Replacing a lock in an entrance door: 2026 cost, cylinder and class C

indekscen.pl editorial team · published 30 September 2026 · prices according to the 5 October 2026 index

Having a locksmith replace a lock or cylinder in an entrance door most often costs PLN 175, including call-out, a new cylinder and labour, with typical prices of PLN 150 ‑ 255. A certified class C cylinder with installation costs around PLN 250, while an electronic lock costs around PLN 500.

An entrance door lock is usually replaced in three situations: after moving home, after losing the keys, or when the old lock starts to jam. The price differs in each case, because sometimes a new cylinder is enough, while at other times the door must be opened at night and a higher-grade lock fitted. We have collected prices from locksmith price lists to make it easy to assess a quote.

How much does replacing a lock in an entrance door cost?

Replacing a lock in an entrance door most often costs PLN 175, according to 6 price lists collected by indekscen.pl, while half of all quotes fall within PLN 150 ‑ 255. This price usually includes the locksmith’s call-out, a new basic cylinder or lock, and labour. The cheapest quotes start at PLN 100, while the most expensive reach PLN 340.

The price depends primarily on the grade of the cylinder, rather than the locksmith’s labour. Replacing the cylinder itself takes only a few minutes, so most of the bill covers the materials and call-out. You can find quotations from price lists on the door lock replacement page.

Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

Replacing the cylinder or the entire lock: which should you choose?

Replacing the cylinder is sufficient in most cases: if you lose your keys, move into a previously occupied flat, or find that the key is difficult to turn. The cylinder is the replaceable barrel into which the key is inserted, while the lock is the mechanism inside the door leaf, containing the bolt and latch. A cylinder costs less and can be replaced quickly without dismantling the door.

The entire mortice lock should be replaced when the mechanism is damaged: the bolt does not extend fully, the handle does not retract the latch, or the lock was broken during a burglary. This job takes longer and costs more because the new lock must fit the opening in the door leaf and the faceplate.

What to replace in each situation:

1. Lost or stolen keys: the cylinder only.
2. Moving into a previously occupied flat: the cylinder only, preferably a higher-grade one.
3. The key jams: clean and lubricate it first, then replace the cylinder.
4. The bolt or latch does not work: the entire lock.
5. Door damaged during an attempted burglary: the lock, often with an assessment of whether the door leaf and frame remain suitable for use.

How much does replacing a lock in a security door cost?

Replacing a lock or cylinder in a security door with a certified class C cylinder costs around PLN 250. Class C cylinders resist common methods of opening locks without a key, and insurers are more likely to consider them adequate protection for a flat. However, you should check the terms of your policy with your own insurer.

Locks in security doors usually have several locking points and non-standard dimensions, so the locksmith often has to order a lock for the specific door model. This increases both the waiting time and the price. This is not an issue when only the cylinder is being replaced.

How do you choose a cylinder for an entrance door?

A cylinder for an entrance door should be selected according to three factors: its dimensions, security grade and key system. In our data, the difference in price between a standard cylinder and a certified class C cylinder is the difference between the median of PLN 175 and around PLN 250 for the complete service.

• Dimensions. A cylinder has two lengths, measured from the centre (where the fixing screw goes) to the outer and inner edges. If it is too long, it protrudes beyond the escutcheon and is easier to break; if it is too short, it will not fit.
• Grade. Grades A and B provide basic protection, while class C cylinders resist drilling, snapping and lock picking.
• Code card. With cylinders supplied with a code card, only the cardholder can have an extra key cut, which is important when renting out a flat.
• Escutcheon. Even the best cylinder needs a protective escutcheon that prevents it from being gripped and snapped.

How much does an electronic lock with installation cost?

According to price lists, an electronic lock with installation in an entrance door costs around PLN 500. It can be opened using a code, card, fingerprint or phone, and some models replace only the cylinder without requiring any alterations to the door leaf.

When choosing an electronic lock, ask about emergency power and how to open the door if the battery runs out. Good models have an emergency key or a socket for connecting an external power supply.

How much does it cost to have a locksmith replace a lock after opening the door?

Emergency door opening by a locksmith usually costs PLN 170 ‑ 265, with a median of PLN 200. If the cylinder has to be destroyed while opening the door, a new one will cost extra, so the bill for opening the door and replacing the lock will contain two items. For security doors, emergency door opening costs around PLN 390, or even around PLN 700 at night.

We have emergency door-opening prices for 3 cities, including Kraków (PLN 175) and Gdańsk (PLN 190):

Emergency door opening: cities from cheapest to most expensive. Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

Situation	Typical cost
Replacing a standard cylinder or lock, including call-out	PLN 150 ‑ 255
Certified class C cylinder with installation	around PLN 250
Electronic lock with installation	around PLN 500
Emergency door opening, standard lock	PLN 170 ‑ 265
Emergency opening of a security door	around PLN 390
Opening a door at night or outside business hours	around PLN 700

How long does it take to replace a door lock?

Replacing a door lock cylinder usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, while replacing an entire mortice lock takes between half an hour and an hour. It takes longer in security doors with multipoint locking systems and when the new lock has to be adapted to fit the door leaf. The locksmith’s journey usually takes the most time, so for a planned replacement, arrange an appointment during business hours rather than in the evening.

Should you replace the lock or the entire door?

Replacing a lock is several times cheaper than replacing a door: the median labour cost for installing a new entrance door with a frame is PLN 750, excluding the price of the door and removal of the old one. A new door makes sense when the door leaf is warped, draughty or too weak for a good cylinder to make a difference, because a class C lock in a flimsy door will not stop a burglar.

Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

Read more about door installation costs in the article door installation prices.

How can you avoid overpaying for a lock replacement?

• Ask what the price includes. Many companies quote a price including the cylinder and call-out, while others quote labour only. Compare the final amounts.
• Measure the cylinder before calling. Give the locksmith the lengths from the centre to the edge on both sides so that they bring the correct one.
• Arrange the work during the day. Evenings, nights and weekends cost more, while a planned replacement can be booked during normal business hours.
• Ask about the cylinder grade and the code card used when ordering extra keys.
• Do not overpay for a lock if the door is weak. First assess whether the door leaf and frame are sturdy.

We cover the cost of cutting keys for a new cylinder in the article how much does it cost to have a door key cut. You can find more tradespeople’s service prices in the repairs and tradespeople category.

The prices in this article come from public locksmith and emergency locksmith price lists, as well as articles about costs. Each price is shown on the service page with its source, date and verbatim quotation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does fitting a new lock cost?

Wstawienie nowego zwykłego zamka albo wkładki kosztuje zwykle PLN 150 ‑ 255 z dojazdem i materiałem. Zamek lub wkładka atestowana klasy C to około PLN 250, a zamek elektroniczny około PLN 500.

Can you replace a door lock cylinder yourself?

Tak, wymiana samej wkładki to prosta czynność: odkręca się śrubę w boku skrzydła, przekręca kluczem i wysuwa wkładkę. Trzeba tylko dobrać nową o tej samej długości z obu stron. Wymianę całego zamka wpuszczanego lepiej zlecić ślusarzowi.

How much does it cost to have extra keys cut after replacing a lock?

Nowa wkładka ma zwykle w komplecie kilka kluczy. Dodatkowy klucz do zwykłej wkładki kosztuje u ślusarza średnio PLN 25. Do wkładek z kartą kodową klucze dorabia się tylko po okazaniu karty.

How much does replacing a zip in a jacket cost?

Wymiana zamka błyskawicznego w kurtce u krawcowej kosztuje zwykle PLN 55 ‑ 63, bez ceny samego zamka. W długiej zimowej kurtce na podszewce to około PLN 180.

Does replacing a lock at night cost more?

Tak, interwencje wieczorne, nocne i weekendowe są wyraźnie droższe. Przykładowo awaryjne otwarcie drzwi antywłamaniowych w nocy kosztuje około PLN 700, a wymianę zamka dolicza się do tego osobno.

Translation of the original Polish article dated 30 September 2026. Quotations from price lists are in Polish, as published by the companies. Read the original in Polish.

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