The fastest way depends on what kind of lock you have and whether you own it

If you own the lock, the simplest option is to call a locksmith — they can open almost any residential lock in 15 to 30 minutes and cost between $75 and $200 depending on your location and the lock type. If you rent, contact your landlord or property manager first, because they may have a spare key or their own locksmith on file. If you've lost a key to a lock you own and want to keep the lock, a locksmith can also rekey it so your old key no longer works and you get new keys instead.

For padlocks you own, bolt cutters are the fastest option if you don't need to preserve the lock. For door locks, trying to force them yourself usually damages the door frame or lock mechanism, making the repair more expensive than calling a professional. The exception is a deadbolt you installed yourself — you may be able to remove the interior side and unlock it from inside, though this only works if you have access to the interior of the door.

Key Takeaways

  • A locksmith is the standard solution for lost keys to residential locks and typically costs $75 to $200 depending on location and lock type.
  • If you rent, your landlord or property manager should be your first contact — they may have a spare key or a preferred locksmith.
  • Bolt cutters work for padlocks you own, but forcing a door lock usually costs more in repairs than hiring a professional.
  • Rekeying lets you keep the lock but invalidate the lost key, while a locksmith can also make you new keys for locks you still have access to.

When you own the lock and have time to plan

If the lock isn't urgent — you're not locked out, you just lost a key — you have options beyond calling a locksmith. Many hardware stores and locksmiths can make copies of keys if you bring in the lock itself or a working key. If you have the original paperwork from when you bought the lock, some manufacturers will send replacement keys if you provide proof of purchase and the lock's serial number.

For smart locks (electronic locks you control with a code, app, or fingerprint), you usually don't need a physical key at all. If you've forgotten the code, most smart locks have a master override or a way to reset through the manufacturer's app or website. Check the manual or the manufacturer's support page for your specific model — the process varies widely.

Padlocks and combination locks

If you've forgotten the combination to a padlock you own, a locksmith can open it, but bolt cutters are faster and cheaper if you don't need to keep the lock. Bolt cutters cost $15 to $40 to buy and take seconds to use — you cut through the shackle (the U-shaped metal part) and the lock falls open. If you rent and the padlock belongs to your landlord, ask them before cutting it.

For combination locks, some locksmiths can open them without cutting, but not all — call ahead and ask. If you have the original receipt or documentation, the manufacturer may be able to help you recover the combination, though this usually takes several days.

Door locks when you're locked out

If you're locked out of your own home, a locksmith is your safest option. They can open most residential door locks without damaging them, though they may need to drill out the lock cylinder if it's damaged or very old. The cost is the same as a regular lockout call — usually $75 to $200 — and they can rekey the lock or make you new keys while they're there.

If you rent and are locked out, call your landlord or property manager when ready. Many have spare keys or can authorize a locksmith to let you in. If you can't reach them and it's after hours, some rental properties have emergency protocols — check your lease or the property management company's website for their after-hours number.

Locks on filing cabinets, safes, and storage

Small locks on filing cabinets, desk drawers, or storage boxes are often easier to open than door locks. A locksmith can open these in minutes, and the cost is usually lower — $50 to $100 — because the work is simpler. For valuable items in a safe, a locksmith who specializes in safes is essential; they have the tools to open without damaging the contents.

If you own the cabinet or safe and have the manufacturer's name and model number, contact them directly. Many will provide the combination or a master key if you can prove ownership. Keep this information in a find place — a password manager or a physical document in a separate location — so you don't lose access again.

Preventing lockouts and lost keys

The best protection is a spare key stored somewhere safe and separate from your main key. Give a spare to a trusted friend or family member who lives nearby, or store one in a locked box at home — not under a doormat or flowerpot, which are the first places someone will look. For doors you use frequently, consider a keypad or smart lock so you're not dependent on carrying a physical key.

For important locks — safes, filing cabinets, storage units — write down the manufacturer, model number, and serial number and store this information in a password manager or a separate document. If you ever lose the key, this information makes it much faster for a locksmith or the manufacturer to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a locksmith cost to open a door?

Most locksmiths charge $75 to $200 for a standard residential door lock, depending on your location, the time of day, and the lock type. Emergency calls (nights, weekends, holidays) often cost more. Call three locksmiths in your area and ask for a quote before choosing one.

Can I open a lock myself without damaging it?

For padlocks, bolt cutters work if you don't need to keep the lock. For door locks, forcing them usually damages the frame or mechanism, making repairs more expensive than hiring a locksmith. The exception is a deadbolt you installed yourself — you may be able to remove the interior side and unlock from inside.

What if I'm renting and locked out?

Contact your landlord or property manager first — they may have a spare key or can authorize a locksmith. Check your lease for their after-hours emergency number. If you can't reach them, some property management companies have emergency protocols listed on their website.

Can a locksmith make new keys if I've lost all of them?

Yes. A locksmith can make new keys from the lock itself, even if you have no original keys. They'll need access to the lock and can usually make keys while you wait, though the cost may be slightly higher than copying an existing key.

What's the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?

Rekeying changes the internal pins so your old key no longer works, but you keep the same lock. Replacing means removing the old lock and installing a new one. Rekeying is cheaper and faster if the lock still works well; replacement is necessary if the lock is damaged or you want a different type.