What counts as an emergency
Being locked out during operating hours, a lock that failed after an attempted break-in, or a key broken off inside a lock counts as an emergency. A worn key that is merely difficult to turn, with no immediate access or security problem, can usually wait for a scheduled rekey.
The first hour
What the site contact should do before the technician arrives.
- Confirm which door or lock is affected and whether any other entrance provides access to the building.
- If a break-in was attempted, check for signs of forced entry and call police before anyone re-enters if there is any doubt about safety.
- Do not force a stuck key or jammed lock, since this often turns a simple extraction into a full lock replacement.
- Note the lock type if known (mortise, cylindrical, exit device, electronic access) to help the locksmith bring the right parts.
- Check whether the affected door is also an alarm zone or access-control point, and notify monitoring if needed.
- Submit a work order through the facility platform noting the lockout time and any operational impact.
What usually caused it
What the response includes
- Non-destructive entry techniques attempted first, to avoid unnecessary damage to the door or frame.
- Extraction of broken keys or debris from the lock cylinder where that is the cause.
- Rekeying or full lock replacement if the cylinder is damaged or compromised by an attempted break-in.
- Verification that the repaired or replaced lock functions correctly with all authorized keys or credentials.
- Photo documentation of any damage found, particularly after a forced entry attempt.
- A report noting whether master key systems or access control credentials need to be updated after the incident.
- Coordination with the facility platform for work order closure and key or credential tracking.
Making it less likely next time
- Maintain a current master key log and know which keys are issued to which staff, so a lost key can be addressed quickly.
- Rekey locks after staff turnover involving key holders, rather than waiting for an incident.
- Add lock and hardware function checks to the preventive maintenance walkthrough, especially on high-traffic entrances.
- Consider electronic access control for locations with frequent staff turnover, since credentials can be revoked instantly instead of requiring a rekey.
What it costs
| item | typical range | what moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial lockout service call | $100 to $300 | Cost depends on lock type and time of day; after-hours calls run higher. |
| Broken key extraction | $75 to $200 | Usually resolved on the same visit without needing a full lock replacement. |
| Lock cylinder or hardware replacement | $150 to $500 | Grade 1 commercial hardware costs more than standard duty locks. |
| Rekey, per lock | $50 to $150 | Master key systems with multiple doors cost more in aggregate due to the number of cylinders involved. |
| Electronic access control repair | $300 to $1,200 | Varies widely based on whether the fault is the reader, the control board, or the wiring. |
National ranges. Local labor, access, after-hours timing and materials move them. Multi-site programs usually price below one-off calls.
How to choose a provider
- Confirm the provider specializes in commercial locks and master key systems, not only residential work.
- Ask for a written after-hours response window before dispatch is confirmed.
- Ask whether non-destructive entry is attempted first, to avoid unnecessary door or frame damage.
- Confirm the locksmith can rekey on-site rather than requiring the cylinder to be removed and returned later.
- Ask about experience with the building's specific hardware, especially if it uses electronic access control.
- Confirm the provider can document and log the incident through the facility's maintenance platform.
Questions
Should the door be forced open during a lockout?
No. Forcing a door or lock usually causes more damage than the lockout itself and can turn a simple service call into a full door or frame replacement.
Is a lockout during business hours a true emergency?
Yes, when it prevents the business from opening or operating, since the cost of lost hours usually outweighs the cost of an emergency service call.
What happens to the locks after an attempted break-in?
A locksmith typically recommends replacing any lock that shows signs of forced entry, since the internal mechanism may be compromised even if it still appears to function.
Can a locksmith rekey a lock without replacing the entire hardware?
In most cases, yes, since rekeying changes the internal pin configuration without needing new lock bodies, unless the hardware itself is damaged.
How is a commercial lockout different from a residential one?
Commercial locks are often higher security grade, may be part of a master key system, and sometimes include electronic access control, all of which require different tools and expertise than a residential call.