Locksmith in Philadelphia
Compare local locksmith pros in Philadelphia and get free quotes — no obligation, no call-backs you didn't ask for.
Typical price: $55–$520
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Locksmith prices in Philadelphia
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home lockout (business hours) Non-destructive entry to a standard residential door | $85 | $150 | $230 |
| Rekey (per lock) Pins changed, new keys cut, keyed-alike available | $55 | $90 | $150 |
| Standard lock replacement (per lock) New deadbolt or knob lock including mid-range hardware | $110 | $210 | $350 |
| After-hours emergency lockout Nights, weekends, holidays | $140 | $230 | $350 |
| Smart lock installation Fitting and setup on an existing deadbolt prep, hardware extra or included at low end | $170 | $290 | $520 |
How to hire a locksmith pro in United States
- Check whether your state licenses locksmiths — around 15 states do, including California, Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Oklahoma; ask for the licence number where applicable
- Prefer ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) members or locksmiths with a verifiable local storefront address
- Get the all-in price — trip fee, labor, parts, after-hours surcharge — by phone before dispatch
- Ask them to attempt non-destructive entry first on lockouts; drilling should be a stated last resort
- Have photo ID with your address ready for lockouts
- Avoid national call-center listings with addresses that don't map to a real shop — this is the main US locksmith-scam vector
Locksmith licensing in the US is state-by-state: roughly 15 states (including California, Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina, Alabama, and Oklahoma) require a locksmith or security-industry licence, while most others have no licensing at all — which is why bait-and-switch call-center scams target US consumers heavily. ALOA membership is the main voluntary credential.
Budgeting first?
See the full breakdown of what drives locksmith prices — job sizes, unit rates, and how to save.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between rekeying and changing a lock?
Rekeying keeps your existing lock but changes the internal pins so old keys stop working — you get new keys, and it costs a fraction of a full replacement. Changing (replacing) the lock swaps the entire unit, which you need when the lock is damaged, worn, or you want a security upgrade. If your locks work fine and you just want old keys dead — after moving in or losing a key — rekeying is usually the smart choice.
How fast can a locksmith arrive?
In cities, emergency locksmiths typically arrive within 30-60 minutes; rural areas can take 1-2 hours. When you call, ask for a firm ETA and the total price. For non-urgent work like lock upgrades or rekeying, booking a daytime slot a day or two ahead is significantly cheaper than an emergency dispatch.
How much does a locksmith cost?
Locksmith pricing has three parts: a call-out or trip fee, labour for the job itself, and parts (new locks, cylinders, or keys). Simple jobs like a lockout or single lock change are usually quoted as a flat rate. Time of day matters most — evening, weekend, and holiday call-outs typically cost 50-100% more than business hours. Always get the all-in price by phone before the locksmith is dispatched.
My key broke off in the lock — do I need a new lock?
Usually not. A locksmith extracts the broken half with specialist tools, and if your other key copy works, the lock is fine — broken-key extraction is a routine, quick job. You only need a new cylinder if the lock was damaged in the process or the breakage was caused by a failing, stiff mechanism, which the locksmith can assess on the spot.
Is the $19-$29 locksmith ad legitimate in the US?
Almost never. These are lead-generation call centers that dispatch untrained operators; the advertised price becomes a 'service fee' with drilling and inflated parts added on site, commonly totaling $300+. A legitimate US locksmith quotes a realistic trip fee (typically $50-$100) plus a firm job price before dispatch.
How much more does an after-hours lockout cost in the US?
Expect roughly 50-100% over daytime rates: a business-hours home lockout typically runs $75-$200, while nights, weekends, and holidays commonly run $125-$300. If you're safe and can wait until morning, booking daytime saves real money.
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