Pop hole repair in Exeter
Professional pop hole repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
30-60 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Pop hole doors repaired - sticking doors freed up, broken runners replaced, mechanisms working smoothly again. Your chickens can get in and out without drama.
A Wonky Pop Hole Is More Than Annoying
If your pop hole sticks, won't close properly, or has fallen off its runners, it's not just inconvenient - it's a security risk. Chickens need to get in at dusk, and the door needs to close properly to keep foxes out overnight.
💡 Pro tip: Pop holes take a beating from weather and chickens pushing through. Quick repairs when things start sticking saves bigger problems later. Don't wait until the door falls apart.
Common Pop Hole Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause | Typical Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sticking or binding | Swollen wood, dirty tracks | Clean runners, plane door edges |
| Fallen off track | Loose runners, warped door | Refit runners, straighten door |
| Won't stay closed | Catch broken, frame shifted | Replace catch, realign frame |
| Rotten wood | Weather damage | Replace affected timber |
| Auto door failed | Battery, sensor, or mechanism | Repair or replace opener unit |
What You Get
🔧 Typical Repairs
| Type | What's Done |
|---|---|
| Sliding door | Clean tracks, lubricate, plane swollen wood |
| Runners | Tighten loose ones, replace damaged tracks |
| Door itself | Straighten warped door or replace if rotten |
| Catches | Fix or replace latches and locks |
| Auto mechanisms | Repair faulty openers or install new ones |
📦 You're Left With
- Door that slides smoothly
- Closes properly for security
- No more fighting with it twice daily
- Chickens safely shut in at night
Pricing Guide
| Repair Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Clean and adjust, minor fixes | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Replace runners or door | 45-60 mins | £60-£85 |
| Fit auto opener to existing door | 1-1.5 hrs | £85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Add materials if supplying new runners, door, or automatic opener unit.
Worth Fixing If...
✅ Frame is sound - just door or mechanisms need attention
✅ Simple problem - sticking, loose runners, broken catch
✅ Coop otherwise good - not worth new pop hole if whole coop is failing
Why Choose Us for Pop hole repair in Exeter?
Door slides smooth again
Runners and tracks repaired or replaced
Auto door mechanisms fixed
Weatherproofing restored
What to Expect
Step 1: Check What's Wrong
I'll look at how the door's sticking or what's broken. Sometimes it's obvious (door fell off), sometimes you need to watch it opening and closing to see the problem. Quick diagnosis usually.
Step 2: Source Parts If Needed
If you need new runners, a replacement door, or an auto opener, I'll advise what fits your setup. Most pop holes are fairly standard sizes but custom coops can be awkward.
Step 3: Fix It
Clean and lubricate runners, plane down swollen door edges, replace broken bits, get everything running smoothly. Test it several times to make sure it's working properly before I leave.
🔧 DIY Tips
Pop hole repairs are often straightforward DIY jobs:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Screwdriver (for runners and catches)
- Plane or coarse sandpaper (for swollen wood)
- WD-40 or similar lubricant
- Hammer and nails/screws
- Spirit level (if realigning)
- Replacement parts if needed
🔨 Fixing sticky doors
- Check tracks and runners for dirt, debris, chicken muck
- Clean thoroughly with wire brush
- Check door hasn't swollen - plane edges if needed
- Lubricate runners with dry lubricant (not oil - attracts dust)
- Make sure door is sitting square in the frame
- Check all fixings are tight
📐 Realigning fallen doors
- Check runners are firmly fixed and level
- Look for warped or twisted door - might need replacing
- Make sure frame opening is square
- Refit door, check it runs full length of travel smoothly
- Tighten everything once it's running right
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using wet lubricants (oil) - they attract dirt and make it worse
- Planing too much off door - creates gaps
- Not checking frame is square before refitting
- Ignoring rotten wood - will fail again soon
- Over-tightening screws in soft wood - splits it
💡 Pro trick: Use candle wax or bar of soap to lubricate wooden pop hole runners - works brilliantly and doesn't attract dirt like oil does. Rub it on the runners and door edges.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐔 Automatic openers: If you're constantly forgetting to shut chickens in or not getting home before dusk, auto pop hole doors are worth every penny. Light-sensor ones are better than timers - they adapt to changing daylight hours automatically.
Weather swelling: Wooden pop hole doors swell and shrink with humidity. They might work perfectly in summer and stick badly in wet winter. A bit of clearance and regular planing helps.
Fox-proof: Make sure repaired doors actually close properly and latch securely. Foxes can push open doors that don't latch tight. Test the catch under pressure.
Regular maintenance: A quick clean and lubricate every few months stops most pop hole problems before they start. Takes two minutes.
Upgrade option: If your pop hole is constantly causing problems, consider replacing with a better quality one or fitting an automatic opener. Sometimes ongoing hassle costs more than fixing it properly once.
Frequently Asked Questions
My pop hole door is sticking badly - what's usually wrong?
Usually the runners are dirty, damaged, or the door has swollen from weather. Sometimes the whole frame has shifted. I'll clean tracks, plane down swollen edges, or replace damaged runners. Most sticky doors can be fixed in under an hour.
Can you fit an automatic pop hole door?
Yes - either retrofit an auto opener to your existing door or fit a whole new automatic pop hole kit. Auto doors are brilliant - timed or light-sensor closing means your chickens are shut in safely before dusk even if you're not home.
The pop hole door fell off its track - is it fixable?
Usually yes. Either the runners have come loose or the door's warped and jumped the track. Refit the runners properly, straighten or replace the door if it's twisted, make sure everything runs true. Should be a straightforward fix.
Should I replace the whole pop hole or just repair it?
Depends on the damage. If it's just the door or runners that need fixing, repair is much cheaper and quicker. If the whole frame is rotten or the opening is the wrong size, replacement might make more sense. I'll be straight about what's worth doing.
How long do pop hole repairs take?
Most repairs are 30-60 minutes. Cleaning and adjusting runners, planing a swollen door, or replacing simple hardware is quick work. Fitting an automatic opener or dealing with rotten framework takes longer.
Pop hole repair Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your pop hole repair job in Exeter.
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!
Why Trust Us
Need Pop hole repair in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your pop hole repair job in Exeter today.