One of the most common questions we hear is simple: how much does a locksmith cost? The short answer is that it depends on the job — but you should always be told the price before any work begins. Here's how locksmith pricing actually works so you know what's fair and can spot a scam.
What a locksmith's price is made of
Almost every locksmith bill comes down to three parts:
- A service or trip charge — the cost of coming to you. For a mobile locksmith this is normal and is usually disclosed up front.
- Labor — based on the type of job and how complex it is. A simple lockout is quick; a master-key system for a business takes longer.
- Parts & hardware — new locks, smart locks, deadbolts, or high-security cylinders cost more than a basic rekey where no new hardware is needed.
General price ranges (and why they vary)
These are typical industry ranges in our area — your exact price depends on the hardware, the difficulty, and the time of day. We always quote your specific job before starting.
- Home or car lockout: commonly in the low-to-mid hundreds, less for a straightforward door, more for high-security or after hours.
- Rekeying a lock: a modest fee per cylinder plus the service call — usually the cheapest way to control who has a key.
- New deadbolt or lock installation: labor plus the cost of the hardware you choose.
- Smart-lock installation: labor is similar to a deadbolt; the lock itself drives most of the cost.
- Commercial work (master keys, access control, panic hardware): quoted per project.
Why "too cheap" is a red flag
The classic locksmith scam is a phone quote that sounds too good to be true — a "$19 lockout" — followed by a much bigger bill once the technician arrives and has already drilled your lock. A fair locksmith won't bait you with a fake low number and then inflate it.
How we price our work
At Kraken Locks & Safes we quote a fair price before we start, and that's the price you pay. We use non-destructive methods for the large majority of lockouts, so you're not paying to replace a lock we damaged. And we're licensed (California #LOC8542) and insured, so you know exactly who you're hiring.
Questions to ask before you book
- What's the total price for my job, including the service call?
- What's your business name and license number?
- Do you use non-destructive entry?
- Will I get a receipt?
If a locksmith answers those clearly, you're in good hands. If they dodge them, keep looking.