See locksmiths in Sydney, locksmiths in Melbourne or anywhere else we cover, or get a free quote now.