Find a locksmith in San Diego, CA
A locksmith opens locked doors and cars, changes and installs locks, and makes keys. People call one after a lockout, after moving into a new home, after losing keys, or to make a home or business more secure. A good locksmith gives a clear price on the phone and asks for proof that you live there before opening a door.
How many locksmiths are in San Diego?
The Census Bureau counted 6 locksmiths with employees in San Diego, CA ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, San Diego County has 50, or 1.5 per 100,000 residents: more than the US rate of 1.0, and 52nd of 156 large US cities per resident.
Another 613 self-employed businesses in investigation, security and locksmith services are based in San Diego County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 92108 (3), 92120 (3).
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 6 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, San Diego County | 1.5 US: 1.0 |
| Rank among large US cities | 52 of 156 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 50% |
| Self-employed, San Diego County | 613 Census NES 2023: investigation, security and locksmith services |
| Population | 1,385,061 ACS 2023 |
What do locksmiths in San Diego help with?
- Lockouts (home, car, office)
- Rekeying locks after a move
- Lock replacement and installation
- Deadbolt and smart lock installs
- Car key and key fob replacement
- Key cutting and duplication
- Broken key extraction
- Safe opening and combination changes
- Master key systems for businesses
- Door hardware and panic bar repair
How do you choose a good locksmith in San Diego?
- Ask for the company's legal name and a local address. Search both online before the locksmith arrives.
- Get a total price on the phone, including the service call, labor and any parts.
- Ask whether they need to drill. A skilled locksmith can open most standard locks without drilling.
- Check for a license number where one is required, and look it up.
- Expect them to ask for ID or proof of address before opening a home. That is a good sign.
- Find a locksmith before you need one and save the number.
Many states and cities license locksmiths; ask for a license number where one is required.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What is the total price, including the trip fee?
- What is your company's legal name and address?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Will you need to drill or replace the lock?
- How long until you arrive?
- Will I get an itemized receipt with your company name on it?
Red flags to watch for
- A low phone quote that jumps once the locksmith arrives.
- Answering the phone with a generic phrase like 'locksmith service' instead of a business name.
- Going straight to drilling or replacing a lock on a simple lockout.
- An unmarked vehicle and no business card, invoice or ID.
- Asking for cash only.
What changes the price?
- Time of day, with after-hours and holiday calls costing more
- Type of lock or key, such as high-security locks or transponder keys
- Number of locks to rekey or replace
- Travel distance
- Whether new hardware is needed
- Car make and model for key and fob work
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many locksmiths are there in San Diego?
The Census counted 6 locksmiths with employees in San Diego, CA in 2023, plus 613 self-employed businesses in San Diego County.
Should I rekey or replace my locks after moving?
If the locks work well, rekeying is usually enough. It changes the key without changing the hardware. Replace the locks if they are worn, weak or you want a different style.
Can a locksmith make a car key without the original?
Often, yes. Many locksmiths can cut and program keys from the vehicle identification number. You will need to prove you own the car.
How do I avoid locksmith scams?
Get a total price in writing or by text before they come. Check the business name and address. Do not let them drill unless they explain why it is needed.
Locksmiths in nearby cities
Locksmiths in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a locksmith.