Cost guide
Key cutting prices in the UK
A security or restricted key costs from £21.15 on the Master Locksmiths Association's 2026 list and £10 to £20 or more in Home Secure Shop's guide, against £4 to £7 for a standard cylinder key. On the MLA's list, mortice keys start at £7.40 and safe keys at £23.25.
Typical prices
Ranges, not quotes. A price depends on the lock, the door and the hour.
| Work | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Standard cylinder or Yale-type key (Home Secure Shop) | £4 to £7 |
| Cylinder key (MLA list, 2026) | from £5.55 |
| Mortice key (MLA list, 2026) | from £7.40 |
| High-security key (Home Secure Shop) | £10 to £20 or more |
| Security key (MLA list, 2026) | from £21.15 |
| Safe key (MLA list, 2026) | from £23.25 |
Figures from the Master Locksmiths Association's 2026 key cutting list and Home Secure Shop's guide, checked 2 October 2026; they are ranges and starting prices, not quotes.
What moves the price
- The key. A flat cylinder key is the cheapest to copy; mortice, dimple and security keys cost more.
- Restriction. A registered or patented key profile is cut only by the maker or its dealers, against the key card.
- Cutting to code. A key made from a code rather than copied from another key takes more work.
- Where it is cut. A mobile locksmith cutting on site adds the visit to the price of the keys.
- Quantity. A set of keys for several doors is usually quoted as one job.
Who quotes for it
16 of the 1,224 locksmiths listed on this site take on key cutting.
Where they are: Luton (2), Aberdeen (1), Banbury (1), Blackpool (1), Bradford (1).
Questions about key cutting
How much does key cutting cost?
£4 to £7 for a standard cylinder key in Home Secure Shop's guide; the Master Locksmiths Association's 2026 list starts at £5.55 for cylinder keys and £7.40 for mortice keys. Restricted and high-security keys cost more.
Why are security keys more expensive to cut?
The blank is restricted, the cutting is more precise, and copies are made only against proof of ownership. The MLA's 2026 list starts security keys at £21.15 and safe keys at £23.25; Home Secure Shop puts high-security keys at £10 to £20 or more.
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