Is it legal to change your own locks in Australia?

Yes, homeowners can change their own locks on property they own. However, tenants generally cannot change locks without the landlord's written consent under Residential Tenancies Acts in most states. Landlords are typically required to use a licensed locksmith. Also be aware that strata bylaws may restrict lock changes on common property doors.

How much does a locksmith charge for a callout in Australia?

Callout fees typically range from $80 to $150 during business hours. After-hours and weekend callouts can run from $150 to $350. On top of the callout fee, expect labour charges per lock. Rekeying costs around $30 to $60 per lock, and a full lock change ranges from $70 to $200 per lock depending on the hardware grade.

Can I rekey my own locks without a locksmith?

Some lock brands like Kwikset (less common in Australia) offer DIY rekey kits, but most Australian-market locks from Lockwood, Gainsborough, and Yale require professional pinning kits and follower tools. Without the right pin sizes and tools, attempting to rekey a lock yourself will likely render it unusable. This is a job best left to a locksmith.

Will my insurance cover a break-in if I installed the locks myself?

It depends on your policy and the lock's compliance with Australian Standards. Many insurers require external locks to meet AS 4145.2 or equivalent. If a self-installed lock is found to be non-compliant or improperly fitted, your insurer may reduce or deny a break-in claim. Check your policy wording or ask your insurer directly before doing external lock work yourself.

What locks should I buy if I want to DIY a replacement?

For Australian homes, Lockwood is the most widely supported brand, with parts and keys available at most hardware stores. The Lockwood 001 Deadlatch and Lockwood 355 deadbolt are popular choices that meet Australian Standards. Gainsborough and Yale also offer reliable residential-grade options. Avoid unbranded imports from online marketplaces, as they may not meet local standards and could compromise your insurance.

How long does it take a locksmith to change all the locks on a house?

For a standard three-bedroom home with three to four external locks, expect one to two hours for a full lock change or rekey. If the locksmith is rekeying to a single key (keyed alike), it can be faster since the existing hardware stays in place. More complex jobs involving deadlock installations on undrilled doors or high-security hardware upgrades may take longer.

DIY vs Locksmith: Which Is Right for You? 2026

The Moment You Have to Decide

It's a Saturday afternoon. You've just moved into your new place in Melbourne, and the previous owners left behind a set of worn, wobbly door locks. You know the smart move is to change them all. But the question hits: do you grab a lock kit from Bunnings for $40, or do you call a locksmith and pay several hundred dollars?

This is a decision Australian homeowners and business owners face regularly. Sometimes a DIY approach saves real money with minimal risk. Other times, it leads to a damaged door frame, a voided insurance claim, or a lock that looks right but offers almost no security. This guide breaks down exactly when each option makes sense, what the true costs are, and where the line sits between a sensible weekend project and a job that demands professional tools and training.

Comparing the Two Approaches

The DIY Path

Doing your own lock work can be satisfying and cost-effective for simple tasks. Replacing a passage set (the interior door handles that don't lock), swapping a like-for-like deadbolt on a standard timber door, or lubricating a stiff lock are all within reach of a handy homeowner. Lock sets from major hardware retailers like Bunnings or Mitre 10 typically run between $25 and $120 for residential-grade hardware from brands like Lockwood, Gainsborough, or Yale.

The main appeal is cost savings. You avoid the callout fee (often $80 to $150 depending on the city and time of day) and the labour charges on top. For a straightforward swap on a pre-drilled door, you might need only a screwdriver, a tape measure, and 20 minutes.

The risk? If you choose the wrong lock grade, misalign the bolt with the strike plate, or accidentally damage your door, you could end up spending more than a professional would have charged. You also lack the licensing to certify that a lock meets Australian Standard AS 4145.2, which may matter for insurance or strata compliance.

The Professional Locksmith Path

Licensed locksmiths bring training, commercial-grade tools, and accountability. In Australia, locksmiths must hold a Security Licence in most states (for example, a Class 2A licence in NSW or a Private Security Individual Licence in Victoria). This licensing ensures they understand Australian Standards for locks and can certify their work.

Professional work becomes essential when dealing with high-security locks, master key systems for businesses, restricted key profiles, or damage-free emergency entry. A locksmith can also assess your overall security posture and recommend upgrades you may not have considered, like replacing a builder-grade lock with an Abloy Protec2 or a Lockwood 001 Touch deadbolt.

Real-world pricing from Australian locksmiths shows a lock change typically costs between $70 and $200. Reddit users report paying around $100 for a callout plus $30 to $40 per lock for rekeying, with a full deadlock installation plus two rekeys costing around $680. Emergency after-hours service runs higher, with reports ranging from $150 to $350 for a single lockout.

Cost Comparison: What You'll Actually Pay

Task	DIY Cost (Parts Only)	Locksmith Cost (Parts + Labour)	Risk Level for DIY
Replace interior passage set	$25 – $60	$90 – $150	Low
Replace standard deadbolt (like-for-like)	$40 – $120	$70 – $200	Low to Medium
Rekey existing locks (per lock)	Not feasible without tools/pins	$30 – $60 per lock + callout	High (specialised skill)
Install new deadlock on undrilled door	$50 – $150 (plus drill bits/jig)	$150 – $350	High
Emergency lockout (business hours)	N/A	$80 – $180	N/A
Emergency lockout (after hours)	N/A	$150 – $350	N/A
Master key system (8+ locks, business)	Not feasible	$500 – $1,500+	N/A
Automotive lock/unlock	Not feasible	$80 – $185	N/A

Sources: Hipages 2026 cost guides, Reddit user reports, and pricing from Australian locksmith businesses. Callout fees vary by city and time of day. Always request an upfront quote before work begins.

Smart Tip: Bundle Lock Changes After Moving

If you've just bought a property, bundling all your lock changes into one visit saves on callout fees. One Reddit user reported having eight locks rekeyed to a single key in one session, which is far more economical than eight separate visits. Ask your locksmith about keyed-alike pricing.

When DIY Makes Sense (and When It Doesn't)

Good DIY Candidates

Like-for-like replacements on pre-drilled doors. If your existing deadbolt is a standard Lockwood 001 and you're swapping it for the same model, the holes are already there. Follow the manufacturer instructions, check alignment, and you're sorted.

Interior hardware upgrades. Changing bedroom or bathroom door handles is low-stakes work. A misaligned latch on an interior door is an inconvenience, not a security risk.

Lock maintenance. Applying graphite lubricant to a stiff lock, tightening loose screws on a handle set, or adjusting a strike plate are simple tasks that extend the life of your hardware.

Jobs That Demand a Locksmith

Drilling into an undrilled door. Boring a hole through a timber or especially a steel door for a new deadlock requires a hole saw, a jig for alignment, and experience. One wrong cut and you've weakened the door or created a gap that compromises security. As one locksmith on Reddit pointed out, a $300 callout is far cheaper than repairing a smashed-down door.

High-security and restricted key systems. Brands like Abloy, Mul-T-Lock, and BiLock use restricted keyways that cannot be copied at a hardware store. Installation and keying must be done by an authorised dealer.

Insurance and compliance requirements. Many home and contents insurance policies specify that external locks must meet certain Australian Standards. If you install a lock incorrectly or choose a non-compliant product, a claim could be denied. Strata properties in NSW and Queensland often have specific bylaws about lock types on common property.

Commercial and multi-tenancy buildings. Master key systems, access control integration, and fire-rated door hardware all fall outside DIY territory. A professional ensures compliance with BCA (Building Code of Australia) requirements.

Warning: DIY Lock Work Can Void Your Insurance

If your home or business is broken into through a lock you installed yourself and it doesn't meet Australian Standard AS 4145.2, your insurer may reduce or reject your claim. Before doing any external lock work yourself, check your policy's security requirements. For rental properties, landlords in most states must use a licensed tradesperson for lock changes under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Finding the Right Locksmith in Australia

If you've decided professional help is the right call, Australia has a strong network of licensed locksmiths across every capital city and most regional areas. Across the country, there are over 700 lock change and replacement businesses listed, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Roughly 82% offer 24/7 emergency service, so even a 2am lockout is covered.

Highly rated businesses include Tas Mobile Locksmith (5.0 stars from over 1,500 reviews), Express Locksmith Gold Coast & Tweed (5.0 stars, 1,375 reviews), Terry's Locksmiths (4.9 stars, over 3,000 reviews), Wynns Locksmiths in Preston, Melbourne (4.8 stars, 1,390 reviews), and Sheehan Locksmiths (4.9 stars, 934 reviews). Melbourne alone has over 200 locksmith listings, Sydney close to 180, and Brisbane around 90.

How to Get a Fair Price

Always ask for the callout fee and hourly rate before agreeing to a job. A reputable locksmith will give you a clear estimate over the phone. Reddit users consistently recommend getting quotes upfront. If a locksmith is vague about pricing or refuses to provide an estimate, that's a red flag.

Tip: Check Their Licence Number

In NSW, search the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED) database. In Victoria, check Consumer Affairs Victoria. In Queensland, use the Office of Fair Trading licence search. A legitimate locksmith will provide their licence number without hesitation.

The Decision Framework

How to Decide: DIY or Locksmith?

Ask yourself these four questions:

1. Is the door already drilled for this lock type? If yes, and you're doing a like-for-like swap, DIY is reasonable. If drilling is required, call a professional.

2. Is this an exterior door that affects security? If yes, a locksmith ensures the installation meets Australian Standards and won't create insurance issues.

3. Do I need restricted keys, rekeying, or a master key system? These tasks require specialised tools and pinning kits that aren't available to consumers. Call a locksmith.

4. Am I locked out right now? Unless you can safely access the property through an unlocked window (ground floor only, please), a locksmith with damage-free entry tools is your best option. Forcing a door typically costs far more in repairs than a callout fee.

For simple interior hardware swaps, save your money and do it yourself. For anything involving exterior security, compliance, or emergency access, the $100 to $300 investment in a licensed locksmith is money well spent.

DIY vs Locksmith: When to Fix It Yourself and When to Call a Pro