A locksmith does much more than open a door when you are locked out. Locksmiths fit and replace locks, rekey cylinders after a move, cut and copy keys, replace car keys, fit security gate locks, set up master key systems and open or repair safes. In South Africa a locksmith is a security service provider and must be registered with PSIRA, so ask for the number before work starts. Tell us what you need and where you are, and independent locksmiths near you will send free quotes, with no obligation.
What a locksmith can do for you
Most locksmith work falls into a few kinds of job, and many locksmiths do all of them:
- Call-outs: lockouts, lost keys, a key snapped in the lock or a lock damaged in a break-in (see emergency locksmith)
- Locks: supplying and fitting door locks, deadbolts, gate and garage locks, or rekeying the ones you have
- Keys: key cutting, restricted keys and car keys with a chip
- Bigger jobs: master key systems, access control and safes
How to choose a locksmith near you
Start with registration: ask for the PSIRA number and check it. Then match the locksmith to the job. A mobile locksmith works from a bakkie or van with a key machine and stock, so most house jobs are done on the spot. A locksmith with a shop is handy for key copies and picking out hardware. Car keys and safes are specialist work, and not every locksmith does them, so say so in your request.
For a complex or an estate, ask whether the locksmith already works there and knows the gate and access rules.
Good practice and common mistakes
A careful locksmith asks for proof that you live at the address or own the car before opening anything. On a lockout they try non-destructive entry first and drill only as a last resort. When fitting locks they check the door thickness, the backset and the cylinder length so nothing sticks out to be snapped.
The usual mistakes on the owner's side: keeping old keys in circulation after a move, choosing the cheapest cylinder on an outside door, and not keeping a spare key with someone you trust.
Locksmith prices and what to ask
Most locksmiths charge a call-out fee plus the work and parts. The fee is higher after hours, at weekends and on public holidays, and further out of town. Ask each locksmith:
- the call-out fee and what it covers
- the total for the job, parts included
- whether after-hours rates apply
- the guarantee on locks and work
- whether they carry the lock in stock or must order it
Comparing two or three written quotes is the easiest way to spot a price that is out of line.
What to include in your request
- What the job is: lockout, locks, keys or safe
- Your suburb and the type of property
- The lock type and how many locks
- Whether it is urgent or after hours
- Ask for the PSIRA number and call-out fee
Locksmiths for different clients
- Homeowners: new locks, spare keys and lockouts for front, back and security gate doors
- Complexes, estates and body corporates: unit door locks, rekeying between owners and common gate locks for the body corporate
- Offices, shops and practices: shopfront and office locks, rekeying when staff leave and opening a stuck safe
- Landlords and letting agents: rekeying between tenants and spare keys for letting agents and caretakers
- Factories, warehouses and workshops: roller door and gate locks, padlocks and master keyed warehouses and yards
- Farms and smallholdings: farmhouse locks, store and shed padlocks, gate locks and gun safe repairs
- Schools, clinics, churches and hostels: master keyed classrooms, offices and storerooms with a register of every key
- Builders, shopfitters and contractors: builders and property managers who need locks supplied, fitted and keyed alike
Frequently asked questions
How much does a locksmith cost?
Is there a locksmith close to me after hours?
How do I check that a locksmith is legitimate?
Who will quote me if I send a request?
Locksmiths by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg