When you move into a new home, the locks are easy to overlook amid the cleaning, the furniture and the endless boxes. But they are one of the first things worth prioritising, because you can never be sure how many copies of the keys are still out there with previous owners, tenants, tradespeople or agents.

This guide explains whether to rekey or replace your locks, the difference between the two, and how to make the right call to keep your Melbourne property secure from day one. It applies most directly to homeowners, and we cover where renters and apartment owners stand further down.

What’s the difference between rekeying and replacing locks?

After moving in, you generally have two ways to secure your doors: rekey the existing locks, or replace them entirely. Both stop the old keys from working, but they differ in process, cost and when each makes sense.

When should you rekey your locks?

Rekeying keeps your existing lock hardware in place but changes the internal configuration so a new key is required. A locksmith adjusts the pins inside the cylinder to match a different key, rendering all previous keys useless.

It is a great option when:

• Your locks are still in good condition and working well.
• You want to improve security without paying to replace the hardware.
• You want a budget-friendly solution, since rekeying is generally cheaper than replacement.

Rekeying is a common choice for Melbourne homeowners who just want a fresh, secure start without unnecessary upgrades.

When should you replace your locks?

Replacing means removing the entire lock and installing a new one, whether that is a like-for-like model or an upgraded system.

Replacement is the better call when:

• The current lock is damaged, worn or outdated.
• You want a more secure or more modern lock, such as a higher-security deadbolt or a smart lock.
• You are changing the style or finish to suit the look of your home.

If a lock is stiff or failing rather than simply insecure, it is worth knowing the wider signs it is time to act:

👉 When to Change or Rekey Your Locks

What does Victorian law say about changing locks?

If you plan to change the locks after moving in, it helps to know what is allowed, especially if you are renting or living in a strata-managed property. In Victoria, the rules depend on whether you own the property or lease it.

For renters

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), and as explained by Consumer Affairs Victoria:

• A renter must not change or add locks without the rental provider’s consent, and equally the rental provider cannot change them without the renter’s consent.
• That consent cannot be unreasonably refused. If a renter believes it has been, they can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
• Whenever a lock is changed, a key must be given to the other party as soon as possible.
• Rental providers must provide a free set of keys, and can only charge a reasonable fee for extra or replacement keys.

If you are renting and want to rekey or replace a lock, the safest path is to submit a written request and wait for approval.

Family violence: Victorian rental law includes specific protections that can allow a person affected by family violence to change the locks, and these rules work differently from the general ones above. Because the details matter and getting them right is important for your safety, we have not tried to summarise them here. Consumer Affairs Victoria has a dedicated page on changing the locks because of family violence, and Tenants Victoria offers free advice and support.

For homeowners

If you own the property, you are fully within your rights to rekey or replace the locks, and it is strongly recommended as part of your move-in checklist. No permission is required, and you can choose any lock type or system that suits your needs.

For apartment or strata residents

If you have moved into an apartment or flat, the rules differ, and you most likely need to seek approval before changing any locks so as not to interfere with a master key system. We have a separate guide on the rules and recommendations for apartments:

👉 I Live in an Apartment on a Master System, Can I Change My Locks?

How much does it cost to rekey or replace locks in Melbourne?

The typical cost for a locksmith to attend a property is around $130 to $165, which sits within standard Melbourne locksmith charges. From there, rekeying usually runs about $70 to $130 per lock, and a lock replacement around $70 to $200 per lock plus the cost of the new hardware, so rekeying is generally the more cost-effective option for a straightforward move-in.

For a full breakdown of what to expect, including call-out fees:

👉 How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne?
👉 How Long Does a Locksmith Take?

Securing your new home in Kew and greater Melbourne

Moving into a new home is one of the best times to take control of your security, and rekeying or replacing your locks is one of the simplest ways to do it. It removes the uncertainty of who still holds a key, and gives you genuine peace of mind from the first night.

VicLocks helps homeowners, renters and property managers across Kew and greater Melbourne make the right call, whether that is rekeying existing locks or upgrading to a new system:

👉 Residential Security Services
👉 Emergency Locksmith in Kew

Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297 to secure your new home with confidence.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Rental laws change and apply differently depending on your circumstances. For your situation, check Consumer Affairs Victoria or seek advice from a service such as Tenants Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Do I Need to Rekey or Replace My Locks After Moving House? appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.

As professional locksmiths in Melbourne, we are sometimes asked whether it is legal to own lock picks, what happens if someone is caught with them, and whether you need to be licensed to buy or carry them. Here is a plain-English guide to where the law stands, and how it separates a professional from someone with unlawful intent.

Is lock picking illegal in Victoria?

No, the act of picking a lock is not in itself illegal in Victoria. What can be illegal is possessing or using lock-picking tools without a lawful reason.

In practice, that means:

• If you are a professional locksmith, an apprentice in training, or otherwise using the tools as part of a legitimate trade, you have a lawful reason to have and use them.
• If you have no legitimate reason for carrying those tools, particularly in public, you risk being charged with possessing an implement of housebreaking, which is a criminal offence.

The difference, as you will see, comes down to intent and lawful excuse rather than the tools themselves.

Is it legal to pick a lock if I’m locked out of my own house?

Yes. You are legally allowed to pick a lock on your own property. It is yours, and you have the authority to get into it.

The practical catch is that picking your own lock can cause damage, or draw the attention of a neighbour or passer-by who does not know it is your home, which may mean a conversation with police. In most cases it is safer, faster and cheaper to call a professional locksmith, who can usually open the door without any damage at all:

👉 How Locksmiths Open Locks Without Damaging Them
👉 What Happens When a Locksmith Can’t Open Your Lock?

What does the law actually say?

The relevant law is section 49D of the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), which makes it an offence to have an “implement of housebreaking” in your custody or possession without a lawful excuse. Lock picks can fall within that description depending on the circumstances. The maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment.

Two points matter most here:

• Intent and context are central. The law is aimed at people equipped to break in, not at the tools existing.
• The burden is on the individual to prove a lawful excuse. If you are found with picks and cannot show a legitimate reason, you are the one who has to account for them.

Lock picking law at a glance

Who can legally use lock picks in Victoria?

Those who typically have a lawful reason to hold and use lock-picking tools include:

• Qualified and professional locksmiths.
• Apprentices completing formal training, such as a Certificate III in Locksmithing.
• Security technicians and authorised service agents.

If you fall outside those categories and are found with picks, rakes, tension wrenches or bump keys with no lawful excuse, you may be on the wrong side of the law. It is also worth understanding how the licensing and qualification landscape works for locksmiths in Victoria, which has changed in recent years:

👉 Are All Locksmiths Licensed in Victoria?

Are lock-picking laws the same in every state?

No. The general principle that intent plus possession can amount to an offence is consistent across Australia, but the exact wording, the relevant Act and the penalties vary from state to state. If you are outside Victoria, check your own state’s legislation rather than assuming the rules match.

Is it legal to buy lock-picking tools online?

Yes, you can generally buy lock-picking tools online legally. But ownership does not equal permission to use them anywhere. Online sellers are unlikely to ask for your credentials, particularly on large marketplaces, so being able to buy a set easily does not mean carrying it around is lawful.

Owning a set at home out of curiosity is unlikely to cause trouble. Carrying it in your car, bag or pocket without a valid reason is where the legal risk lies.

A word on lock picking as a hobby

There is a small community of enthusiasts in Australia who treat lock picking as a sport or a mental puzzle, practised on locks they own. Practising on your own locks in private is not, in itself, illegal, but hobbyists should be careful to:

• Never carry their tools outside the home.
• Never attempt locks they do not own.
• Stay aware that possession in public can be interpreted as intent, which is exactly what section 49D turns on.

Final word from a professional Melbourne locksmith

As professional locksmiths, we use lock-picking techniques every day, but only ever in authorised, lawful situations: letting someone back into their own home, rekeying after a break-in, or helping a property manager who has the authority to request it. We have the training, the insurance and the authorisation to do it safely and without legal consequences.

If you are locked out or need help with a lock, the simplest and safest option is to leave it to a professional. VicLocks works across Kew and greater Melbourne, lawfully and without the guesswork:

👉 Emergency Locksmith in Kew
👉 Residential Security Services

Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297 for trusted, legal and fast assistance.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and can be applied differently depending on the circumstances. For guidance on your own situation, check the current legislation or speak to a qualified lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Lock Picking Laws in Melbourne appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.

Locks are the quiet workhorses of home security. They sit between your home and the outside world every single day, and a little care keeps them turning smoothly for years rather than seizing up at the worst possible moment. The good news is that lock maintenance is simple, quick, and mostly about doing a few small things right and avoiding one big mistake.

Here is how to keep your locks in good shape, starting with the question our locksmiths get asked more than any other.

What is the best way to lubricate a lock?

Lubrication is the single most important part of lock maintenance, and it is also where most people go wrong. So let us start with the mistake to avoid.

Do not use WD-40 or other oil sprays on your locks. It is tempting, and the lock will feel better for a day or two, but oil-based sprays attract dust and grit and slowly gum up the pins inside the cylinder. Over time the lock stiffens and can seize entirely. As a one-off cleaner to flush out an already gummy lock it has a place, but only if you then flush it and re-lubricate with a proper dry lubricant.

For actual lubrication, use a dry lubricant. Here is which type suits which lock.

How to apply it: use it sparingly. A small puff of graphite or a quick spritz of dry spray into the keyway and onto the bolt is plenty. Insert your key and work it in and out a dozen times to spread the lubricant through the mechanism, then wipe the key and the face of the lock. Once or twice a year is enough for most locks, and every three to six months for exposed or coastal ones.

More ways to keep your locks in good shape

Lubrication does most of the work, but a few simple habits keep the whole system healthy.

• Keep your locks and keys clean. Dirt and grime make a key harder to insert and turn. Wipe the lock face and the key with a damp cloth and dry them off. If the keyway itself is dirty, flush it with a dry lubricant and work the key in and out rather than poking cotton buds inside, which can leave fibres behind.
• Do not force a sticking key. A key that is getting harder to turn is telling you something. Forcing it risks snapping the key in the lock. Clean and lubricate first, and if it is still stiff, get it looked at before it fails completely.
• Avoid slamming doors. The repeated impact can knock the lock mechanism out of alignment or damage the door frame, leading to trouble locking and unlocking. Closing doors gently genuinely extends the life of a lock.
• Make sure the door is hung correctly. A dropped or misaligned door puts constant strain on the bolt and strike plate and wears the lock out early. If the door drags or the bolt does not line up cleanly, the hinges or alignment may need adjusting.
• Tighten loose hardware. Handles, strike plates and screws work loose over time. A periodic check and a turn of the screwdriver keeps everything seated and reduces wear.
• Protect your exterior locks from the weather. Melbourne’s swings from wet winters to hot summers, and salt air in bayside suburbs, are hard on outdoor locks. A silicone spray a couple of times a year helps keep rust and corrosion at bay.

For a sense of what a locksmith visit costs if you would rather have it done professionally, our Melbourne guide breaks it down:

👉 How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne?

When maintenance is not enough

Maintenance extends a lock’s life, but it cannot revive one that is worn out. Here is the honest rule of thumb: if a lock stays stiff even after you have cleaned and lubricated it, the key or the internal cylinder is probably worn, and lubricant is only masking the problem. At that point, forcing more life out of it usually ends in a snapped key or a lockout.

A few signs it is time to repair, rekey or replace rather than maintain:

• The key sticks or catches even after cleaning and lubricating.
• The lock turns roughly, grinds, or the key has to be jiggled to work.
• There is visible rust, damage, or play in the cylinder.
• You have lost a key, moved into a new home, or suspect the lock has been interfered with.

If any of those ring true, rekeying is often the most cost-effective fix, and it is worth knowing the difference between rekeying and replacing:

👉 When to Change or Rekey Your Locks
👉 How to Tell if a Lock Has Been Tampered With

Keeping your locks healthy in Kew and greater Melbourne

Good lock maintenance is not about security alone; it is about getting the most out of the hardware you already have. A dry lubricant, a clean key, gentle doors and a well-hung frame will keep most locks turning smoothly for years.

When a lock is past saving, or you would simply rather leave it to a professional, VicLocks works across Kew and greater Melbourne on lock repairs, rekeying, replacements and broader home security:

👉 Residential Security Services
👉 Emergency Locksmith in Kew

Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297 for advice, a service, or a lock that has finally given up.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Tips for Maintaining Your Locks appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.

Have you ever found yourself searching the house for your keys, rummaging through drawers and retracing your steps? You are far from alone. Losing your keys is one of those small disasters that can throw out your whole morning.

As locksmiths, a good share of our callouts come down to lost keys, so we wanted to put together a practical list of ways to stop it happening. From smart trackers to simple habits, here are ten that actually work, and at the end, what to do if you have already lost a set.

The top 10 ways to prevent losing your keys

• Establish a dedicated key spot. Designate one place in your home, a hook or tray near the front door, and put your keys there the moment you walk in. Most lost-key panic comes from having no default home for them.
• Use a key tracker. A small Bluetooth tracker attaches to your keyring and lets you ring your keys from your phone, or see where you last had them. It is the single most effective gadget for chronic key-losers. See the comparison below for which one suits your phone.
• Build a leaving routine. Make it a habit to check for your keys before you leave home, the office or a cafe. A quick, consistent pat-down catches a huge proportion of would-be losses.
• Attach a bright or unique keychain. A bold, distinctive keychain makes your keys easier to spot on a bench, in a bag or down the side of the sofa.
• Make them big and bulky. The larger and heavier your keyring, the harder it is to lose and the more obvious it is to feel in a pocket or bag.
• Use smart locks at home. A smart lock lets you enter with a code, phone or fingerprint, reducing your reliance on a physical key altogether. We have covered how they work, and whether a locksmith can help if one fails, here.
• Check the health of your key accessories. Make sure keyrings and split rings are in good condition and not worn, since a failing ring is a quiet, common way to lose a key without noticing.
• Keep a spare key in a secure place. A spare with a trusted neighbour or family member is a lifesaver if you lose your main set. Just do not leave it under the mat, which is the first place an intruder looks.
• Add useful accessories to your keyring. Attaching something you reach for often, like a small torch or a multi-tool, means you handle your keys more deliberately and notice sooner if they are missing.
• Consider wearable keys. Keeping keys on your person, clipped to a belt loop or a lanyard, keeps them with you rather than left on a random surface.

👉 Can a Locksmith Open a Smart Lock?

Which key tracker suits your phone?

If you only take one tip from this list, make it a tracker. The right one depends mostly on the phone you carry, because that determines which finding network you can tap into.

The quick rule: iPhone owners are best with an AirTag, Samsung owners with a SmartTag 2, and mixed households with a Chipolo or Pebblebee that works on both networks. Any of them turns a twenty-minute hunt into a thirty-second one.

What to do if you have already lost your keys

Prevention is ideal, but if the keys are already gone, here is the sensible order of things.

• Retrace and check the obvious spots first, including bags, pockets, and the last places you visited.
• If they are genuinely lost or were stolen, treat your locks as compromised. Whoever has your keys may also know where you live, so the safe move is to have your locks rekeyed or changed so the missing keys no longer work.
• If you are locked out, a mobile locksmith can get you back in, usually without any damage.
• If your keys were stolen, report it and consider whether it affects your home insurance.

Rekeying is usually the most cost-effective fix, since it keeps your existing hardware while making the lost keys useless:

👉 Do I Need to Rekey or Replace My Locks After Moving House?
👉 How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne?

Never lose sleep over lost keys again in Kew or greater Melbourne

Whether it is adopting a tracker and a smart lock, or just building the simple habit of a dedicated key spot, the trick is choosing the methods that fit your lifestyle. And if the worst happens, it is not the end of the world.

VicLocks works across Kew and greater Melbourne for lockouts, rekeying, lock changes and smart lock advice, so a lost set of keys is a quick fix rather than a crisis. For broader peace of mind, our residential team can help you tighten up home security overall:

👉 Residential Security Services
👉 Emergency Locksmith in Kew

Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297, whether you want advice on prevention or you are standing outside a locked door right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post How to prevent losing your keys appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.

Does insurance cover a locksmith?

It depends on why you need one. Insurance will often help with the cost of replacing or recoding locks after a break-in or when your keys are stolen, because that is an insured event. It is much less likely to cover a simple lockout, a lost set of keys, or a lock that has simply worn out. Nearly every policy applies limits, an excess and conditions.

That is the honest, general answer.

Insurance policies vary widely across providers and product tiers, so please treat everything below as background information rather than advice on your particular cover. Your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and your insurer are the only sources that can tell you what you are actually covered for. We are locksmiths, not insurance advisers.

With that said, here is how it typically works and the questions worth asking.

When does insurance usually cover a locksmith?

The pattern across most home policies comes down to a single question: was there an insured event? A theft or a break-in is an insured event. Losing your keys at the pub, or pulling the door shut behind you with the keys on the bench, generally is not.

The practical takeaway is that cover follows the crime, not the inconvenience. If someone has taken your keys or forced your door, you have a reasonable case to look into. If you have simply locked yourself out, expect to pay for the callout yourself, and our Melbourne cost guide will tell you what that should look like:

👉 How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne?
👉 Do Locksmiths Charge Call-Out Fees in Melbourne?

Does home insurance cover a locksmith?

Often, in the right circumstances. Many Australian home and contents policies include cover for replacing or recoding the locks on external doors and windows if your keys are stolen, up to a stated limit that varies by insurer and policy tier. Some policies also offer an emergency assistance service, which can send a tradesperson (a locksmith among them) when something sudden and unforeseen leaves the home insecure.

What is far less commonly covered is the everyday stuff: lost keys, a standard lockout, or a lock that has simply given up after twenty years. Those tend to sit outside the policy, and where cover does exist, it is often an optional add-on rather than a default inclusion.

Three things worth knowing before you assume either way:

• “Stolen” and “lost” are not the same word to an insurer. Some policies cover one and not the other.
• There is usually a limit and an excess. If the excess is close to the cost of the job, claiming may not be worth it.
• Who lost the keys can matter. Some policies only cover the policyholder and immediate household.

Does business insurance cover a locksmith?

For commercial premises, cover is more commonly available, but it is still rarely automatic. Some business insurance products include locksmith or lock replacement costs, and others offer it as an option you need to select rather than something included by default.

If you run a business and access control matters to you (multiple doors, staff keys, a restricted key system), it is worth raising locksmith and lock replacement cover with your broker or insurer directly, and reviewing it alongside your physical security setup:

👉 Business Locksmith Services

The general principle holds here too: a claim is far more likely to succeed when the locksmith work follows a break-in, theft or attempted forced entry, rather than an everyday lockout.

How to protect a potential claim

If something has happened and you think you may have a claim, a few practical steps make life easier. In our experience, these are the things people wish they had known at the time.

• Report a theft or break-in to the police and get a report or event number. Some policies will not consider a stolen-keys claim without one.
• Contact your insurer before authorising work where the situation safely allows it. Some insurers prefer to arrange the locksmith themselves or require an approved one.
• Use a qualified locksmith. A poorly fitted lock can leave your home insecure and can undermine a future claim if a break-in follows.
• Keep the invoice and take photos of the damage before the work is done.
• Secure the property first if it is unsafe. Your safety comes before the paperwork, and most insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further loss.

If you are not sure whether a lock has actually been tampered with, this guide covers the signs:

👉 How to Tell if a Lock Has Been Tampered With

Locksmith and lock replacement help in Kew and greater Melbourne

Whether or not your insurer covers the bill, the first priority after a theft or break-in is making your home or business secure again. VicLocks works across Kew and greater Melbourne on lock repairs, replacements, rekeying and emergency callouts, and we can provide a clear invoice for your insurer if you decide to claim.

👉 Residential Security Services

Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297, and we will get your property secure first.

This article is general information only and is not insurance or financial advice. Cover varies between policies, and your PDS and your insurer are the only reliable guides to what you are covered for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Does Insurance Cover a Locksmith? appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.

Most locksmith jobs are far quicker than people expect. A mobile locksmith will usually reach you across metro Melbourne in around 30 to 45 minutes, and once on site, a standard lockout takes about 10 minutes, a lock change 20 to 30 minutes, and cutting a key just a few minutes. The timing depends on your location, the type of lock, and how busy the day is.

If you are locked out or need a lock changed, waiting is the worst part, so here is a clear breakdown of how long each stage actually takes, from a locksmith reaching your door to unpicking a lock, changing it, or cutting a new key.

How long does a locksmith take? A quick reference

How long does a locksmith take to arrive?

The time it takes a locksmith to reach you depends mostly on where you are and how busy the roads are. Across metro Melbourne, most mobile locksmiths aim to arrive within around 30 to 45 minutes, with inner suburbs often quicker and outer areas or peak-hour traffic pushing it towards the longer end.

A few things affect the wait:

• Your location and distance from the locksmith’s current job or base.
• The time of day, with weekday peak hours (roughly 7 to 9am and 5 to 7pm) and major events slowing travel.
• Whether it is after hours, as availability can differ late at night, on weekends and on public holidays.
• Demand on the day, since a locksmith already on a job has to finish it first.

Our locksmiths operate day and night and aim to be with you as quickly as possible, and a good locksmith will give you a realistic time of arrival when you call rather than leaving you guessing. If your situation is urgent, it is worth understanding the difference between a standard mobile callout and an emergency one:

👉 Mobile Locksmith vs Emergency Locksmith: What’s the Difference?
👉 Emergency Locksmith in Kew

How long does a locksmith take to unpick a lock?

Here is a fact that surprises people: it can take anywhere between 7 seconds and 45 minutes for a locksmith to pick a lock. That huge range comes down to the lock itself.

The time depends on factors such as multiple locking mechanisms, whether the lock has anti-picking or anti-bumping protection, its age, and how it is positioned. In most cases, though, a locksmith can unpick a standard house lock in around 10 minutes.

The other scenarios vary a little:

• Cars are a different job, and a trained locksmith can usually unlock a vehicle in a few minutes, safely and without causing damage.
• Businesses depend on the lock, but many are similar to a front-door lock and take around 5 to 10 minutes.

Speed matters, but so does doing it without wrecking the door, which is exactly what a skilled locksmith is trained for:

👉 How Locksmiths Open Locks Without Damaging Them

How long does a locksmith take to change a lock?

Changing a standard door lock usually takes a locksmith around 20 to 30 minutes. That covers removing the old lock, disassembling the cylinder, fitting the new hardware and cutting keys to suit.

More complex jobs take longer. High-security locks, multiple doors, or a full security upgrade will add time, though the locksmith can give you a clear estimate once they see what is involved. If you have recently moved house, changing or rekeying the locks is one of the most common jobs we see:

👉 Do I Need to Rekey or Replace My Locks After Moving House?

How long does a locksmith take to make a key?

If you have lost your keys and a locksmith has let you back in, it is a good idea to have your locks changed and fresh keys cut so the missing keys can’t be used.

Most locksmiths cut keys on site, which saves time, so you can usually expect a few minutes for each key. It is common now for homeowners to want a single key for every entry, so cutting several keys to one design (known as being “keyed alike”) is a popular option that cuts down the number of keys you carry and could lose.

Put together, a new locking mechanism plus additional keys can typically be completed in under 2 hours.

Locksmith timing in Kew and greater Melbourne

o there you have it: cutting a key takes a few minutes, unpicking a lock around 5 to 10 minutes, changing a lock 20 to 30 minutes, and reaching you across Melbourne usually around 30 to 45 minutes. Most jobs are done and dusted far faster than the stress of a lockout would suggest.

VicLocks works across Kew and greater Melbourne, day and night, for lockouts, lock changes, rekeying and key cutting, and we will give you a realistic time of arrival when you call. For a clear idea of costs alongside timing, our Melbourne pricing guide breaks it down:

👉 How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne?
👉 Do Locksmiths Charge Call-Out Fees in Melbourne?

Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297, and we will let you know how quickly we can be there.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post How Long Does a Locksmith Take? appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.

Most Melbournians hire a locksmith in a hurry, locked out, dealing with a break-in, or moving into a new home and wanting the locks changed ASAP. That urgency is exactly when mistakes happen, because a stressed customer is far more likely to take the first locksmith that answers the phone without asking the questions that matter.

The overwhelming majority of locksmiths in Melbourne are skilled, honest tradespeople who just want to get you back inside and on with your day. But the trade does attract a small number of bad actors, and a little knowledge protects you from them. Here are the five mistakes we see customers make most often, and how to avoid each one.

The five mistakes, at a glance:

• Not checking qualifications and accreditation.
• Not getting a clear price in writing up front.
• Ignoring reputation and track record.
• Not confirming the locksmith is insured.
• Choosing on price alone.

1. Not checking qualifications and accreditation

The most common mistake is assuming that anyone who turns up with a van and a drill is a trained locksmith. They might not be. A qualified locksmith in Australia has typically completed an apprenticeship and holds a Certificate III in Locksmithing, and many belong to the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA), membership of which involves police checks, insurance and a code of ethics.

Licensing is worth understanding too, because it has changed. Victoria significantly reformed its private security licensing from 2025, with new rules phased in through to mid-2026, and the framework is still settling (you can see the current position via Victoria Police). Because licence status varies and shifts, the most reliable thing you can do is check for verifiable qualifications and MLAA membership before the locksmith starts work on your property. A good locksmith won’t mind the question.

👉 Are All Locksmiths Licensed in Victoria?

2. Not getting a clear price in writing up front

There are plenty of stories online of a call-out locksmith quoting one figure on the phone, then presenting a far larger bill once the work is done and the customer feels they have no choice but to pay. Don’t put yourself in that position.

Always ask for a price estimate in writing before any work begins, and make sure it covers the call-out fee, the labour, and any after-hours or weekend surcharge. A trustworthy locksmith will happily give you that clarity, because transparent pricing is part of doing the job properly.

👉 How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne?
👉 Do Locksmiths Charge Call-Out Fees in Melbourne?

3. Assuming the locksmith is local when they’re not

Not every “Melbourne locksmith” you find online is actually in Melbourne, or even a locksmith.

One of the most common traps is the call-centre operation: a flood of cheap online listings, often advertising a headline rate like $29, that route your call to a national or overseas call centre rather than to a local tradesperson. The centre dispatches whoever is nearest, frequently someone unqualified, in an unmarked car, who then bumps the price up steeply once they are at your door and you are already locked out. The advertised price is the bait, and the real bill can run into the hundreds or thousands. Consumer Affairs Victoria and the ACCC’s Scamwatch field these complaints regularly.

The protection is to make sure you are dealing with a genuine local locksmith, not a faceless dispatcher.

Before you book, check that you can speak to the actual locksmith or someone who clearly knows the area, that they have a real local service area and phone number, that they will give you a price range over the phone, and that they arrive in a marked vehicle and can identify themselves.

A suspiciously low “and up” headline price, a call-taker who will not share any detail, and a reluctance to quote are the classic warning signs.

4. Not confirming the locksmith is insured

Opening a stuck lock or forcing entry after a break-in occasionally carries a risk of damage to the door or surrounding hardware. If something does go wrong and your locksmith isn’t insured, the cost can land on you.

Confirm the locksmith carries public liability insurance before they start. This is often a non-issue with MLAA members, since cover is part of membership, but it’s always worth a quick question. For context, a skilled locksmith usually opens locks with little or no damage in the first place:

👉 How Locksmiths Open Locks Without Damaging Them

5. Choosing on price alone

If a quote looks and sounds too good to be true, it usually is. A suspiciously low headline price is one of the oldest tricks in the trade: it gets the locksmith to your door, and the final bill bears little resemblance to the figure that won your booking.

The cheapest option can also be an unqualified one, which is a false economy when your home’s security is on the line.

Weigh the whole package, qualifications, insurance, a clear quote and a solid reputation, not just the dollar figure. Knowing the typical cost of a locksmith in Melbourne gives you a baseline to judge a quote against, so you can spot both the rip-offs and the too-good-to-be-true bait.

Your quick pre-hire checklist

Before you commit, run through this. A good locksmith will pass it comfortably.

Hiring a locksmith in Kew or greater Melbourne

Hiring a locksmith doesn’t have to be a gamble. A few questions about qualifications, pricing, reputation and insurance will tell you almost everything you need to know, and a good locksmith will welcome every one of them.

VicLocks works across Kew and greater Melbourne, with transparent pricing, professional service and straightforward answers to exactly these questions, whether you need an emergency lockout, a rekey, or a full security upgrade.

👉 Emergency Locksmith in Kew
👉 Residential Security Services

Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297, and ask us anything from this list before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Locksmith appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.

Last updated: June 2026

A locksmith in Melbourne typically costs $130 to $250 for a standard call-out during business hours, with the final price depending on the job, the time of day and any parts required. Simple lockouts sit at the lower end of that range, while emergency, after-hours and automotive work costs more.

Whether you’re locked out, upgrading your home security, or simply planning ahead, one of the first questions people ask our locksmiths is how much does a locksmith cost? The honest answer is that it varies, but there are clear benchmarks that tell you what’s reasonable and what might be a red flag.

This guide breaks down typical locksmith costs in Melbourne in 2026, service by service, and shows you how to avoid overpaying.

Typical locksmith cost in Melbourne

For a standard call-out during business hours, most locksmiths in Melbourne charge $130 to $250 for attendance. That usually covers travel to your property, an initial assessment, and basic labour for a simple job. It typically does not include parts, replacement locks, or more complex work, and it may not cover unusual times such as a public holiday or after hours.

The table below sets out typical Melbourne ranges across the most common jobs. Treat these as planning figures rather than fixed quotes, since every job differs, and a good locksmith will confirm the price before starting.

If you want a deeper breakdown of how call-out fees work and why they exist, see:
👉 Do Locksmiths Charge Call-Out Fees in Melbourne?

What affects locksmith pricing?

Locksmith costs aren’t fixed because each job is different. The final price is influenced by:

• Urgency. Emergency and after-hours services cost more than a planned, business-hours visit.
• Time of day. Evenings, weekends and public holidays attract higher rates.
• Type of lock. Standard locks are quicker and cheaper than high-security or smart locks.
• Complexity. A simple lockout is far less involved than a damaged or failed lock.
• Materials. Replacement parts and new hardware add to the labour cost.

For example, unlocking a door during business hours is far simpler and cheaper than replacing a damaged lock after a break-in at midnight.

Cost of a home locksmith (residential)

For residential services, pricing typically starts with the standard call-out fee, and simple jobs sit at the lower end (around $130 to $165). From there:

• Lockouts are usually the cheapest job when non-destructive entry is possible.
• Rekeying or lock changes increase the cost depending on the number of locks involved.
• Installing new locks or upgrading security adds hardware costs on top of labour.

If you’ve recently moved into a property, rekeying is often the most cost-effective option, since it keeps your existing hardware while locking out anyone who held an old key:
👉 Do I Need to Rekey or Replace My Locks After Moving House?

For a broader look at protecting your home, our residential team can advise on the right level of security for your property:
👉 Residential Security Services

Cost of an emergency locksmith

Emergency locksmith services cost more than a planned visit, mainly because of urgency and round-the-clock availability. You can expect:

• Higher call-out fees, often from around $200 and rising late at night.
• Increased labour rates outside business hours.
• Possible weekend and public holiday surcharges.

Emergency situations include lockouts late at night, break-ins, or a lock that can no longer secure your property. One practical tip: if it’s mid-afternoon and not truly urgent, calling before the after-hours window can save you a meaningful amount. If you’re not sure whether your situation counts as an emergency, this guide explains the difference:
👉 Mobile Locksmith vs Emergency Locksmith: What’s the Difference?

We cover urgent lockouts across Kew and the inner suburbs day and night:
👉 Emergency Locksmith in Kew

Cost of a commercial locksmith

Commercial locksmith work is often more complex than residential, so costs vary more. The price depends on:

• The number of doors or access points involved.
• The type of locks, with restricted or master-key systems costing more than standard locks.
• Key systems and access control requirements, which may need planning and setup.

For businesses, rekeying or installing restricted systems involves additional design and setup, which increases the overall cost but pays off in control and accountability. If you’re reviewing access across a site, it’s worth understanding when rekeying is enough and when replacing locks makes more sense:
👉 Business Locksmith Services

How much does a locksmith cost for a car?

This is where a single figure is most misleading, because “automotive locksmith” covers everything from a thirty-second lockout to programming an encrypted smart key. It helps to separate them out.

The big cost driver is the key type. A simple unlock is inexpensive, but a modern proximity or transponder key contains an encrypted chip that has to be programmed to your specific vehicle with specialised, often brand-specific equipment, which is why luxury and European models sit at the upper end. Ignition lock problems and auto lock repairs add labour on top.

The bottom line for cars: tell the locksmith the make, model, year and what’s gone wrong, and you’ll get a far more accurate quote than any general range can offer.

How to avoid overpaying

One of the biggest worries customers have, especially in an emergency, is being overcharged. To protect yourself:

• Always ask for pricing upfront and get the total, not just the call-out fee.
• Confirm call-out fees before booking, including any after-hours or travel surcharges.
• Be cautious of unusually low advertised prices, which can balloon once the locksmith arrives.
• Choose a reputable, established and licensed locksmith rather than the cheapest unknown.

A suspiciously cheap quote is one of the most common traps, and it’s far from the only one:
👉 Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Locksmith

Locksmith pricing in Kew and greater Melbourne

Locksmith pricing in Melbourne varies with the job, but most standard services begin with a call-out fee in the $130 to $250 range, with extra costs based on labour and materials. The best protection against overpaying is a clear quote before any work starts.

VicLocks offers transparent pricing and professional service across Kew and greater Melbourne, whether you need a lockout, rekeying, a security upgrade, or help with a car key. Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297 for a clear quote and practical advice tailored to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne? (2026 Price Guide) appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.

Can a locksmith open a smart lock?

In most cases, yes, a locksmith can open a smart lock and get you back inside. It’s a common myth that a smart lock puts you beyond a locksmith’s help. In reality, the vast majority of smart locks can be opened, repaired or worked around, and a dead battery or a jammed bolt (the two most common reasons people get locked out) is usually a quick fix for an experienced locksmith.

If you’re standing outside your home right now, locked out your Melbourne property thanks to a smart lock, the short version is this: call a locksmith, because you almost certainly have options.

The rest of this guide explains:

• how a locksmith actually opens a smart lock,
• the few situations where it’s harder,
• and how to set your lock up so you’re never stuck in the first place.

Can a locksmith open a smart lock if I’m locked out?

Usually, yes. A smart lock is still a physical lock on a physical door, and that gives a locksmith several ways in depending on what’s gone wrong.

• Mechanical key override. Most quality smart locks include a hidden keyhole for a traditional key, designed for exactly this situation. If you’ve lost or never cut that key, a locksmith can often pick or operate that mechanical cylinder the same way they would any standard lock.
• Power and reset. If the lock is dead or glitching, the fix can be as simple as restoring power or resetting the unit. Many models have an external contact for emergency power, and a locksmith will know where to find it.
• Diagnosis and repair. A misaligned deadbolt, a worn motor or a firmware fault can stop a smart lock mid-cycle. A locksmith can diagnose the fault and, in many cases, repair or replace the failed part on the spot.
• Working the door itself. As a last resort, the locksmith addresses the physical opening rather than the electronics, in the same careful, mostly non-destructive way they’d open any locked door.

The key point: a smart lock doesn’t take a locksmith out of the picture; it just changes the job. A locksmith who works with electronic hardware will first diagnose the cause, then choose the least invasive way back in.

👉 How Locksmiths Open Locks Without Damaging Them

Why am I locked out of my smart lock?

Smart lock lockouts almost always come down to a handful of causes, and most of them are very fixable. Here’s what tends to go wrong and what a locksmith can do about each one.

If your lock is simply faulty rather than locked, it may be a sign it’s time to repair or upgrade the hardware:

👉 When to Change or Rekey Your Locks

When is a smart lock harder to open?

Honesty matters here, so here’s the flip side. A small number of smart locks are genuinely difficult to open without destructive entry. High-security electronic locks with no mechanical override, and fully integrated units with no external power contact, give a locksmith fewer non-destructive options. In those cases, the focus shifts to the door and the lock body itself, which may mean the lock is replaced rather than reopened.

The harder cases tend to share a feature rather than a brand:

• a fully keyless design with no mechanical key override,
• and no external emergency power contact.

Some Samsung, Yale and Lockly models are sold in exactly this key-free form, as are many unbranded online keypad deadbolts, and high-security commercial locks such as Salto or Abloy are built to resist bypass by design. In our experience, if your lock has no keyhole and no emergency power port, it’s worth having a backup plan before you need one.

This is also where the reassurance is worth stating plainly: if a locksmith does need to take a more forceful approach, that isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a deliberate choice when a particular lock leaves no gentler option, and a good locksmith will explain it before doing it, not after.

For a sense of what a smart lock callout might cost in Melbourne, including how callout fees work:

👉 How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne?

How to avoid getting locked out of your smart lock

A smart lock is a convenient, secure choice when it’s set up well. A few habits keep you on the right side of the door.

Keep the mechanical override key somewhere accessible

If your lock came with a backup key, don’t leave it inside the house. Keep it with a trusted neighbour, or somewhere you can reach when the battery dies, which is the moment you’ll actually need it.

Stay on top of batteries and firmware

A dead battery is the single most common smart lock lockout. Replace batteries before they fully drain, and keep the firmware updated, since manufacturers push updates to fix faults and close security gaps. Outdated firmware can leave the lock both glitchy and less secure.

Use strong, individual access codes

Set a code that isn’t easy to guess (1-2-3-4 defeats the point), and give each household member their own code so the access log tells you who came and went. A password manager such as 1Password makes it easy to store and rotate codes. And don’t share codes by text or email.

Lock your phone

With a smart lock, your phone is your key. Many apps can unlock your door from anywhere, so a phone that falls into the wrong hands without a passcode is a serious risk. A locked phone is good practice generally and essential here.

Don’t forget the door itself

Any lock, smart or not, is only as strong as the door it’s fitted to. A solid door and frame are part of a sensible home security setup, not an afterthought:

👉 Residential Security Services

Locked out of a smart lock in Kew or Greater, Melbourne?

If you’re locked out right now, the worst thing you can do is assume nothing can be done. In most cases, a locksmith can open, reset or repair your smart lock and have you back inside, often without any damage at all. VicLocks works across Kew and greater Melbourne on smart lock lockouts, repairs and installs, alongside everyday lockouts, rekeying and broader home and business security.

Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297, and tell us the brand of lock and what it’s doing (or not doing) so we can arrive ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Can a Locksmith Open a Smart Lock? appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.

It’s the question every homeowner should consider before they buy: Can a smart lock actually be hacked?

The short answer is yes, in theory, but in practice, the risks are different from what you might imagine. The dramatised version we’ve seen in movies, that of a stranger remotely cracking a smart lock from a laptop in a basement, is unlikely. The realistic ones are more mundane: weak passwords, compromised email accounts, badly secured home Wi-Fi, and old firmware that never gets updated.

The good news is that Australia now has a regulatory framework specifically designed to address these risks. The Cyber Security (Security Standards for Smart Devices) Rules 2025 took effect on 4 March 2026, introducing mandatory minimum security standards for most consumer smart devices sold in Australia, including smart locks.

For the first time, manufacturers can’t legally ship cheap devices with generic default passwords or no plan to issue security updates.

This post explains the genuine risks, sets out the new rules in plain English, and walks through the practical steps you can take to make a smart lock about as safe as the locks on the doors around it. We’re going to draw on guidance from the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Department of Home Affairs.

Let’s dive in.

How smart locks actually get attacked

Most “smart lock hacks” you read about don’t involve attacking the lock itself. They take a different path. The realistic threats fall into four categories.

1. Compromised app accounts

Your smart lock is controlled through an app, which means it’s controlled through the account behind that app. If your password is weak, reused from another site that’s been breached, or harvested through a phishing email, an attacker doesn’t need to “hack” the lock. They just log in. This is by far the most common real-world attack on smart home devices.

2. Insecure home Wi-Fi

A smart lock is one device on your home network. If the network itself is poorly secured (default router password left unchanged, outdated firmware, an open guest network), an attacker who gains access to the network can probe everything attached to it. The Australian Cyber Security Centre recommends running a separate Wi-Fi network for IoT devices as one of the most effective things you can do.

3. Out-of-date firmware

Like any computer, a smart lock runs software. When manufacturers find vulnerabilities, they patch them by issuing updates. A lock that hasn’t been updated for two years is running with whatever holes have been discovered in the meantime. This is why a manufacturer’s commitment to updates matters more than any single feature on the spec sheet.

4. The lock or device itself

True hardware or protocol attacks on a smart lock (intercepting Bluetooth signals, exploiting a flaw in the lock’s chip) exist but require proximity, skill, and equipment. They’re not the typical Melbourne break-in. Opportunistic burglars don’t carry signal interceptors; they look for unlocked back doors and open windows.

👉 How to tell if a lock has been tampered with

Australia’s new smart device security rules, explained

From 4 March 2026, most smart devices manufactured for the Australian consumer market, including smart locks, must meet three mandatory minimum standards. These come from the Cyber Security (Security Standards for Smart Devices) Rules 2025, made under the Cyber Security Act 2024.

In plain English, the three rules are:

• No generic default passwords. Devices can’t be shipped with a shared password like “admin” or “0000.” Each unit must have a unique password from the factory, or require the owner to set one before use.
• A public vulnerability disclosure process. Manufacturers must publish a clear way for researchers and users to report security flaws, so they can be fixed rather than left unaddressed.
• A defined security update period. Manufacturers must publicly state the minimum length of time a device will receive security updates and support. No more “buy now, abandoned in six months.”

Devices that meet the standards come with a Statement of Compliance, which is the document you can ask for or look up before buying. The framework is closely aligned with the international ETSI EN 303 645 standard, which is the global baseline for IoT cyber security.

Two important caveats.

1. First, the rules apply to devices manufactured on or after 4 March 2026. A smart lock made in 2024 isn’t required to comply, which is a real consideration when you’re looking at clearance stock or older models still on sale.
2. Second, the rules set a minimum, not a ceiling. A device that just scrapes the requirements isn’t automatically the most secure choice.

How big is the actual risk?

This is where it’s worth being honest. For a typical Melbourne home with a properly chosen and properly set up smart lock, the cyber risk is low and the convenience benefit is high.

Most break-ins remain opportunistic, physical, and focused on unlocked back doors, dodgy window latches, and forced entry to easier-looking properties down the street.

The cyber attack surface of a smart lock is real, but it’s manageable, and most of the management is the same boring-but-effective advice that applies to your email and banking: strong unique passwords, two-factor authentication, software updates installed promptly, and a healthy scepticism about emails asking you to verify things.

The risk goes up if any of these apply:

• You’re using a very cheap, no-name smart lock with no manufacturer behind it.
• You haven’t changed the default password on your home router in years.
• You reuse the same password across multiple accounts, including your smart home app.
• You don’t update your phone, your lock app, or your router firmware.
• You manage rental properties or short-term lets and share access codes loosely.

If two or more of those describe your setup, the cyber risk meaningfully outpaces the physical risk, and the fixes below are worth working through.

A practical checklist: how to lock down a smart lock

Most of this checklist is drawn from the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s own IoT advice, with the smart lock specifics filled in.

What about Bluetooth-only locks?

A Bluetooth-only smart lock has no internet connection, which removes a big chunk of the remote attack surface. There’s nothing for a distant attacker to log into, because the lock isn’t reachable from anywhere except the phone in your pocket. That’s a genuine advantage if you don’t need remote access.

It doesn’t make a Bluetooth lock immune to all attacks; proximity-based attacks on Bluetooth exist, and the app account is still a potential weak point if it syncs through the cloud, but it does narrow the threat model significantly. If your priority is “secure, simple, no internet involved,” a Bluetooth-only lock from a reputable manufacturer is a defensible choice.

The convenience side: don’t let perfect be the enemy of good

It’s worth saying clearly: a properly chosen smart lock, set up with the basic precautions above, is meaningfully more secure than a traditional key for many households. Keys get lost. Keys get copied without your knowledge. Keys get left under doormats. Keys hang on hooks in unlocked cars. A smart lock with a unique PIN, multi-factor authentication, and the ability to revoke access instantly closes several real-world security gaps that a traditional key opens.

The honest framing is that smart locks change the security trade-offs rather than worsening them. Some risks go down (lost keys, unauthorised copies, no audit trail of who entered when). Some risks shift (account compromise, firmware vulnerabilities). The net position for most homeowners, with the practical steps above in place, is positive.

VicLocks for smart lock advice in Kew and greater Melbourne

VicLocks helps homeowners across Kew and greater Melbourne choose, fit, and set up smart locks that suit their doors and their household. We can talk through the realistic security trade-offs in plain language, recommend models with strong manufacturer support, fit them so the physical side is sound, and walk through the basic account and network setup so you’re not leaving obvious gaps.

If you’ve inherited a smart lock with a previous owner’s account, or aren’t sure how to lock it down, a quick consultation is better than a guess.

Contact VicLocks today on 0418 397 297 to talk through a smart lock for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Can smart locks be hacked? What Australian homeowners need to know appeared first on Vic-Locks Security.