Gate temporary fix in Exeter
Professional gate temporary fix services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
0.5-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Quick temporary repair to get your gate functioning again. Not perfect, but closes properly and keeps garden secure while you arrange full repair.
When Your Gate Needs Urgent Attention
Your garden gate is:
- Dragging on the ground
- Won't latch anymore
- Hanging at a weird angle
- Broken latch or hinge
- Twisted frame
And you need it working because:
- Kids/pets need to be contained
- Security matters
- It's driving you mad every time you use it
- Visitors are struggling with it
- But you can't afford full replacement right now
💡 Pro tip: Many "broken" gates just need hinges adjusting or a latch realigning. Sometimes the "temporary" fix lasts years because the underlying problem wasn't as serious as it looked.
What "Temporary" Actually Means
Here's what might be possible depending on the problem:
| Problem | Temporary Fix | Proper Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Gate dropped/sagging | Add support brace or adjust hinges | Replace hinges, rebuild frame |
| Won't latch | Reposition latch or add temporary catch | Replace latch mechanism |
| Twisted frame | Brace to hold straight | Replace entire gate |
| Broken hinge | Reinforce or add strap hinge | Replace hinge and possibly reframe |
| Post rotted | Support/brace post | Replace post (concrete in) |
The goal? Make it functional and safe, even if it's not perfect.
Pricing
| Repair Type | Time Needed | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple adjustment or latch | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Bracing or propping | 1 hr | £60 |
| Multiple issues | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Emergency removal/securing | 1 hr | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Materials usually minimal - brackets, screws, basic timber.
Common Fixes Possible
🔧 What Can Be Done Temporarily
- Sagging gates: support strut fitted diagonally
- Dropped hinges: shimmed or repositioned
- Broken latch: replaced with simple bolt or hook
- Twisted frame: braced to hold straight(ish)
- Loose post: packed and braced
- Rotted bottom rail: trimmed and secured
✅ You get:
- Gate that opens and closes
- Latch that holds
- Secure boundary
- Honest assessment of how long it'll last
- Advice on proper repair when needed
Perfect for These Situations
✅ Urgent need - must work today for safety
✅ Buying time - saving for full replacement
✅ Rental property - temporary measure till landlord fixes
✅ Deciding later - not sure whether to repair or replace
✅ Budget constraints - can't afford full job right now
Why Choose Us for Gate temporary fix in Exeter?
Gate closing and latching again
Keeps pets/children secure
Buys time for proper repair
Quick solution to urgent problem
What to Expect
Step 1: Assess the Problem
I'll look at what's failed, what's causing it, and what temporary options exist. Some problems have easy fixes, others are tricky.
Step 2: Make It Work
Using whatever materials and methods make sense, I'll get the gate functional again. Won't be perfect but will work.
Step 3: Explain Long-term Options
I'll tell you what proper repair would involve and roughly what it'd cost, so you can plan. No pressure - sometimes temporary is fine.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to attempt a temporary gate fix yourself? Here's what to try:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill and bits
- Screwdrivers
- Adjustable spanner
- Spirit level
- Saw (maybe)
📋 Common DIY fixes
For dropped gate:
- Check if hinges are loose - tighten screws
- If holes are stripped, use bigger screws or move hinge up/down
- Add diagonal brace from top hinge to bottom latch side
- Or try shimming under hinge with washers
For latch issues:
- Check alignment - does latch meet catch?
- Loosen catch and reposition if needed
- Or fit a simple bolt/hook instead
- Gravity catches work if latch is beyond fixing
For twisted gate:
- Brace diagonally across frame with timber
- Use brackets to hold square
- Might need help to hold it while securing
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Forcing a twisted gate straight (it'll just twist back)
- Using screws too short to actually hold
- Not checking the post - might be the problem not the gate
- Tightening hinges when they need replacing
💡 Pro trick: Before assuming gate needs major work, check the posts are actually vertical. Often the gate is fine but posts have moved. Hold a spirit level against the latch-side post - if it's leaning away from gate, that's probably your problem.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚪 Sometimes temporary is permanent: I've done "temporary" fixes that are still working fine 5 years later. Not everything needs thousands spending on it.
Assessment is free: When I quote the job, I'll look at what's wrong and tell you whether temporary fix makes sense or whether you really do need full repair.
Materials cost: Most temporary fixes use minimal materials - couple of brackets, some screws, maybe a bit of timber. Usually under £10 in materials.
Rental situations: If you're renting, temporary fix keeps things functional while you pressure your landlord to do proper repair. Document the problem with photos.
Plan for proper fix: If the temporary measure works, great. But do budget for eventual proper repair - most temporary fixes have a lifespan, even if it's measured in years not weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by temporary fix?
It's a quick repair to make the gate functional again - might be propping a dropped gate, replacing a broken latch, adding a brace to a twisted frame. It's not a perfect long-term solution but it gets you a working gate while you arrange proper repair or replacement.
How long will a temporary fix last?
Depends what's wrong and what fix is possible. Some temporary repairs last months or years. Others are genuinely just buying you time until proper repair. I'll be honest about what you're getting and how long it'll likely hold.
Why not just fix it properly straight away?
Sometimes you can't - maybe you need a new gate making (takes time), or posts need replacing (bigger job), or you need to save up for proper repair. Temporary fix keeps things secure and functional meanwhile.
Can you tell me what proper repair would involve?
Yes - part of the service is explaining what's actually wrong and what proper fix would cost. Then you can decide whether to go ahead with full repair or stick with temporary for now.
What if it won't close at all or has fallen off?
If it's completely failed I'll do what I can - might mean removing it completely and securing the opening differently, or doing emergency prop-up. Depends on the situation but I'll make it safe at minimum.
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