Loose banister tightening in Exeter
Professional loose banister tightening 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
Loose banister tightened and secured properly - safe and solid for everyone using the stairs. A genuine safety issue worth sorting before someone relies on it and it gives way.
It's A Safety Issue
Every time someone uses your stairs, they're grabbing that loose banister. Kids running up and down, elderly relatives holding on for support, you yourself when you're carrying stuff up the stairs.
If it's wobbly, it's not doing its job. One day someone will put their weight on it properly and it'll give way.
💡 Pro tip: If one part of your banister is loose, check the rest of it. These things rarely fail in isolation - if the handrail's wobbly, the spindles probably need attention too.
Why Fix It Properly?
| ✅ Fixed Right | ❌ Left Wobbly |
|---|---|
| Safe for everyone | Someone will fall |
| Lasts for years | Gets gradually worse |
| Peace of mind | Constant worry |
| Takes an hour or two | Stays on the "to do" list |
What I'll Do
🔧 Diagnosis & Fix
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Loose handrail | Proper screws/brackets into newel posts |
| Wobbly spindles | Re-glue and pin to handrail and base |
| Newel post moving | Secure to floor joists properly |
| Base rail loose | Fix to stairs/floor securely |
📦 Result
- Solid, secure banister
- No wobble anywhere
- Safe for all ages
- Fixed to last
Typical Pricing
| Job | Time Needed | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple handrail tightening | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Full banister with multiple loose points | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Newel post and handrail work | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Safety job worth doing properly.
Get This Sorted If...
✅ Banister wobbles when you grab it
✅ Spindles loose - can twist or move
✅ Newel post moving at top or bottom
✅ Elderly or children in the house - safety critical
Why Choose Us for Loose banister tightening in Exeter?
Banister secure and solid
Safe for all ages
Proper repair lasts years
No wobble or movement
What to Expect
Step 1: Diagnosis
I'll check the whole banister - handrail, spindles, newel posts, base rail. Work out what's actually loose and why.
Step 2: Secure Properly
Use the right fixings for each problem - screws, brackets, glue, pins. Whatever it takes to make it solid again.
Step 3: Test Thoroughly
Give it a proper test - if I wouldn't be happy with my kids using it, it's not finished.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you're determined to tackle it yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill and various bits
- Long screws (coach bolts for newel posts)
- Wood glue (proper PVA or Titebond)
- Panel pins and hammer
- Pilot hole bits
- Screwdriver
Checking what's loose
- Grab the handrail and try to wobble it
- Check each spindle individually - twist and pull
- Check the newel posts top and bottom
- Look underneath if you can access it
Tightening handrail
- Usually screws through into the newel post from underneath
- May need angle brackets if screws have stripped
- Pilot holes essential to prevent splitting
Fixing loose spindles
- Remove spindle carefully
- Clean old glue off both ends
- Apply fresh wood glue
- Tap back into place
- Pin through from the side once dry
Securing newel posts
- These take serious force - need coach bolts
- Usually bolt through to floor joists
- May need access from underneath
- Not a simple fix - worth getting help
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using screws that are too short
- Not drilling pilot holes (splits the wood)
- Glue without pins (not strong enough)
- Not addressing the root cause
💡 Pro trick: When re-gluing spindles, do them in small batches. You need time to get them positioned before the glue sets.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ This is a safety job. A loose banister isn't just annoying - it's dangerous. Worth getting it done properly rather than a quick bodge.
Old houses: Banisters in Victorian/Edwardian houses often have complex joints and traditional construction. These need sympathetic repairs that work with the original design.
Building regs: If you're replacing rather than repairing, modern building regs are strict about height, spacing, and strength. Repair usually doesn't trigger these, but worth knowing.
Access needed: Some banister work needs access from underneath the stairs. If your staircase is boxed in, we might need to work from above only, or remove a panel temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do banisters come loose?
Daily use, wood shrinking and expanding, or original fixings working loose over time. Common in older houses where the woodwork's had decades of hands grabbing it. Usually fixable once you identify what's actually loose.
Is a loose banister dangerous?
Yes - people rely on it for balance, especially children and elderly. If it's wobbly, someone could fall. It's a safety issue worth sorting promptly.
Can you fix it without replacing the whole banister?
Usually yes. Most loose banisters just need proper screws, brackets, or wood glue in the right places. Complete replacement is rarely needed unless the wood's actually rotten.
What if the spindles are loose too?
I'll check and secure those as well. Loose spindles often come with a loose handrail - they're all connected. I'll make sure the whole assembly is solid.
How long does tightening a banister take?
Depends what's loose and how accessible it is. Simple handrail tightening is 30-45 mins. Full banister with multiple loose points might be 1-2 hours.
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