Locksmith in Reading, Berkshire (26)

Local locksmith services available in Reading will perform a range of tasks dealing with locks. Some of the most common locksmith services include:

• Key cutting (including keys for garage door locks, window locks and padlocks)
• Cutting, programming and repairing car keys
• Fitting, opening and repairing safes
• Installing access control systems
• Door unlocking/lock open service
• Emergency car opening
• Lock repair service
• Lock fitting
• Emergency lock replacement
• Advising on security options

If you have any specific locksmith needs, or want advice on the best locks for your home or ways to improve the security for your property, speak to locksmiths working in your local area for their advice.

Want to know more? Check out our guide on what locksmiths do.

The average cost of a locksmith depends on the type of work you need them to do. A locksmith price to change a single lock will be different to hiring them to replace all the locks in your whole house, or install a multi-point lock system.

Locksmith prices in Reading will depend on a number of factors, including the type and number of locks, the quality of locks used, how long the job takes and the time of the callout – emergency locksmith prices will be higher than their standard rates.

On average, you can expect to pay between £65 and £120 per hour, with prices rising for emergency or out-of-hours visits. If you need parts or new locks, that will increase the total too.

It’s also worth knowing that some locksmiths charge a callout fee on top of their hourly rate, especially for evening or weekend visits. Always check what’s included in the quote.

Common locksmith prices

Here are some of the average locksmith prices in Reading, according to the figures in our cost guide:

• Change standard uPVC lock – £100 - £150
• Change anti-snap uPVC lock – £125 - £175
• Replace Yale lock – £80 - £120
• Garage door lock replacement – £75 - £85
• Patio door lock replacement – £85 - £95
• Replace nightlatch – £85 - £95
• Rim cylinder replacement – £65 - £75
• Replace mortice lock – £100 - £150
• Change all locks (2 exterior doors + windows) – £300 - £400

Get an accurate price to hire a locksmith in Reading

To get accurate locksmith costs in your area, we always recommend getting at least three quotes from local tradespeople near you. By shopping around you can make sure you're paying a fair and competitive price for the work.

Thankfully, our request a quote tool makes getting multiple quotes super easy.

Simply post details about the work that you need help with and we’ll send it out to the best local locksmiths in your area, who will contact you directly. Try it out – it's quick and easy!

A locksmith is a skilled tradesperson who works with keys and locks or all kinds. There are no official requirements for a locksmith to have formal qualifications to carry out their work, as many locksmiths learn on the job or through an apprenticeship.

That said, there are a range of training courses that locksmiths can take to build up their skills and experience. There’s currently only one nationally recognised locksmithing qualification, which is the Master Locksmith Association apprenticeship that leads to a Level 2 Certificate in Locksmithing.

If you need specialist locksmith services in Reading, we recommend speaking to locksmiths working in your local area to see what specialist services they offer – as each locksmith has their own experience and skillset.

Need to find a locksmith?

Whether you need a new key cut or you plan on installing new locks throughout your home, it’s always helpful to get advice from locksmiths working locally before you get started.

Find the locksmiths working near you with our online search. Or request a quote and we’ll reach out to multiple locksmiths for you and they’ll get in touch with you directly.

In order to provide effective locksmith services, a locksmith will use a number of different tools and pieces of equipment, depending on the work they’re doing. Below are some of the most common tools that locksmiths use.

• Pick set – This tool is used to pick locks where keys aren’t available and usually consists of three main elements: rake, hook and diamond. A standard pick set will unlock most conventional types of lock.
• Tension wrench – When working with locks that use a tumbler and pin mechanism, locksmiths will use a tension wrench to hold the lock in position.
• Shim – A shim is basically a thin metal piece, usually steel or iron to ensure they’re strong enough for the job of loosening a lock so that it’s easier to then pick the lock.
• Tweezers – One of the key tools for a locksmith, tweezers are used most of the work that locksmiths carry out. The tip of locksmith tweezers is usually magnetic to allow them to pick up small bits of metal that might fall off locks while they’re working on them.
• Lock plug follower – This is a tool that locksmiths use to remove the lock core as it prevents the pins and springs from loosening.
• Pick gun – A pick gun is usually quite expensive but it enables the locksmith to work faster and more accurately, making it an extremely useful tool for emergency locksmith work. The gun is able to hit all the pins of a lock simultaneously in a single direction, allowing the tension wrench to then turn the lock with ease.

Find local locksmith services

When planning a project that requires any kind of work with locks, it’s important to speak to local locksmiths to understand what’s involved and how much it will cost. Experienced locksmiths will be able to advise on the options available and what you’ll need for your project.

Keen to get started? Search for locksmith services in Reading and get in touch with them yourself. Alternatively, you can get multiple quotes from locksmiths by using our request a quote feature – simply post details of what you need and we’ll get tradespeople to contact you directly.

Yes, many locksmiths will offer 24/7 services to cover emergencies – such as being locked out of your home.

Some locksmiths even specialise solely in emergency work and will typically be available through the night to the early hours.

It’s worth noting that locksmiths usually charge a higher callout fee and hourly rate for jobs outside of standard working hours.

When contacting locksmiths working locally in Reading, it’s worth asking what their charges are for 24/7 services before hiring them.

Need help finding a 24/7 locksmith service? Check out our top tips on how to find emergency locksmiths near you.

Getting locked out of your home can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to remain calm. Help is available to get you back inside.

If you find yourself locked out, here are the steps to take:

1. Check for spare keys in case you left one in a safe place outside your home or with a neighbour, friend or family member

2. Try gaining entry without damaging your property such as through an alternative door that might be open

3. Avoid forceful entry or picking the lock yourself as you could damage the lock and door which will cost more to repair

4. Contact a locksmith – we have plenty of locksmiths here at Checkatrade, so see who works locally to you and check out their reviews to see if they're the right choice for you

5. Contact your home insurance policy to see if it covers the cost of emergency lockout services (they may reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith)

If you hire a locksmith when locked out, make sure you get proper documentation for any work done – especially if you plan on making a home insurance claim.

Who should I call if I'm locked out?

One of the best options for who to call when you're locked out of your house, flat, or business premises is a locksmith - or, even better, an emergency locksmith who can travel to you ASAP.

Type in your postcode and search above for locksmiths available in Reading, or find an emergency locksmith.

Most locksmiths working in Reading will be able to open the majority of standard domestic and commercial door locks. But not all of them.

Some high-security or digital locks may need specialist tools or be impossible to open without causing damage to the lock or the door.

Experienced locksmiths will typically use several techniques to gain access to a property, such as lock picking, key extraction, and drilling.

When hiring a locksmith, it’s important to choose a tradesperson with experience in dealing with a variety of locks. They’ll be able to assess your lock and advise on the best solution.

Yes, many reputable locksmiths will offer a guarantee for their work. It shows that they’re confident in the quality of their work.

A locksmith’s guarantee or warranty will typically cover the labour and any parts they install.

It’s worth checking the details of any guarantee offered, as the terms and conditions can vary between locksmiths.

Here are some questions to consider when checking a locksmith's guarantee or warranty:

• What does the warranty cover – labour, parts, or both?
• How long is the warranty valid?
• Are there any specific exclusions that aren’t covered by the warranty?
• How do you make a claim, if needed?

By understanding the terms of the warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're protected in case of any issues with the locksmith's work.

Good news if you hire a locksmith through Checkatrade - We guarantee all our members’ work up to £1,000 – T&Cs apply.

Many locksmiths working in Reading will accept a range of payment options, including

• Via Checkatrade - Paying a locksmith through our platform gives you an extra layer of security, and you may be covered up to £1,000 by the Checkatrade Guarantee (T&Cs apply)
• Debit or credit card – Many locksmiths will accept card payments (although American Express isn’t always accepted by tradespeople in the UK)
• Bank transfer – As an alternative to cash or card, many locksmiths will be happy for you to do a direct bank transfer
• Digital payments – Some locksmiths may offer digital payment options like PayPal or Apple Pay

Always check which payment methods a locksmith will accept before hiring, to make sure you will be able to pay them using an appropriate method.

And make sure you get a detailed invoice that includes details of the locksmith services they provide, the parts they use, and the total cost.

There’s no fixed time that a job being completed by a locksmith will take. It will depend on various factors, including:

• Time of day
• Your location
• The complexity of the job (getting you access back into your home or changing the locks on your door)
• Traffic and weather conditions

To get more accurate timing, call your local locksmiths and ask them when they will be available.

They’ll also be able to estimate how long the job might take based on your specific situation.

How long will the locksmith be at my home?

As a general rule, an emergency locksmith will usually aim to arrive within 30-60 minutes after you contact them.

For standard non-emergency locksmith jobs, you’ll most likely need to book an appointment with the locksmith.

Emergency locksmiths offer fast-response services to help you out of urgent lock-related situations. The most common emergency jobs include:

• Unlocking doors when you’re locked out (without causing damage where possible)
• Replacing or repairing damaged or broken locks
• Securing your home or business after a burglary or break-in
• Removing snapped keys stuck inside locks
• Fitting new locks on the spot for improved security

They often carry a wide range of tools, parts, and replacement locks in their van so they can fix the issue immediately. Many offer 24/7 service and aim to arrive within 30 to 60 minutes.

Emergency locksmiths are trained to deal with domestic and commercial locks, digital and mechanical systems, and insurance-compliant fittings. Whether it's a jammed lock, lost keys, or urgent security concern, they'll know what to do.

Locksmith costs can seem high at first glance, but they reflect the skill, tools, and availability required for the job. Here are some reasons why:

• Specialist equipment: From pick guns to tension wrenches, locksmiths carry thousands of pounds worth of kit
• Training and experience: It takes time to learn how to work with different types of locks and security systems
• Emergency availability: 24/7 response times mean working unsociable hours, which adds to the cost
• High-quality parts: Good locksmiths use durable, secure parts that meet insurance standards

It’s unlikely you’ll find a locksmith who works entirely for free, but in some situations you might not have to pay out of pocket:

• You rent the property: If the lock is faulty or there's been a break-in, your landlord may cover the cost.
• Your insurance includes it: Some home insurance policies offer emergency locksmith cover. Check the small print or call your provider.
• You're with a breakdown service: Organisations like the AA or RAC sometimes offer lockout services for your vehicle or home as part of their packages.

Always ask about costs upfront. Most locksmiths in Reading will quote for free and let you know if a callout charge applies