Find a trusted locksmith in Sydney

Strata keys, terraces and Sydney doors

In Sydney’s apartment blocks, a new key is rarely as simple as a trip to the key cutter. Many blocks run a restricted master-key system, where one key opens your door, the lobby and the car park but can’t be copied at a key-cutting kiosk. New keys for those systems can only be cut by the locksmith who holds the system, usually with written authority from the owners corporation or building manager. If you’ve just bought into a block, ask the strata manager who that locksmith is before calling anyone else. Intercoms, fob readers and electric strikes on apartment entries are wired in, so changes there usually need an electrician or security installer as well.

Older houses bring different work. The front doors on many inner-city terraces and federation homes still carry rim or mortice locks that are well past their best. A careful locksmith can usually fit a modern deadlock without butchering an original door, and can add locks to old timber sash windows on the ground floor.

Moving in, renting and getting locked out

Rekeying is the first job worth doing after you buy a Sydney home, because nobody knows how many keys the previous owners, tenants and agents handed out. The locksmith changes the pins so old keys stop working, which usually costs less than new locks. If you rent, NSW tenancy rules generally mean you need your landlord’s agreement before changing or adding a lock, and the landlord gets a copy of the new key.

Locked out right now? Check for a spare key with a neighbour, family or your property manager first. If you do call a locksmith, get the total price including the call-out before they set off, and have proof of address ready.

Security licences for NSW locksmiths

Locksmithing counts as security work in NSW, so it’s licensed by the NSW Police Force’s Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate rather than Building Commission NSW. The class you’re looking for is 2C, which covers security equipment specialists. Ask for the number and check it through Service NSW’s security operative licence check; the name should match the person or business you’re dealing with. If you’re hiring other trades too, our NSW licence checks page shows where to check each one.

What a Sydney locksmith charges

Locksmith rates in Sydney are among the highest in the country. A house lockout in business hours typically costs about $100 to $250, and roughly $180 to $350 after hours. Rekeys cost around $50 to $120 a cylinder, deadlocks $150 to $400 supplied and fitted, and smart locks $300 to $900. Some locksmiths add a call-out fee of up to about $120. The locksmith price guide adds car keys and more; none of it replaces a written quote.

How we match you with a locksmith

For planned work like rekeying, new deadlocks or a smart lock, say what you need and where you are in Sydney. We’ll come back with one local locksmith whose licence, insurance, ABN and reviews have already passed our checks, and your details stay with us. Our locksmiths page has more on the trade, and other Sydney tradies are listed too. Ready now? Get a free quote.