Charges and Fees

Locksmith charges depend on the type of door lock, whether the lock is broken, or if the key is broken and a part of it is stuck in the lock cylinder. The location and time of day or night matters too. 

If the door lock is not already damaged, the fee to open a door lock starts at about $70-$100, assuming you’re speaking with a legitimate locksmith. An untrained handyman or amateur may quote lower just to secure the job.

If it is in a remote area, on a weekend, a public holiday, or at night, the locksmith will charge an additional surcharge. This can range from 50% to 150 % of the standard daytime price.

In some situations, the locksmith may need to conduct an inspection on-site before an accurate quotation can be given. Pictures or a video clip of the lock will help. 

Transport fees are often separate from professional fees. These fees compensate the service provider for petrol, vehicle ownership costs, etc. They can range from $30-$50, and may be charged before the job as a deposit or after the job is done.

Some locksmiths may impose a 100% payment upfront policy for fixed fee jobs, like unlocking a cylindrical door lock. 

In Singapore, there is an electronic trail via e-banking and the cellphone number. So the customer can lodge a police report against the locksmith – who can easily be apprehended – if he does not show up. 

However, it’s is understandable that many people feel uncomfortable with making full payment upfront and a 50% deposit may be more palatable to some. 

Alternatively, some require payment of the fixed transport charge as a deposit. This is to protect the interest of the service provider against premature cancellation by the customer.