Manhattan FAQs

Manhattan locksmith prices range from $70, all the way to about $1000. It all depends on what you need. A simple lockout to help you get back in your apartment can be as little as $70 if the lock isn’t too complex. If you’re a big business looking to invest in your security by installing a smart locking system, you can expect to pay an amount closer to a thousand dollars – and even then, it will depend on the scale of the project.

The best thing to do, if prices are confusing you, is to call the locksmith directly, describe the specific job you have in mind, and ask for a quote for the total cost, including all labor, hardware, and service. Once you have the estimate down, ask if the company has a policy of sticking to its prices, and if so, whether you could receive the estimate in writing.

Remember, the locksmithing world of Manhattan sometimes includes dishonest or unqualified locksmiths, despite efforts to regulate. A suspiciously cheap price might end up costing more in the long run.

A Manhattan locksmith can leave the office as little as seconds after they put down the phone. A good locksmith will always aim to give you fast service. If you’re calling out of hours, or on a day where your locksmith happens to be committed to another client right this minute, you can expect to wait up to a couple of hours while they either get ready and collect their tools or while they finish their other job. A good locksmith will always be transparent with you about waiting times.

Manhattan is an exciting and lucrative place to start a new business. Unfortunately, crooks know that, too – which is why it’s essential that you have a productive relationship with your locksmith from day one of starting your business.

When looking for a locksmith, look for someone who is qualified to do commercial services. Many locksmiths offer both commercial and residential services – it’s important to check with the locksmith to see what exact services they do, and whether they suit your needs. A locksmith that does only residential services, or just a small handful of commercial services, will not be a good fit.

Ideally, you’ll want a locksmith who is highly experienced in commercial services and who is up-to-date with modern security options, such as smart locks, electronic keypads or card swipers, and so on. That way you’ll maximize your options when it comes to keeping your business safe.

It’s always best to change or at least rekey a lock when moving somewhere new. Even if the previous owners gave you their keys, or the landlord swears that all keys were returned, it is possible to make extra copies, and you don’t know who has access to them. There’s no reason to take a risk. If you’re renting, though, it may be wise to ask permission from your landlord before changing the keys.

The door is the means through which most break-ins are attempted. Your locks must be extremely secure – not all locks are equal, so ask your locksmith which ones have the best security measures. Make sure any opening in the house, including windows, fire exits, and balconies are properly secure. Put yourself in the mind of a burglar – the easier the target looks, the more likely they are to try. Also consider extra layers of security, such as CCTV or alarms, and never give your key to anyone you don’t know extremely well.

Locksmiths do not damage locks, except in very rare cases. If the locksmith is insured, you also won’t have to worry about paying for damages, as this will be done by insurance.

It depends. The response time of an emergency locksmith can vary according to your location, traffic conditions, and the current workload. However, in most cases, emergency locksmith services in the Manhattan area can arrive onsite in as little as 30 minutes. Even during high-congestion times, your wait should not be more than an hour. Whatever the conditions are, a good locksmith will always strive to provide a quick response, and will communicate your estimated wait time to you clearly so that you know what to expect.

An emergency lockout in Manhattan should cost somewhere between $95 and $235, although you may find some locksmiths advertising a slightly higher or lower price range. If the price range is wildly off, perhaps give that locksmith a miss – extremely low rates in Manhattan are likely to either mean an unreputable locksmith, or a locksmith who is deliberately misleading clients with hidden fees.

The price of other emergency services will depend on the cost of parts and labor requirements. You can expect to pay a call out fee, which will change in amount depending on the time of day.

Yes. Most emergency locksmiths are able to provide services for non-standard locks, such as those on safes, vaults, and even filing cabinets. If you need to access one of these quickly, an emergency locksmith should be able to help – but always ask on the phone or consult the locksmith’s website to be sure beforehand.

Unfortunately, break-ins in Manhattan are not an uncommon occurrence, whether in home or business settings. Fortunately, an emergency locksmith will be able to help you find a sense of security and peace of mind if you’re unlucky enough to suffer one.

The first step is to identify as far as possible where the intruder entered. This marks the ‘weak spot’ in your home, and will most likely need repairing. An emergency locksmith will repair, replace or upgrade this lock.