Price guide · Locksmith
How much does a locksmith cost?
Quotes in East Rand, Johannesburg, Pretoria, West Rand and 2 more areas
- Prices checked November 2026
Price guide
What it costs
Replacement vehicle key
From Prime Lock's published prices in Gauteng, checked November 2026.
More prices
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Call-out fee without a confirmed first hour
From 2 businesses' published prices in Pretoria and Ballito, checked November 2026.
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Emergency lockout response
From R750 per job
From Linden Locksmith's published prices in Johannesburg, checked November 2026.
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Vehicle unlocking
From R550 per job
From Prime Lock's published prices in Gauteng, checked November 2026.
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House key cutting
R45 to R120 per key
From Cape Town Locksmiths' published prices in Cape Town, checked November 2026.
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Call-out and first hour
From Rosebank Locksmiths' published prices in Gauteng, checked November 2026.
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Each extra hour
From Rosebank Locksmiths' published prices in Gauteng, checked November 2026.
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New lock or cylinder, fitted
From Rosebank Locksmiths' published prices in Gauteng, checked November 2026.
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Safe opening
R1,200 to R3,500 per job
From Cape Town Locksmiths' published prices in Cape Town, checked November 2026.
What these prices include: The call-out includes travel and the first hour of work (lockouts, lock repairs, key cutting); most jobs are done in that hour. After hours costs more. Cylinders and locks are added per lock. VAT basis not stated.
What changes the price: The time of day (after hours costs more), how far the locksmith travels, whether the lock opens or has to be replaced, and the lock or cylinder fitted.
Recent work by these locksmiths
Tell us the job and a locksmith that covers your area calls you with a written quote.
Job photos by JJ Locksmith, May 2026.
What you can ask for
- New car keysSpare or replacement car keys.
- Emergency locksmithLocked out, lost keys or broken locks.
- Car unlockingKeys locked in the car.
- Lock replacementNew locks and cylinders fitted.
- Key cuttingSpare keys cut.
- Car key codingCar keys and remotes coded to your car.
How a locksmith's cost adds up
Mobile locksmiths charge for coming out, for the time on the job and for the parts they fit. Rosebank Locksmiths' price list, in the table above, shows the usual way it adds up.
- Call-out and the first hour
- One fixed charge covers travel to you and the first hour of work, which is enough for most lockouts, lock repairs and key cutting on site.
- Extra time
- Work past the first hour is charged per hour or part of one: complex installations, work on several locks, security upgrades and commercial jobs usually run longer.
- After hours
- Rosebank Locksmiths lists a higher call-out for work after hours, so a lockout that can wait for office hours costs less. Ask which hours count as after hours.
- Parts
- A new lock or cylinder is priced per lock on top of the labour: a euro profile cylinder from Abus or Union, or an Esco 3-lever mortise lock, are the common ones on a home's doors.
Rosebank Locksmiths' pricing page. Checked November 2026.
What a locksmith can do
- Lockouts and broken keys
- Opening a locked door, taking out a broken key and repairing or adjusting a lock that sticks: the jobs Rosebank Locksmiths puts in its call-out and first hour.
- New locks and security upgrades
- Fitting new locks, deadbolts and cylinders, and designing keying systems so one key opens several doors while others stay restricted.
- Car keys
- Most cars have a transponder key: a chip in the key disarms the immobiliser when you start the engine. A locksmith needs special equipment to identify the transponder and program a new key, and a mobile workshop can often cut it at the car.
- Safes
- Servicing a safe covers repairing, cleaning, changing the combination and opening it without the combination.
- Registered with PSIRA
- Locksmiths are part of the private security industry and must by law be registered with PSIRA under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001. The Locksmiths Association of South Africa (LASA), started in 1974, represents the trade.
PSIRA, 'More than just a key cutter' research report on the locksmith sector; Rosebank Locksmiths' pricing page. Checked November 2026.
For a car key, the locksmith needs
- Proof the car is yoursYour ID and the vehicle's registration papers
- The carMake, model and year
- The keyA plain cut key, a transponder key, or a remote or smart key
Lost every key? Say so: it changes the job. A replacement is cut and then coded to the car, on site where the equipment allows.
As Vula24, a locksmith service in Gauteng and the Western Cape, publishes it. Checked November 2026.
Have this ready for the call
- What is locked or lost: car, house, gate or safe
- For a car: make, model, year and the kind of key
- Whether a working key is left
- Where you are now
Locksmiths near you
2 locksmiths take requests here. Pick your area to see who covers it.
Who gives you the price
Your request goes to one that covers your area, not both, so you get one call, not a string of them.
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Palace Locksmith
Covers East Rand, Joburg South / Alberton and 2 more areas
5.0 / 20 Local Pros reviews
On Local Pros since 2024
- 33 years in business (since 1993)
- Team of 2 to 3
- After-hours call-outs
- Owner managed
Gugu M. says, “Jacques came through on the same evening I requested assistance.” Local Pros
In their words: Palace Locksmith provides locksmith services and emergency call outs in the East Rand, Joburg South, Centurion, Johannesburg, and West Rand areas. With over 30 years of experience, we offer reliable solutions for residential and commercial clients.
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JJ Locksmith
Covers Centurion, Johannesburg and Pretoria
5.0 / 5 Local Pros reviews
On Local Pros since 2024
- 32 years in business (since 1994)
- Team of 2 to 3
- Qualified and licensed
- Gives a warranty
Geoff D. says, “These gents were prompt and diagnosed the actual problem being the key itself and not the lock.” Local Pros
In their words: JJ Locksmith provides trusted 24/7 emergency locksmith services for residential and commercial clients in Johannesburg, West Rand, Pretoria, and Centurion. We offer a full range of solutions including vehicle key coding, safe opening, and lock installations.
What customers say about these locksmiths
5.0
Average from 25 reviews of the 2 locksmiths above on Local Pros, checked November 2026.
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Geoff D.
this week
These gents were prompt and diagnosed the actual problem being the key itself and not the lock. They opened the car and cut me a new key on site. Great service gentlemen!
Review of JJ Locksmith left on Local Pros
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Danielle
10 months ago
Jacques from Palace Locksmith came out to assist with a safe opening. He did such a great job. He not only fixed the key and got the safe open but also fixed the keyhole. The keys are going in without a struggle. He went the extra mile to mark the keys and even tightened our doors of the room when he felt them dragging. This wasn't even part of the job. Truly a kind, knowledgeable and professional individual! 100% recommend!
Review of Palace Locksmith left on Local Pros
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Tiaan
a year ago
Arrived at the time agreed upon. No complaints. Will use them again.
Review of JJ Locksmith left on Local Pros
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Gugu M.
a year ago
Jacques came through on the same evening I requested assistance. He efficiently and effectively replaced my gate lock with no hassles whatsoever. Merci beaucoup Jacques :-)
Review of Palace Locksmith left on Local Pros
More checked prices
Questions about these prices
Where do these prices come from?
From Rosebank Locksmiths, Prime Lock, Locksmith On The Go, Linden Locksmith, Cape Town Locksmiths and The Locksmith Co.: businesses that publish their own prices. We copied the figures as published and checked them on 12 November 2026. They are not quotes; every pro sets their own price.
How are these locksmiths rated?
5.0 out of 5 on average, from 25 reviews of 2 locksmiths.
Do I have to hire the pro who quotes?
No. You decide once you have the written quote.
The full guide
General advice, written June 2024.
How much does a locksmith cost? It's not a simple question to answer because locksmiths can do much more than you might expect. Their costs will depend on the type of job, the time of day, the complexity of the task, and other factors.
Here's what you need to know about locksmiths, the tasks they do, and their costs:
- What can a locksmith do?
- Choosing a locksmith
- How much does a locksmith cost?
What Can a Locksmith Do?
In reality, skilled locksmiths can do much more than these tasks.
- They can rekey an existing lock, which is a great idea if you've moved to a new home.
- Locksmiths can install door handles or deadbolts on existing doors.
- If a key has broken off in a lock, a locksmith can remove the broken key for you.
- Many locksmiths install keyless and electronic lock systems.
- Locksmiths also handle car locks and ignitions.
These are some of the more basic tasks most locksmiths can do. Many go beyond these basic services and may also:
- Install a security door for you.
- Service a safe or security system.
- Install locks on windows.
- Install locks on garage doors or sheds.
Emergency services are part of a locksmith's trade. A good locksmith can come to your home or car anytime to help you gain access. They can also provide new keys or do whatever it takes to allow you access to your home, car, or business property.
A locksmith will come to your property in a van fully equipped with everything needed to get the job done, including both tasks done during normal working hours and emergency services. If it's an emergency, they can give you access to your home, business, or car and fix the problem on the spot. The only exception is if you need a new lock and door handle. They might not have the right parts on hand, but they can provide secure entry and complete the job later.
Locksmiths can also examine all the locks in your home or business and provide recommendations on how to increase security. They might suggest installing security doors, deadbolts, locks on windows, locks on garages, or other locks as needed. They will provide a quote for the cost, and you can choose which items you need. As an amateur, you might overlook some important aspects of your locks. Indoor locks don't need to meet the standards set for outdoor locks exposed to weather conditions. An experienced locksmith will ensure the locks they install meet or exceed South African standards.
Locksmith: areas with pros and reviews
How it works
- 1
Tell us the job
- 2
A locksmith who covers your area calls you
- 3
Get a written quote and decide
