How much should it cost to have a locksmith drill out a lock for a home lockout assuming a simple twist lock doorknob and not a deadbolt lock?

Answer 1

First of all, a competent locksmith would start by trying to pick the lock and would probably not have to drill it. Also, there is no difference between a deadbolt and a doorknob in this case.

As far as pricing, it depends on two things: time of day, and location.

If you are calling a locksmith out of normal business hours, you can expect everything to be more expensive.

Location means two things. First, the city. If you are in a large city, for example Chicago or New York, locksmiths are generally going to be much more expensive. If you are in a smaller city, for example Fort Collins, Colorado where I am from, the cost will be lower.

If you called me, a Locksmith, and told me you were locked out of your house during the day the cost would be $45 trip fee + $5-15 for unlocking the door (so a total of $50 to $60). I would probably be able to pick the lock, but if I had to drill it I wouldn't charge you extra (although you might have to buy a new lock for as little as $25 if it was a door knob).

If you lived in a large city, or called at a late time, it might be $100-$200.

The best questions to ask a locksmith are: are you bonded? are you certified by the Associated Locksmiths of Ameria? Are you a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America? Are you BBB Accredited? Are you licensed? If they answer yes to those, you can bet that their prices are fair.

Sources:

http://www.locksafesystems.com