Banister repair in Exeter
Professional banister repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
45-90 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional banister repair - loose handrails secured, wobbly spindles tightened, newel posts stabilised. Safe stairs for your family, especially if you have elderly relatives or young children.
Safety Essential
A wobbly banister is more than annoying - it's a fall hazard, especially for anyone who relies on the handrail for stability. Banisters loosen over decades of use, but most can be tightened and secured without major work.
⚠️ Don't ignore it. People grab handrails when they stumble. A rail that moves doesn't save them.
Why Banisters Loosen
| ✅ Repaired Properly | ❌ Common Problems |
|---|---|
| Every joint tight | Wobbles when grabbed |
| Newel posts solid | Rocks at base |
| Spindles secure | Rattle or lean |
| Safe under load | Fall hazard |
What You Get
🔧 Full Repair
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Test | Every joint checked |
| Identify | Source of movement found |
| Access | Hidden fixings reached |
| Secure | Appropriate method applied |
| Test | Load tested solid |
📦 Common Issues
- Wobbly handrail at newel post
- Loose individual spindles
- Newel post rocking at floor
- Creaking joints throughout
Pricing Guide
| Scope | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard repair | 45 mins | £60 |
| Multiple issues | 90 mins | £85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For...
✅ Wobbly handrails - Secured solid
✅ Loose spindles - Tightened properly
✅ Newel post wobble - Floor fixing sorted
✅ Family safety - Especially elderly/children
Why Choose Us for Banister repair in Exeter?
Wobbly handrail secured solid
Loose spindles tightened or replaced
Newel post joints reinforced
Safe for elderly and children
What to Expect
Step 1: Assess
Full banister tested, all loose points identified, repair approach explained.
Step 2: Repair
Systematic work through issues - glue, pins, screws, bolts, metal reinforcement as needed.
Step 3: Safe
Load testing completed, every joint firm, safe for all users.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fixing it yourself? Here's what matters:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Cordless drill
- Wood glue (PVA)
- Panel pins
- Screws of various sizes
- Small wedges
📐 Key steps
- Find ALL the loose points first
- Address spindles by re-gluing and wedging
- Tighten newel from underneath if accessible
- Use metal brackets where wood fixings fail
- Test under proper load, not just hand wiggling
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Just tightening one obvious loose point
- Using glue alone (needs mechanical fixing too)
- Not testing under actual weight
- Covering over rather than fixing properly
💡 Pro trick: Put your full weight on the handrail like someone stumbling would. Push sideways at the middle. Shake individual spindles. That's how you find all the weak points before they become dangerous.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Victorian banisters - often better quality timber than modern ones. Worth repairing rather than replacing. The same loosening issues occur but repairs are similar.
Who's at risk:
- Elderly with balance issues
- Young children who grab spindles
- Anyone carrying items on stairs
- Night-time when visibility is poor
When replacement beats repair:
- Extensive damage throughout
- Rotten timber
- Multiple broken spindles
- Wanting different style anyway
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my banister become wobbly?
Banisters loosen over time. People lean on handrails, children swing on spindles, joints dry out and shrink. Usually the newel post coming loose from floor or stairs, or handrail joints working free.
Is a wobbly banister dangerous?
Yes, especially for elderly people who rely on handrails for stability, and homes with young children. A handrail that moves when grabbed is a fall hazard.
Can loose spindles be repaired?
Usually yes. Re-gluing, re-pinning, or adding small wedges tightens them back up. Only broken spindles need replacing.
What if my newel post is wobbly?
Newel posts are fixed to floor or stair string. Over time these fixings loosen. Re-securing may involve new screws, metal plates, or addressing the floor around it. Most can be tightened without major work.
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