Lock Installation and Repair

Find a Locksmith near San Diego, CA

Find a Locksmith near San Diego, CA

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Top 5 Locksmiths near San Diego, CA

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Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

Can I trust a locksmith?

You can find a trustworthy locksmith with some research. The best way to start is with an online search of top-rated locksmiths near you and read the customer reviews thoroughly. Positive reviews (and ratings) can indicate trustworthiness, but you should also look up the locksmith’s credentials. Many states require locksmiths to be licensed, so look up the rules in your state before you hire anyone.

How does a locksmith open a locked door?

Locksmiths use specialized tools and techniques to open your door in the case of lockouts or lost keys. Trained locksmiths can pick your door lock with lock-picking tools such as a rake, a tension wrench, a half diamond or a hook. They may use a technique called bumping, which will work on pin tumbler locks, or as a last resort they may use a drill to remove your existing lock. The national average locksmith price ranges between $70 and $100. A locksmith can also replace your current lock system, re-key your locks if you have lost your keys, repair a broken lock, install a deadlock and more. Locksmiths not only help with front doors, they can help if you are locked out of your car, locked out of your mailbox, locked out of your shed … you name it. There may be an additional charge for emergency after-hours locksmith services. Check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

How much does it cost for a car locksmith?

There are several reasons you may need a car locksmith. You may be locked out of your car (either with the keys inside or with no keys at all), you may have lost your car keys and need a new key, or you may want to make a duplicate car key. The national average locksmith price ranges from $70 to $100. Getting locked out of your car can be scary and overwhelming — especially if it’s cold and dark out. Fortunately, professional locksmiths provide round-the-clock assistance to help people in these circumstances.

Car lockouts are one of the main reasons people need a locksmith. Your locksmith’s price can depend on the type of car you have, the time of day (or night) it is, and where you are located. Locksmith pricing may be based on a flat rate, or pricing may be quoted to you after the locksmith determines the circumstances. For example, a flat rate for a car lockout could be $65 for standard vehicles. That price could be higher for after-hours or long-distance service, or service during extreme weather. If you have entirely lost your car keys, a locksmith can make you a new car key, but first they must verify that you are the owner of the car. Locksmiths can even program new car key fobs for you — often at a lower price than a dealership.

How much does it cost to make a new key for a car?

Locksmiths’ prices for making new car keys can vary depending on the make of your car as well as the time of day and location. The national average locksmith price ranges from $70 to $100, but duplicating a key may cost as little as $30, while extraction a key stuck in the ignition, cutting a new key and programming the fob can cost much more.

You might need a new car key if you have lost your key, the key broke in the ignition, the key is bent or damaged, or you just want a duplicate in case of emergency. You can request a duplicate of a key you have on hand, or you can have a new key made or cut if you have lost your original car keys. If you need to replace lost keys, you’ll need to first provide proof that you are the owner of the car along with the vehicle identification number (VIN). If you’re just locked out of your car but don’t need a key made, a locksmith may charge $65 to get you back in. Locksmith car key services are often far more affordable than dealership prices for new keys.

How much does it cost to have a deadbolt lock installed?

Installing a new deadbolt lock can improve your home security, especially if you think your current lock system has been compromised or there are unaccounted-for copies of your house keys in circulation. A professional locksmith can install a new deadbolt for you in a matter of hours. The national average locksmith price ranges from $70 to $100. Locksmith prices for installing deadbolts may be higher based on whether the professional provides the lock or you have it on hand, how many components the locking system includes, and how long the installation takes. The cost to purchase a lock yourself from a big-box store can range from approximately $70 to $225 or more, depending on quality and materials. Higher-security locks often take longer and therefore cost more to install.

Reviews for San Diego locksmiths
Mervin V.
I highly recommend TNT Locksmith. I needed another key fob programmed for my car and TNT Locksmith gave the most reasonable price. Ryan was professional and very quick to respond to all service needs.
TNT LocksmithTNT Locksmith
Thumbtack Customer
A great locksmith at a reasonable price. Joe went above and beyond expectations with speed, quality of work, and customer service.
American Locks & Keys
Keith W.
This is the best locksmith ever. He knows his skill, he responds immediately to your inquiry, he does an amazing job. Highly recommend Karma for all your locksmithing needs. He is his own small business so he is hungry for your work. You will be happy you hired David!
Karma locksmithKarma locksmith
Debra S.
Pro Locksmith was quick and efficient. I appreciate his flexibility with the schedule and how easy it was to have my locks re-keyed.
Pro Locksmith San DiegoPro Locksmith San Diego
Alex D.
The service was fine which is why I give 2 stars, but I felt misled by this locksmith. The issue is that when the locksmith arrived he quoted me a price to program my car key fob. I informed him that I had another locksmith (Continental Locks) who was willing to both program my car key fob AND cut the emergency metal key for a significantly lower price. The locksmith then reduced his price to match this lower price; I asked him repeatedly to confirm that he would both program the car key fob AND cut the metal key for that price as the other locksmith had agreed to do. He said yes and proceeded to program the car key fob. Unfortunately, when he programmed the fob I asked him about cutting the key and he informed me that it was an additional cost. I told him I felt misled because he had said he could do both for the price he quoted just as the other locksmith had agreed, but he denied doing so. At that point, the locksmith had already programmed my car and was collecting payment so I was essentially stuck in that I didn't think I could ask him to "undo" the programming and leave, but I wasn't willing to pay him the additional cost to have the emergency metal key cut. I'm not a wallflower or afraid to be direct, so I know I was clear with what I was saying. At best, the locksmith just didn't listen to me but I frankly think he understood what I was saying and was trying to play dumb so to speak. So now I have a functioning car key fob, but no emergency metal key when I could have used another service provider (Continental Locks) that had better reviews and offered me better value.
San Diego Lock ProSan Diego Lock Pro
Traci d.
The gentleman did an amazing job. He was easy to work with and I love the work. If you need a locksmith feel at ease with this company and there employee's. Thankyou for all your hard work
ND LOCKS & DOORSND LOCKS & DOORS
Lisa F.
Arrived in time, called before arriving. Reviewed the job and determined I needed less expensive option for one of my doors. Friendly and fast. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a locksmith.
American Locks & Keys
Nicole g.
I am very happy with the customer service provided by Karma locksmith. The locks on my security door were changed quickly and the quality of work was great! I would highly recommend this company. Thank you so much 😊
Karma locksmithKarma locksmith
Amber H.
We needed a locksmith ASAP and within literal seconds of submitting a request with ND Locksmith, someone was on the phone with us setting up an appointment and we were able to get back into our house super quick. The tech was also very nice and worked quickly. Our house was unlocked in like 2 seconds. We had done a quick google search of prices for this service and were not expecting it to be "so much," in comparison to the google search (google said $30-$60 and we ended up paying $135) but it was 100% worth it and I would 100% use this service again! I also understand that google is not who sets the prices and we did not have time to shop around, but after speaking with the owner and the tech this was completely a fair price! I would def recommend!
ND LOCKS & DOORSND LOCKS & DOORS
Olivia B.
Great experience working with Guy from Pro Locksmith San Diego! He was very quick to respond to my request and get me on the schedule to re-key a door. He called when he was on his way for the appointment and took nearly no time at all. I even got two new keys for the lock so saved me a trip to the hardware store! Great value for the job! Would definitely recommend!
Pro Locksmith San DiegoPro Locksmith San Diego
Florence T.
Joe with American Locks and Keys did a great job on 4 separate house locks that I was having trouble with. In one case the lock was broken and Joe was able to advise me in advance on what parts would be needed (saving me a separate service call). During the service call, he was then able to replace the parts that were broken and made several other adjustments to prevent future problems. Adjustments and lubrication were needed in the other three cases. All in all, Joe was able to correct all my lock problems without requiring that I purchase new locks or keys, which saved me a significant amount of money. He also helped educate me on what was needed to prevent future problems and expense. Thanks Joe. I will definately call on you for any future lock issues I may have, and will recommend you to anyone needing a locksmith.
American Locks & Keys
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