Locked out or lost your key? Before you call anyone, read this: what to check yourself, what to have ready before the locksmith arrives, and the questions that protect you from surprise prices.
Simple things that save you time and money.
Is another door open? Does someone nearby have a spare key?
Have something showing the home or car is yours (tenancy contract, a bill, the car registration). A good locksmith will ask for it.
Agree the full price before they come, especially at night.
Don't try to dig it out with sharp tools; you'll push it deeper.
🚨 A child or someone who needs help locked inside the home or car, or something on the stove? Call the emergency services first.
The locksmith decides, but this helps you understand what they tell you.
A locksmith can usually open a standard lock without breaking it. Ask first whether the lock will need changing.
After opening, think about changing the lock or cylinder, especially if the key was lost with your address or a card.
Don't try to dig it out with sharp tools; you'll push it deeper. A locksmith has a special tool for it.
A car locksmith can usually open it without damage. Have proof the car is yours ready.
It usually needs cleaning and a dry lubricant (graphite), or the cylinder is worn and needs replacing.
Change the cylinders: you don't know how many copies the last tenant or workers have.
The type of lock changes the method and the price.
A standard lock or a high-security lock.
The car door or the key.
Leave a copy with someone you trust.
For homes and apartments, a code or fingerprint lock ends the lost-key problem.
Once a year, spray a dry lubricant (graphite) into the lock, especially outside doors with all the dust.
Save a trusted locksmith's number before you need one.
Ask on the phone before they come. A good locksmith won't mind.
Opening, changing the lock if needed, and any night charge. Get it on WhatsApp.
An honest locksmith asks for proof the home or car is yours. That's a good sign, not a nuisance.
And if not, what will the repair cost?
If they change the lock, ask to see it before it's fitted.
Ask for a receipt or a message with the price and the work, even on WhatsApp.
If you can, choose a locksmith with genuine reviews, or one someone you know has used.
One sign on its own doesn't prove anything, but take care if you see them.
A good locksmith checks the home or car is yours. If they never ask, take care.
Cheap on the phone, more when they arrive. Agree the price in writing first.
Without trying to open it or explaining why. A standard lock can usually be opened without breaking it.
And no message with the price and the work.
Rough prices. Use them to spot a quote that's way off, not as fixed prices. The price depends on the type of lock, the time (nights and holidays cost more), and whether the lock needs changing after opening.
| Service | Rough price |
|---|---|
| Opening an apartment or house door (standard lock) | SAR 100 – 250 |
| Opening a high-security lock | SAR 250 – 400 |
| Changing or fitting a new lock (with the lock) | SAR 150 – 500 |
| Opening a car door | SAR 80 – 400 |
| Removing a broken key | From SAR 120 |
💡 Agree the price on the phone before the locksmith comes, especially at night. Some quote low on the phone and raise it at the door.
🔑 Programming a smart car key varies a lot by car. Get a price from a key specialist and from the dealer, and compare.
A rough guide from 5 sources in Riyadh (October 2026), mostly price pages of locksmiths and lock companies. The final price is agreed between you and the locksmith. Laqeeni doesn't set prices or take commission.
A skilled locksmith opens most standard locks without damage. High-security locks sometimes need replacing after opening.
Within Riyadh usually 30 minutes to an hour, depending on where you are and the time.
No. Laqeeni is a directory that connects you with the locksmith directly. You agree and pay between you.
Last updated: October 2026
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