Driveway gate repair in Exeter
Professional driveway gate repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-135
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Driveway gate repair in Exeter. Sagging gates fixed, hinges sorted, posts reinforced.
Gate Hanging Crooked or Won't Close?
Nothing worse than wrestling with a driveway gate that won't cooperate. Dropped on one side, scraping the ground, or just refusing to latch properly. Most of these issues come down to worn hinges or posts that have shifted in our Devon clay.
💡 Pro tip: If your gate has started dragging in the last few months, it's probably the posts moving rather than the hinges failing. Clay soil in Exeter expands and contracts with the weather, which pushes posts out of alignment.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Gate swings smoothly and latches first time | Gate drags on the ground or needs lifting to close |
| Hinges properly secured to solid timber | Hinges loose or screwed into rotten wood |
| Posts vertical and firmly set | Posts leaning or wobbly in the ground |
| Metalwork treated to prevent rust | Rusty hinges and fixings left untreated |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Inspection | Check hinges, posts, alignment and what's actually causing the problem |
| Post Work | Straighten or reinforce posts, fit concrete spurs if needed |
| Hinge Fix | Replace worn hinges, reposition if needed, treat metalwork |
| Adjustment | Make sure gate swings freely and latches properly |
📦 You're Left With
- Gate that opens and closes smoothly
- Properly aligned and secure hinges
- Posts reinforced or replaced as needed
- Latch that actually works
Pricing Guide
| Scope | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple hinge adjustment | 1 hr | £60 |
| Hinge replacement + adjustment | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Post reinforcement + rehang | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-135 |
£60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Posts and materials extra if needed.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Gate's dropped on one side - Hinges worn or posts shifted
✅ Won't latch properly - Misalignment causing gaps
✅ Scraping the ground - Needs lifting and repositioning
✅ Posts wobbling - Need reinforcement or concrete spurs
Why Choose Us for Driveway gate repair in Exeter?
Gate swings smoothly again
Proper alignment and security
Devon weather-resistant repairs
Same-day service often available
What to Expect
Step 1: Quick Assessment
I'll look at the hinges, posts and alignment to work out what's causing the issue. Usually obvious once you know what to look for.
Step 2: The Fix
Sort the posts first if they're the problem, then tackle hinges and alignment. Everything gets checked as I go.
Step 3: Test and Adjust
Open and close it a few times to make sure it's smooth. Adjust the latch if needed. Job's not done until it works properly.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you're handy with tools and it's just a minor sag:
🔧 What you'll need
- Socket set or adjustable spanner
- Spirit level
- Wooden packers or shims
- Wood screws (if hinges are loose)
📐 How to do it
- Check if the posts are vertical with a spirit level
- If posts are fine, try lifting the gate and tightening the hinge bolts
- Use packers under the gate to hold it level while you work
- Tighten all fixings properly - don't overtighten and strip threads
- Check the swing and adjust if needed
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Tightening hinges when the real problem is wonky posts
- Overtightening bolts and stripping the threads
- Not checking the posts are vertical before adjusting
- Using rusty old fixings instead of replacing them
💡 Pro trick: Before you do anything, lift the gate up from underneath while it's closed. If that makes it align with the latch, your hinges have dropped. If it doesn't help, your posts have moved.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔧 Most repairs are same-day jobs: I carry common hinges and fixings in the van, so if it's a straightforward repair I can usually sort it in one visit.
Combine with:
- Fence panel repair (if fencing either side needs attention)
- Fence post replacement (if other posts are dodgy too)
- Garden gate repair (do both gates while I'm there)
Related services:
- Fence post concrete spur (alternative to full post replacement)
- Close board fencing (if you're upgrading the whole run)
- Garden gate repair (smaller pedestrian gates)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a gate that's dropped and scraping the ground?
Yeah, that's bread and butter stuff. Usually it's the hinges or posts that need attention. Takes about an hour to get it swinging properly again. I'll adjust the hinges, reinforce the post if needed, and make sure it opens and closes smoothly.
What if my gate post is rotten?
If the post is gone, we can either fit a concrete spur to save it or replace it completely. Concrete spurs are cheaper and quicker - I bolt a concrete post alongside the rotten timber and reattach the gate to that. Works a treat and adds years of life.
Do you fix automatic gates?
I can fix the gate itself - hinges, posts, alignment, that sort of thing. But I don't touch the electric motors or automation bits. If your automatic gate has structural issues, I can sort those. For the electrical side, you'd need a specialist.
How long before I can use the gate after repair?
Most repairs are ready immediately. If I've had to use concrete or fix posts in the ground, I'll let you know how long to leave it - usually 24 hours to be safe. But simple hinge fixes and adjustments? You can use it straight away.
Driveway gate repair Also Available In:
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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