Replacing a door knob and deadbolt typically costs $150-$350 when a locksmith supplies standard hardware and installs both on one exterior door; the average is about $250. The final price depends on lock quality, whether existing holes fit, local labor rates, and whether the work includes rekeying or smart-lock features.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knob and deadbolt replacement | $100 | $250 | $600 | One exterior door; high end includes upgraded hardware or complications |
| Standard knob hardware | $20 | $50 | $120 | Per lock, excluding installation |
| Standard deadbolt hardware | $25 | $65 | $160 | Per lock, excluding installation |
| Locksmith labor and service | $75 | $140 | $275 | May include a service-call minimum |
Typical price for two locks on one exterior door
A locksmith usually charges $150-$350 to replace a basic keyed knob and single-cylinder deadbolt on one door, including ordinary hardware and installation. A practical average is $250. This assumes an existing door with compatible lock openings, standard-grade products, normal access, and no new keys or door repairs.
Buying the hardware independently can reduce the bill, but the combined equipment cost is commonly $45-$280. Premium finishes, reinforced deadbolts, and keyed-alike sets cost more. For a straightforward replacement, budgeting $200-$300 covers many standard two-lock jobs.
Assumptions: U.S. mid-market labor rates, standard hardware, one door, and no frame or door modification.
What hardware, labor, and service fees add to the quote
Quotes may combine the trip charge and installation into one labor line or list them separately. Ask whether the price covers both locks, new keys, and disposal of the old hardware. The ranges below are common planning estimates, not fixed national rates.
| Quote component | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knob and deadbolt materials | $45 | $115 | $280 |
| Installation labor | $60 | $120 | $220 |
| Service call or trip fee | $0 | $35 | $100 |
| Extra keys or rekeying | $5 | $25 | $60 |
| Door or strike-plate adjustment | $0 | $40 | $150 |
Labor and the service minimum often matter as much as the price difference between ordinary lock brands.
How door thickness, lock grade, and hole size change the price
Basic cylindrical locks often fit standard predrilled openings. If the door has nonstandard spacing, damaged holes, or a misaligned strike plate, the locksmith may need to adjust the door or frame, adding roughly $40-$150. New drilling or substantial door repair can push the job above the usual range.
Hardware grade is another major variable. A basic knob may cost $20-$60, while a sturdier or decorative model can run $70-$120. Deadbolts commonly range from $25-$90 for standard models and $100-$160 for higher-security designs. Smart deadbolts can cost $100-$300 before installation.
Door thickness also affects fit: many standard sets suit doors about 1⅜-1¾ inches thick, while thicker doors may need an extension kit or compatible model. A double-cylinder deadbolt, which uses a key on both sides, can cost more and may be restricted by local fire-safety rules. Confirm lock dimensions and door thickness before buying hardware.
Can a locksmith install both locks in one visit?
A routine replacement of a knob and deadbolt often takes 30-60 minutes once the locksmith arrives, assuming the openings are compatible and the door closes properly. A difficult fit, stuck hardware, or frame adjustment may extend the visit to 1-2 hours.
Some locksmiths charge an hourly rate of about $75-$125, while others quote a flat labor fee or apply a minimum charge. A separate service call may add $35-$100. After-hours, weekend, and emergency appointments can raise the total substantially; request the full scheduled-time quote before dispatch.
Ask whether the estimate includes the trip, installation of both locks, and any minimum labor charge.
Where U.S. labor rates push the replacement total
Prices tend to be higher in major coastal cities and other high-cost urban markets than in smaller towns. For the same standard two-lock job, urban quotes may run about 15%-35% above a national mid-market estimate, while rural quotes can be 5%-15% lower when travel is short and contractors are available.
Those differences are not guaranteed: a rural service call with a long drive can erase the lower labor rate, and busy metropolitan schedules may add urgency charges. Compare two or three written estimates with matching hardware, service fees, and scope rather than comparing labor alone. Travel distance and appointment timing can change a quote as much as the local hourly rate.
Which extras can turn a basic lock swap into a larger bill?
Rekeying changes the key combination in a compatible lock instead of replacing the whole lock. It often costs about $20-$50 per cylinder, plus any trip or labor minimum. It can be economical when the existing hardware works and the goal is to prevent old keys from opening the door.
Other possible charges include extra keys at roughly $2-$10 each, removal of damaged or seized hardware at $25-$100, and strike-plate or latch adjustments at $40-$150. Smart-lock setup may add labor, and a new door or frame is outside a basic replacement quote. Have the locksmith identify add-ons separately before authorizing work.
How to lower the bill without compromising the door fit
Replacing both locks during one visit can avoid paying separate trip minimums. Choose standard keyed hardware with compatible measurements rather than paying for decorative finishes or connected features that are not needed. If the current knob or deadbolt is sound, ask whether rekeying just that lock meets the security goal.
Provide the door thickness, backset measurement, lock brand, and photos of both sides of the door when requesting estimates. This helps identify fit problems before the appointment. Compare quotes that specify hardware models, labor, service call, keying, and possible adjustment fees; a low initial price may exclude those items.
Keeping the scope to compatible standard locks and one planned visit is usually the clearest way to control replacement cost.