Welding, fixings and labour: what adds up in a metalwork job

A metalwork job doesn't end with the design of the piece: the type of weld, whether the joint takes a screw or a rivet, and the real surcharge of an emergency are items that have to be quoted separately from the main material.

Electrode or wire: depending on where you weld

Welding, with electrode (arc) or wire (MIG/MAG), is the filler consumable for joining metal pieces:

• Electrode: more versatile for outdoor work or in wind, because it is less sensitive to draughts.
• MIG/MAG wire: welds faster and cleaner in the workshop, but performs worse outdoors without suitable gas shielding.

Choosing the wrong process for the workplace (wire in the open air with wind, for example) gives porous, weak welds, even if the starting material is right.

Screw or rivet: only one can be undone

• Self-tapping screws: the drill point pierces and threads in a single pass on thin sheet; on thicker profile, drill first with a slightly smaller bit so as not to force the screw or snap the head.
• Rivets: permanent fixing, placed with a rivet gun, which can't be undone without drilling out the rivet. Use them where the joint won't need dismantling in future — not the right option for parts needing periodic maintenance.

How much a locksmith's hour costs

The average price of a skilled locksmith's hour in Spain is €30-50/h depending on the area, and includes fitting, welding and final adjustment. Emergency door openings (no appointment, sometimes out of hours) usually carry a surcharge separate from the labour itself — always show it as its own item in the quote.

Frequently asked questions

What type of welding do I use for an outdoor railing in wind? Electrode: it is less sensitive to draughts than MIG/MAG wire, which needs gas shielding to perform well.

When do I use a rivet instead of a screw? When the joint won't need to be dismantled in future — the rivet is a permanent fixing, whereas the screw allows later maintenance.

Is an emergency opening charged the same as a scheduled job? No: emergencies outside an appointment usually carry a surcharge on the normal labour rate.

Conclusion

Choosing the welding process according to the workplace, and the screw or rivet according to whether the piece will need future maintenance, are technical decisions that affect the durability of the work. Separating the emergency surcharge from the standard rate in the quote is what avoids arguments about the final price with the client.