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Locksmiths · Durham, NC/Updated June 13, 2026

The 9 Best Locksmiths in Durham, NC

Durham's locksmith landscape features a few standout providers alongside smaller shops. Read on to find the right one for your needs.

Editorially independent9 companies evaluated
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Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 9 Durham-metro locksmiths businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.

Locksmiths play a critical role in ensuring the security of your home, car, or business in Durham. With nine evaluated providers, the competition is fierce, but only a few truly excel.

Leading the pack is Don Hill's Lock and Safe, boasting a remarkable 4.9-star rating from 219 reviews. In contrast, the rest of the field shows a mixed landscape, with ratings ranging from 4.3 to 5 stars, indicating both strong contenders and some promising but unproven options.

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories

All 0, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
Methodology

How we evaluated all 9 locksmiths.

We evaluated the locksmiths in Durham based on their customer ratings, review counts, and overall reputation. Each business's Vetted Score reflects its performance in these areas, ensuring you have a trustworthy list to choose from.

No one pays for placement in our rankings, and we refresh our evaluations monthly to keep the information accurate and relevant for readers.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
Before you book

How to choose a locksmith in Durham

Choosing the right locksmith requires careful consideration of their reputation, service offerings, and customer feedback. Here are key factors to keep in mind.

Check Customer Reviews

Look for businesses with a strong number of reviews. Higher review counts often indicate a more reliable service.

Evaluate Service Range

Consider what services you need, from emergency lockouts to key duplication, and ensure the locksmith offers those.

Compare Pricing

Get a sense of average costs in the area, but remember that the cheapest option may not always provide the best service.

What it costs

What locksmith services cost in Durham

Locksmith pricing in Durham can vary based on the type of service needed. Here's a breakdown of typical costs.

Emergency Lockout Services$75 to $150, depending on the time of day and distance.
Key Duplication$2 to $10 per key, depending on the type of key.
Lock Installation$100 to $300, based on the complexity and type of lock.
Security System Installation$300 to $1,000, varying widely based on the system chosen.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a locksmith cost in Durham?

Locksmith services in Durham typically range from $50 to $150 for standard lockout services, with additional fees for specialized services.

What types of services do locksmiths offer in Durham?

Locksmiths in Durham provide a variety of services including lockouts, key duplication, lock installation, and emergency services.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Durham homes: <strong>Don Hill's Lock and Safe</strong>

Don Hill's Lock and Safe leads with a solid 4.9-star rating based on 219 reviews, proving its reliability. Following closely is Durham Locksmith LLC, also at 4.9 stars but with fewer reviews at 167, indicating strong performance but less established trust. Rounding out the top three is Carolina Key, holding a 4.8-star rating with 360 reviews, showcasing a solid reputation but slightly lower scores than the top two contenders. Choose Don Hill's Lock and Safe for the best assurance of quality service.