Stable bolt replacement in Exeter
Professional stable bolt replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Stable door bolts replaced with heavy-duty latches. Smooth operation, secure fastening, built to last in all weather. Keep your horses safely stabled.
Worn Bolts Are a Security Risk
Can't secure your stable door properly? Bolt stuck, won't shoot home, or doesn't hold shut? That's when horses escape, or worse - partially open doors spook them and cause injuries.
💡 Pro tip: Fit top and bottom bolts on stable doors. Some horses are surprisingly good at sliding just one bolt open. Two bolts keeps even the cleverest ones secure.
What Makes a Good Stable Bolt?
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Slides smoothly, doesn't stick | Seized up or stiff operation |
| Properly aligned, shoots home | Misaligned, won't close properly |
| Galvanised or stainless steel | Rusty bolts that won't move |
| Secure catch that holds | Worn catch, bolt slips out |
What You Get
🔧 Professional Replacement
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Remove | Old bolts taken out cleanly |
| Prepare | Holes filled if needed, new positions marked |
| Fit | New bolts aligned and fixed securely |
| Test | Check smooth operation and secure fastening |
📦 You're Left With
- Bolts that slide smoothly
- Secure door fastening
- Weather-resistant fixings
- Working latches you can trust
Pricing Guide
| Work Required | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| One or two doors | 1 hr | £60 |
| Multiple doors/stables | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Full stable block | 1.5+ hrs | £85+ |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Bolts additional.
Perfect For Your Equestrian Property If...
✅ Seized bolts - won't slide or stuck solid
✅ Worn catches - don't hold shut properly
✅ Escape artists - horses opening current latches
✅ Rusty fixings - old bolts falling apart
Why Choose Us for Stable bolt replacement in Exeter?
Smooth operation, no sticking
Proper security for stable doors
Heavy-duty bolts that last
Quick replacement service
What to Expect
Step 1: Remove Old Bolts
Take out worn bolts carefully. Fill old screw holes if new bolts won't use the same positions.
Step 2: Fit New Bolts
Mark new positions, ensure top and bottom bolts align properly with catches. Fix securely with appropriate screws.
Step 3: Test Operation
Slide bolts in and out, make sure they shoot home smoothly and catches hold securely. Lubricate for smooth operation.
🔧 DIY Tips
Planning to replace your own stable bolts? Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Screwdriver or drill
- Pencil for marking
- Wood filler (for old holes)
- New bolts and catches
- Lubricant (PTFE spray or grease)
🪛 Fitting correctly
Remove old bolts:
- Unscrew carefully
- Fill old screw holes with wood filler
- Let filler dry completely
- Sand smooth
Fit new bolts:
- Position bolt where you want it
- Mark screw holes
- Pre-drill pilot holes (prevents splitting)
- Fix bolt securely
- Position catch so bolt shoots home properly
- Test before final tightening
Alignment tips:
- Close door fully before marking catch position
- Bolt should shoot home without forcing
- Catch should hold bolt firmly but release easily
- Check bolt slides smoothly before fixing catch
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not filling old holes (bolt comes loose)
- Misaligned catch (bolt won't shoot home)
- Screws too short (won't hold under use)
- No pilot holes (timber splits)
- Wrong bolt height (uncomfortable to use)
💡 Pro trick: Before fixing the catch permanently, run the bolt in and out a few times to wear a slight groove. Then position the catch exactly where the bolt naturally wants to go. Much better alignment than trying to force it.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐴 Clever horses - Some horses learn to manipulate bolts surprisingly well. If you've got an escape artist, consider fitting horse-proof catches (ones they can't slide with their teeth) or fit bolts on the outside only.
Top and bottom - Single bolts at chest height are easy for horses to learn. Top and bottom bolts are much more secure and harder to manipulate.
Lubrication - Spray bolts with PTFE lubricant every few months. Keeps them sliding smoothly and prevents rust. Don't use WD-40 - attracts dust and dirt.
Material choice - Galvanised steel is most common and cost-effective. Stainless steel costs more but lasts longer in coastal areas or very damp environments.
While I'm there - If you need other stable repairs (kick boards, new hinges, rug racks), get them all done in one visit. More efficient use of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do stable bolts wear out?
Constant use in all weather - they rust, seize up, or the catch wears so they don't stay shut. Plus horses learn to fiddle with loose ones. Better to replace than have an escape artist on your hands.
What type of stable bolt should I fit?
Galvanised or stainless steel for longevity. Top and bottom bolts for security - some horses are clever with just one. Spring-loaded if you want them to snap shut automatically.
Can you fit bolts to stable doors that don't have them?
Yes - if you've got basic catches but want proper security, I can fit top and bottom bolts. Stops clever horses opening their doors.
How long does bolt replacement take?
Usually 1-1.5 hours for a couple of doors. Remove old bolts, fill holes if needed, fit new ones properly aligned. Quick job that makes a big difference.
Will new bolts fit the same holes?
Sometimes yes, often no - new bolts might be slightly different sizes. I'll fill old holes and drill fresh ones in the right positions. Cleaner job than trying to bodge a fit.
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