Locksmith Ledger takes a look back at the average locksmith prices from almost 70 years ago. Even the categories have changed. Tasks such as repairing door closers and installing automotive springs are no longer required. Hourly rates were around $3.50 per hour, and most keys cost less than a dollar.
Stay tuned for our 2022 National Price Survey, which will include a number of new electronic locksmithing categories, which will be published later this year. Please take the time to fill out the survey here.
DUPLICATING KEYS
Cylinder Type: 35 cents
Bit keys: 75 cents
Steel bit: 50 cents
Bit master keys – steel: $1
Flat steel: 35 cents
Flat steel (double sided): 50 cents
Double sided cylinder type: 50 cents
Duo & other irregular types: $1
Safe deposit box keys: 75 cents
Broken Cylinder keys: 50 cents
QUANTITY PRICES
25 or more all alike: 10% discount
200 or more all alike: 20% discount
FITTING FIRST KEY
Rim (pin tumbler): $1
Rim (wafer tumbler): $1
Best cylinders: $1.50
Mortise cylinders: $1
Padlocks (pin tumblers): $1
Padlocks (wafer tumbler): 50 cents
Automotive cylinders: $1
Bit keys (1 tumbler): 75 cents
Bit keys (3 tumblers): $1
Locker keys: $1
Flat steel cabinet locks: $1
Suitcase keys: 50 cents
KEYS BY NUMBER
Automotive: 75 cents
Suitcase keys: 75 cents
Trunk keys: 50 cents
Mailbox keys: 75 cents
DOOR CLOSER REPAIRS
Screen door type: $2.50
Repack and refill overhead type: $4.50
Floor checks: 11.50
OUT OF SHOP SERVICE
Hourly rate (1 hr. min): $3.50
Fitting 1st key automotive: $3.50
Mileage: 10 cents/mile
SHOP WORK
Hourly rate: $3.50
Installing auto springs: $3.50
CYLINDER WORK
Mortise and rim type set to sample key: $1
Master keying (per cylinder): $1
Schlage, wafer type master keyed: $1.50
Schlage, pin tumbler type, reset combination: $1.25
