Door bolt fitting in Exeter
Professional door bolt fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Door bolt fitted securely to internal or external doors. Top, bottom, or both - whatever you need for extra security, privacy, or just keeping a door properly closed.
That Door Needs A Bolt
Maybe it's the back door that needs extra security. The bathroom door that doesn't lock properly. The gate that keeps blowing open. The bedroom door when you've got guests staying.
Whatever the reason, you need a bolt. Simple, effective, job done.
💡 The trick: Getting it aligned perfectly so it slides smoothly and actually lines up with the keep. DIY attempts often result in bolts that stick, scrape, or miss the hole entirely.
Why Professional Fitting Matters
| ❌ Common Problem | ✅ Done Right |
|---|---|
| Bolt doesn't align with keep | Measured and marked before drilling |
| Sticks or binds when you slide it | Fitted straight, not at an angle |
| Screws too short, not secure | Proper length screws for the door thickness |
| Keep pulls away from frame | Screwed into solid timber, not just surface |
Types Of Bolts
🔧 Barrel Bolt (surface mounted)
- Visible slide bolt on the face of the door
- Good for: gates, sheds, bedrooms, bathrooms
- Easy to use, quick to fit
🔒 Rack Bolt (concealed)
- Fitted into the edge of the door
- Good for: front/back doors, security
- Operated with a key, invisible when closed
⚓ Padlock Bolt
- Takes a padlock for external security
- Good for: sheds, garages, gates
- Maximum security for outbuildings
What You Get
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | Work out best location (top, bottom, or both) |
| Mark | Careful marking so bolt and keep align perfectly |
| Fit | Bolt secured to door, keep to frame, tested properly |
📦 You're Left With
- Smooth-operating bolt
- Secure fixings that won't pull loose
- Extra security or privacy
- Peace of mind
Pricing Guide
| What You Need | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single bolt fitted | 30 mins | £60 |
| Two bolts (top and bottom) | 45-60 mins | £60-£85 |
| Rack bolt (concealed, more complex) | 45 mins | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Bolt hardware extra if I'm supplying it.
Perfect For...
✅ Back doors - extra security alongside the main lock
✅ Bathrooms - privacy when the lock's broken/missing
✅ French doors - keeping inactive door secure
✅ Gates & sheds - stopping them blowing open or securing property
Why Choose Us for Door bolt fitting in Exeter?
Fitted straight and secure first time
Right bolt type for your door and purpose
Smooth operation, no sticking or binding
Extra security and peace of mind
What to Expect
Step 1: Choose Position
We'll work out where the bolt needs to go - top or bottom usually, sometimes both. For security bolts on external doors, I'll position them where they'll actually resist force.
Step 2: Mark Everything
Careful marking is crucial - the bolt on the door needs to slide perfectly into the keep on the frame. If this is off by even a few millimetres, it won't work smoothly.
Step 3: Fit & Test
Bolt goes on the door, keep goes on the frame, everything gets tested to make sure it slides easily and holds securely. Adjust if needed until it's perfect.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy fitting it yourself? Here's how to avoid the usual problems:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill and appropriate bits
- Screwdriver (or drill driver)
- Pencil for marking
- Tape measure
- Spirit level (for vertical alignment)
- Chisel (if fitting a rack bolt)
📐 Getting the alignment right
- Position the bolt on the door where you want it
- Mark the screw holes and drill them
- Screw the bolt on loosely
- Slide the bolt fully extended
- Close the door and mark where the bolt hits the frame
- That's where the keep goes - centre it on your mark
- Tighten everything and test
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not checking alignment before drilling
- Using screws that are too short (they pull out)
- Fitting the keep first (always fit the bolt, then find where the keep needs to go)
- Angling the bolt (should be perfectly straight)
💡 Pro trick: For extra security on external doors, fit bolts top and bottom. Thieves can force locks, but two or three separate bolts make the door much harder to compromise. Plus it distributes force better.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 French doors? The inactive door (the one you don't use regularly) should have bolts top and bottom. Makes the whole assembly much more secure and stops rattling.
Bathroom privacy: If your bathroom lock is broken and you're not replacing it yet, a simple barrel bolt gives you privacy immediately. Much cheaper than a new lock.
Old doors: Those solid Victorian doors are perfect for bolts - thick timber, takes screws brilliantly. Better than modern hollow doors any day.
Shed security: For sheds and outbuildings, use padlock bolts with decent padlocks. Visible deterrent plus actual security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between different types of door bolts?
Barrel bolts go on the surface (you can see them), rack bolts fit into the edge of the door (hidden but need the door to be thick enough), and padlock bolts take a padlock. I'll recommend what suits your door and what you're trying to achieve - security, privacy, or keeping a door shut.
Can you fit bolts to old doors?
Yes - old doors are actually perfect for bolts. Solid timber, nice and thick, takes screws well. Modern hollow doors can be trickier but usually manageable. I'll advise on what works with your specific door.
Do I need to buy the bolt first?
Either way works. If you've already got one, I'll fit it. If not, tell me what you need (security, privacy, keeping a door closed) and I can advise on type and pick one up.
How long does fitting take?
Usually about 30 minutes for a standard bolt. Mark positions, drill holes, fit bolt and keep, test operation. Longer if you want multiple bolts or if it's a tricky door.
Will it damage my door?
There will be screw holes, yes - but that's the point, they hold the bolt on. If you ever remove it, you can fill the holes. The alternative is an insecure door, so most people are fine with it.
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