What lock replacement costs
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Lock replacement, average | About $150 |
| Most lock replacements Per lock, installed | $60–$350 |
| Door knob, installed | $100–$250 |
| Deadbolt, installed | $70–$300 |
| Door knob hardware only | $15–$35 |
| Deadbolt hardware only | $75–$200 |
A standard deadbolt on an exterior door, for example, might be about $60 for the lock and $120 for labor. When the new lock fits the existing holes, installation is quick; the cost rises when the door has to be drilled or the latch mortise enlarged.
Replace or rekey?
If the locks work fine and you just want old keys to stop working, such as after moving in or a tenant leaving, rekeying changes the pins inside the existing lock so a new key operates it. It is usually cheaper than new hardware and is locksmith work. Replace when the hardware is worn, loose, a style you want to change, or when you are upgrading security or going keyless.
What moves the price
- Grade of the lock. Deadbolts are rated by ANSI/BHMA grade; Grade 1 is the strongest and costs more.
- Fit. Most replacement locks fit a standard 2⅛-inch hole with a 2⅜ or 2¾-inch backset. Non-standard or older doors may need drilling or a filler plate.
- Smart locks cost more to buy and take longer to set up.
- Keyed alike. Buying several locks keyed alike, so one key opens every door, saves rekeying later.
- The frame. A deadbolt is only as strong as the strike plate. Longer screws through the strike into the wall framing make a big difference; see door frame repair.
How a lock is replaced
- Remove the interior and exterior halves of the old knob or deadbolt, then the latch or bolt from the door edge.
- Check the hole size and backset, and fit the new latch or bolt.
- Mount the two halves through the door and tighten the screws evenly.
- Fit the new strike plate, using 3-inch screws into the framing on exterior doors.
- Test the latch and bolt with the door open and closed, and check every key.
Doing several doors at once
Lock replacement is a classic job to bundle, particularly on a rental turnover or right after buying a house. One visit can replace every lock keyed alike, fix a door that will not latch, and adjust sticking doors. See how to fix a door that won't latch and our rental turnover service.
Common questions
How much does it cost to change the locks on a house?
Replacing hardware typically costs $60–$350 per lock. Rekeying the existing locks is usually cheaper if they are in good condition.
Can a handyman replace a deadbolt?
Yes. Replacing a deadbolt that fits the existing holes is routine handyman work. Rekeying and master-key systems are locksmith work.
Should landlords change locks between tenants?
It is widely recommended, and some jurisdictions require it. Rekeying is the cheaper way to do it if the hardware is in good shape.
Related guides
Compiled from published 2026 national cost data (Angi, HomeGuide, Homewyse). We update these figures as we complete jobs.