One of the most common questions people ask before calling a locksmith is what it's going to cost. It's a fair question — and the honest answer is that prices vary depending on the job, the time of day, and who you call. This guide covers what you can expect to pay for the most common locksmith jobs in the Stourbridge area, and what to watch out for.
The Two Parts of Any Locksmith Job
Most locksmith jobs have two costs: labour and parts. Labour is the locksmith's time on site. Parts are any locks, cylinders, or mechanisms that need replacing. A good locksmith will separate these clearly and tell you both figures before starting work.
Be wary of any locksmith who quotes a single all-in figure without explaining what's included, or who won't confirm the price until they've arrived and seen the job. That's how inflated invoices happen.
Labour Rates
Most independent locksmiths in the Stourbridge area charge between £50 and £80 per hour, with a one-hour minimum. At AMP Lock, our rate is £65 per hour with a one-hour minimum on all jobs. After the first hour, time is rounded to the nearest 30 minutes.
Typical job times for common work:
- Euro cylinder change — roughly 1 hour
- Rim cylinder change — roughly 1 hour
- Mortice lock change — roughly 2 hours
- Nightlatch replacement — roughly 2 hours
These are estimates for straightforward installations. If a door has dropped, the frame is damaged, or the existing hardware is particularly old, it can take longer. A decent locksmith will tell you if that's the case before continuing.
Lockout Prices
Being locked out is stressful, and it tends to happen at the worst possible times. Lockout pricing typically includes the first hour on site — so if the job is done within that hour, you pay the call-out price and nothing more.
At AMP Lock, our lockout rates for Stourbridge and surrounding areas are:
- 8am to 5pm — from £80 (includes first hour)
- 5pm to 10pm and Saturdays — from £110 (includes first hour)
- 10pm to 7am and Sundays — from £140 (includes first hour)
If additional time is needed beyond the first hour, that's charged at the standard £65 per hour rate. Any replacement lock or hardware is a separate cost on top.
Worth knowing: "From" prices assume non-destructive entry is possible. We pride ourselves on gaining entry non-destructively. If on the odd occasion drilling is required, this will always be discussed and agreed with you before it's done. We aim for non-destructive entry on every job.
Lock and Hardware Costs
If a replacement lock or cylinder is needed, this is charged separately on top of labour. Common part prices in the Stourbridge area:
- BSI 3 Star TS007 cylinder (highest security, insurer-preferred) — around £40–£50
- Standard anti-snap cylinder — around £18–£25
- Rim cylinder — around £18–£25
- uPVC door mechanism/gearbox — £40–£80 depending on make
- Nightlatch (non-BS) — around £30–£40
- Nightlatch (BS approved) — around £60–£70
- Mortice lock (BS approved) — around £35–£50
Parts prices vary by brand and specification. A locksmith should always confirm the part cost before fitting anything.
Example Job Costs
To give you a sense of how these add up in practice:
- Emergency lockout, daytime, no replacement needed: £80
- Euro cylinder change (daytime, scheduled): £65 labour + £20–£45 for the cylinder = roughly £85–£110
- Failed uPVC door — gain entry and replace mechanism (daytime): £80 gain entry + £65 additional hour + £50 mechanism = approximately £195
- Mortice lock upgrade to BS3621 (scheduled job): 2 hours labour (£130) + lock (£40) = approximately £170
How to Avoid Being Overcharged
The locksmith industry has a well-known problem with call centres that advertise low prices and then inflate the bill on arrival. Here's how to protect yourself:
- Always ask for a price before anyone sets off — a good locksmith can give you a reliable estimate over the phone
- Confirm whether the quoted price includes parts or not
- Check the locksmith has a local address — not just a phone number
- If someone quotes you £49 to gain entry, be cautious. That price rarely reflects the final invoice
- Avoid any locksmith who won't give you a written or verbal price before starting work
At AMP Lock we confirm the full price before starting, and we don't begin any additional work without telling you the cost first. What we agree is what you pay.
Getting a Quote for Your Job
If you're not sure what your particular job will cost, call or WhatsApp on 07961 169 681. Sending a photo of the lock or door via WhatsApp usually means we can give you an accurate price without needing to visit first.