Parasol repair in Exeter
Professional parasol repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Parasol assessed and repaired where possible. Stuck mechanisms freed, cords replaced, fittings tightened - honest advice on what's fixable and what needs replacing.
When The Parasol Won't Cooperate
Last year it worked fine. This year you've pulled it out of the shed and the mechanism won't budge, or it's stuck half-open, or the cord has snapped and now you're looking at parasol prices online and wondering if it's worth trying to fix.
Usually it is. Most parasol problems are fixable with a bit of patience and the right approach.
💡 Pro tip: Most parasol mechanisms fail from lack of use rather than overuse. Storing them seized-up over winter guarantees problems in spring.
What's Actually Worth Fixing?
Here's the honest breakdown:
| ✅ Worth Repairing | ❌ Usually Not Worth It |
|---|---|
| Stuck/seized opening mechanism | Torn or badly faded canopy |
| Broken or tangled cord system | Snapped main pole |
| Loose ribs or fittings | Cracked plastic hub |
| Bent ribs (if not too bad) | Multiple broken ribs |
| Seized pivot points | Cheap parasol (£30-50 new) |
What You Get
🔧 The Repair Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Full check of mechanism, cord, fittings, structure |
| Diagnose | Work out what's wrong and whether it's fixable |
| Quote | Honest cost estimate for repair vs replacement |
| Repair | If you want to proceed, fix what needs fixing |
| Test | Make sure everything works smoothly before I leave |
📦 You're Left With
- Working parasol (if repairable)
- Or honest advice to replace (if not)
- No money wasted on pointless repairs
- Mechanism working smoothly
Pricing Guide
| Repair Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment only | 30 mins | £60 |
| Simple repair (free mechanism, adjust cord) | 1 hr | £60 |
| Moderate repair (parts, cord replacement) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
Plus parts if needed. I'll give you the full cost before proceeding - you decide if it's worth it.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Good quality parasol - worth investing in repair
✅ Stuck mechanism - won't open or close properly
✅ Broken cord - snapped or tangled pulley system
✅ Sentimental value - maybe it was expensive or you're attached to it
Why Choose Us for Parasol repair in Exeter?
Honest assessment of what's fixable
Mechanism freed up and working smoothly
Saves buying a replacement
Spare parts sourced if available
What to Expect
Step 1: Full Assessment
I'll check the mechanism, test all the moving parts, inspect the cord system, look at the structure. Work out exactly what's wrong.
Step 2: Honest Discussion
I'll tell you what's wrong, whether it's fixable, what it'll cost to fix, and whether repair makes financial sense versus buying new. No bullshit.
Step 3: Repair (If Proceeding)
Could be freeing a seized mechanism with WD40 and patience. Could be re-threading a new cord. Could be tightening all the fittings that have worked loose. Whatever it needs.
🔧 DIY Tips
Some parasol repairs you can tackle yourself:
🔧 What you'll need
- WD40 or silicone spray
- Allen keys (various sizes)
- Replacement cord (if needed - 3mm or 4mm)
- Patience (seriously - rushing breaks things)
📐 Common fixes
- Stuck mechanism: Spray all pivot points with WD40, work it back and forth gently
- Tangled cord: Open the hub cover, untangle cord, re-thread correctly
- Loose ribs: Tighten all the little screws/bolts holding ribs to hub
- Stiff operation: Lubricate all moving parts, especially the runner
- Broken cord: Thread new cord through same path as old one (take photos first!)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Forcing stuck mechanisms (breaking them completely)
- Taking mechanism apart without photos (can't get it back together)
- Using oil instead of dry lubricant (attracts dirt)
- Replacing with wrong diameter cord (doesn't work properly)
- Giving up too easily (parasols are surprisingly repairable)
💡 Pro trick: Before storing for winter, spray all moving parts with silicone lubricant and work the mechanism a few times. Store slightly open if possible (takes pressure off springs). Come spring, it'll work like new.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
💰 Repair vs replace math: If repair costs more than 50% of a new parasol's price, usually better to buy new. I'll be honest about this - no point spending £80 to fix a £100 parasol.
Parts availability: Branded parasols (Kettler, Glencrest, etc.) often have spares available. Generic ones from supermarkets usually don't. I'll try to source parts but can't always promise success.
Canopy replacement: Sometimes you can buy just a replacement canopy for the frame. Works out much cheaper than a whole new parasol if the frame is still good.
Prevention is cheaper: Annual lubrication and proper storage prevents most parasol problems. Five minutes with a can of silicone spray beats an hour of wrestling with a seized mechanism.
Devon's salt air: Coastal locations are murder on parasol mechanisms - salt corrosion is brutal. If you're near the coast, lubricate more often and store parasols completely dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parasol problems can you actually fix?
Stuck opening mechanisms, tangled cords, loose fittings, bent ribs (sometimes), seized pivot points. I can't fix torn canopies or snapped poles - those usually mean replacement. But I'll give you an honest assessment of whether it's worth repairing or time for a new one.
My parasol won't open - is it worth fixing?
Depends what's wrong. If it's just a jammed mechanism or tangled cord, definitely fixable. If the pole is cracked or the pulley system is broken, might not be worth the parts cost. I'll have a look and give you an honest answer.
Can you get spare parts for parasols?
For branded ones, sometimes yes. For the cheap supermarket jobbies, usually no - they're not designed to be repaired. I'll try, but be prepared that parts might cost almost as much as a new parasol.
How much does parasol repair typically cost?
If it's a simple fix like freeing a stuck mechanism or replacing a cord, usually £60-85 for labour. If parts are needed, that's extra. I'll always tell you the cost before I proceed - no point spending £100 to fix a £50 parasol.
Is it worth repairing an old parasol or should I just buy new?
If it's a quality parasol that cost £150+, definitely worth trying to repair. If it's a £30 supermarket special, probably not. I'll be honest about whether repair makes financial sense.
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