What Australian Locksmiths Actually Charge Right Now
Before weighing up the pros and cons, let's talk dollars. The gap between rekeying and replacing locks is real, but it's not always as dramatic as you might expect.
Rekeying costs from real locksmiths
Based on pricing data from Australian locksmiths and homeowner reports, rekeying a single-sided lock (key operated from one side only) typically costs around $35 per lock, while double-sided locks (key operated from both sides) run about $45 each. On top of that, most locksmiths charge a callout fee. Reddit users report callout fees around $100, with per-lock rekey charges of $30 to $40 on top.
Hipages data puts the broader range at $70 to $130 for rekeying, which likely includes the callout component. One homeowner in eastern Victoria reported paying $270 in total for three rekeys and six duplicate keys. That's a useful benchmark for a typical house.
Lock replacement costs
Replacing locks is a different equation entirely. You're paying for the new hardware plus the labour. A decent residential lockset costs $200 to $300 for the hardware alone, according to locksmith feedback on Australian forums. One homeowner recently reported $680 for a new deadlock installation plus rekeying two other locks to match. The labour to fit a new lock typically starts around $65 to $80 per lock, but complex installations on reinforced doors or commercial-grade hardware can push well above that.
Always ask for an itemised quote that separates the callout fee, per-lock labour, and hardware costs. This makes it much easier to compare quotes between locksmiths and decide which locks genuinely need replacing versus rekeying.
Rekeying vs Replacing: Side-by-Side Comparison
Rekeying your locks
Rekeying means a locksmith changes the internal pins or wafers inside your existing lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works. You get a new key, but the lock body, handle, and deadbolt stay exactly the same. It's the faster, cheaper option and works perfectly well when the lock hardware is still in good condition.
This is the standard approach after moving into a new home, ending a tenancy, or losing a set of keys. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the old key exist, so rekeying eliminates that risk immediately.
Rekeying also lets you key all your locks alike, meaning one key operates every door in the house. This is a popular request and most locksmiths can do it during the same visit.
Replacing your locks
Replacement means removing the entire lock mechanism and fitting a brand-new unit. This is the right call when locks are physically damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade to a higher security rating. If your current locks don't meet Australian Standard AS 4145.2 for Grade 1 or Grade 2 security, replacement is the better investment.
Replacement also makes sense if you're switching lock types entirely. Moving from a basic knob lock to a deadbolt, adding a smart lock, or fitting a restricted key system all require new hardware. Brands like Lockwood, Dormakaba, and Yale are widely available through Australian locksmiths and offer products designed for local conditions.
| Factor | Rekey | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per lock (excluding callout) | $35 – $45 | $200 – $400+ |
| Time per lock | 10 – 15 minutes | 30 – 60 minutes |
| Improves physical security | No (same hardware) | Yes (new hardware) |
| Works with damaged locks | No | Yes |
| Can key alike multiple locks | Yes | Yes |
| Allows smart lock upgrade | No | Yes |
| Eliminates old keys | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance compliance | If existing lock meets standards | Can upgrade to meet standards |
When Rekeying Is the Clear Winner
You've just moved into a new property
This is the most common scenario. Previous owners, tenants, real estate agents, tradespeople, and neighbours may all have copies of the old keys. Rekeying every external lock is the cheapest way to secure a new home. For a three-bedroom house with a front door, back door, and garage entry, you're typically looking at $170 to $300 all up including callout.
You've lost your keys
A lost key is a security concern, not just an inconvenience. If the keys were lost with any identifying information (like a car registration tag or address label), rekeying should happen the same day. The good news is that 82% of Australian lock rekeying businesses offer 24/7 emergency service, so you won't struggle to find someone after hours.
You want one key for all doors
If you're juggling five different keys for five different doors, rekeying to a master key or keyed-alike system is dramatically cheaper than replacing all five locks. Most locksmiths can do this in a single visit provided your locks use compatible keyways. Lockwood, Australia's most common residential lock brand, generally supports keying alike across their product range.
After a relationship breakdown or share house change
This is a practical reality that locksmiths handle regularly. Rekeying gives you immediate peace of mind without the cost of full replacement.
When Replacing Locks Makes More Sense
Your locks are physically worn or damaged
If a lock is stiff, jamming, rusting, or the bolt doesn't throw fully, rekeying won't fix the underlying problem. Coastal properties in Queensland and Western Australia are particularly prone to salt air corrosion. Express Locksmith Gold Coast & Tweed (5.0 stars, 1,375 reviews) is one of the highly rated businesses in that region, and coastal corrosion repair is a common job for locksmiths along the Gold Coast and Tweed corridor.
Your locks don't meet insurance requirements
Many Australian home insurance policies require deadbolts on external doors, and some specify Australian Standard compliance. If your locks are basic knob sets or spring latches, rekeying them won't satisfy an insurer. Replacing with AS 4145.2 compliant deadbolts, such as the Lockwood 001 or Dormakaba 005, is the correct move.
If you make an insurance claim for a break-in and your locks didn't meet the standards specified in your policy, the claim could be denied. Check your policy wording and upgrade before you need to find out the hard way.
You want smart lock functionality
Smart locks from brands like Yale, August, and Lockwood's digital range offer keyless entry, remote access, and activity logs. These require full lock replacement. Expect to pay $300 to $700 for the hardware plus $80 to $150 for professional installation. They're increasingly popular with Airbnb hosts and busy families.
After a break-in or attempted forced entry
A lock that has been attacked, even if it held, may be structurally compromised. Replacing it with a higher-grade unit is the safest response. Your locksmith can also assess the door frame and strike plate, which are often the actual weak points in a forced entry.
Finding a Qualified Locksmith Across Australia
Australia has over 700 businesses offering lock rekeying services across all major cities. Melbourne has the most with 216 listings, followed by Sydney with 179, Brisbane with 90, Perth with 72, Adelaide with 56, and the Gold Coast with 44.
The average rating across these businesses sits at 4.7 out of 5 stars, which reflects a generally high standard. Some standouts include Tas Mobile Locksmith in Tasmania (5.0 stars from 1,591 reviews), Terry's Locksmiths (4.9 stars from over 3,017 reviews), and Wynns Locksmiths Preston in Melbourne's north (4.8 stars from 1,390 reviews). Sheehan Locksmiths, with 4.9 stars from 934 reviews, is another well-regarded option.
What to check before booking
Confirm the locksmith holds a current licence. Licensing requirements vary by state. In New South Wales, locksmiths need a Master Licence (Security Class 2C). Victoria requires registration under the Private Security Act 2004. Queensland locksmiths must hold a security provider licence. An unlicensed operator may void your insurance or install non-compliant hardware.
Ask about the callout fee upfront, per-lock pricing, and whether they carry common lock brands on their van. A well-stocked mobile locksmith can complete most rekeying and standard replacements in a single visit.
If you're rekeying after a move, book the locksmith for your settlement day or the day you get the keys. Some locksmiths offer a "new home" package that includes rekeying all external locks and supplying multiple key copies at a bundled rate.
The Decision Framework
Rekey if your existing locks are in good physical condition, meet your insurance requirements, and you simply need to eliminate old keys. This saves 60% to 80% compared to full replacement and takes a fraction of the time.
Replace if your locks are damaged, corroded, non-compliant with your insurance policy, or you want to upgrade to a higher security grade or smart lock system.
Do both when you have a mix of conditions. It's completely normal to replace the worn-out front door deadbolt while rekeying the perfectly functional back door and side gate locks to match the new front door key. A good locksmith will recommend this approach honestly rather than pushing full replacement across the board.
For a standard three-bedroom Australian home, budget roughly $200 to $350 for a full rekey, or $600 to $1,200 for full replacement with quality hardware. Get at least two quotes and always ask for an itemised breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rekeying is significantly cheaper in almost every case. A single lock rekey costs $35 to $45 plus a callout fee (typically around $100), while replacing a lock costs $200 to $400 or more per lock including hardware and labour. For a typical house with three external locks, rekeying might total $250 to $350, whereas full replacement could run $600 to $1,200. The only time the gap narrows is if you're rekeying a large number of locks with an expensive restricted keyway.