Door chain fitting in Exeter
Professional door chain fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
20-30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Door security chain fitted to your front door. Simple, effective way to answer the door to strangers without opening it fully - see who's there, talk to them, check ID, all while the door's still secured.
Just Because Someone Knocks...
Doesn't mean you have to open the door fully. Could be a delivery, could be someone with ID to check, could be someone you don't know and don't want to let in.
Door chain solves this. Open the door 3-4 inches, talk through the gap, see who it is, keep control of the situation.
💡 Simple device, big difference: Especially if you live alone, are elderly, or just want to be cautious about unexpected visitors.
The Fitting Matters
Here's the thing: a poorly fitted chain is worse than no chain. If someone pushes and it rips out of the door, you've got a false sense of security.
| ❌ Done Wrong | ✅ Done Right |
|---|---|
| Short screws into hollow part of door | Long screws into solid timber |
| Chain too loose, door opens too far | Positioned so door opens just 3-4 inches |
| Badly aligned, catches and jams | Slides smoothly on and off |
| Pulls out if the door is pushed | Secure enough to actually resist force |
What You Get
🔧 Professional Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | Right height for comfortable use |
| Secure | Screws into solid parts of door and frame |
| Test | Chain slides smoothly and holds properly |
📦 The Result
- Door opens safely to strangers
- Chain that won't pull out
- Smooth operation every time
- Extra security and confidence
Pricing Guide
| What You're Having Done | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard door chain fitted | 20-30 mins | £60 |
| Heavy-duty chain (sturdier) | 30 mins | £60 |
| Chain plus door viewer | 30-45 mins | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Chain hardware extra if I'm supplying it.
Perfect For...
✅ Living alone - extra security and confidence
✅ Elderly residents - check who's there safely
✅ Unexpected callers - verify ID before opening
✅ Home security - simple, effective extra layer
Why Choose Us for Door chain fitting in Exeter?
Fitted at the right height for easy use
Secure fixings that won't pull out
Chain slides smoothly on and off
Peace of mind answering the door
What to Expect
Step 1: Choose Position
We'll work out the best height for you - comfortable to use without bending or stretching. Usually around chest height when standing at the door.
Step 2: Mark & Fit
Careful marking so everything aligns properly. The chain needs to slide smoothly when the door's closed, but engage securely when the door's opened.
Step 3: Test & Adjust
Test it thoroughly - does it slide easily? Does it stop the door at the right point? Is it secure? Adjust if needed until it's perfect.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to fit it yourself? Here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill with appropriate bits
- Screwdriver (or driver bit)
- Pencil for marking
- Tape measure
- Someone to help hold the door
📐 Getting it right
- Position the slide plate on the door edge (not the face) at comfortable height
- Mark and drill pilot holes
- Screw the slide plate on securely
- Attach the chain to the slide
- Work out where the keeper plate goes on the frame when door is closed
- Mark, drill, and screw keeper plate on
- Test operation
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Using screws that come with the chain (often too short)
- Screwing into the thin edge of a hollow door (won't hold)
- Positioning too high or too low (awkward to use)
- Not checking the chain length allows proper viewing
💡 Pro trick: Use longer screws than supplied - at least 40mm into the door, and into solid timber if possible. The supplied screws are often barely adequate. Also consider a heavy-duty chain rather than the flimsy standard ones - costs a bit more, much more secure.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Live alone? A door chain is one of those simple things that gives real peace of mind. Answering the door to unexpected visitors feels different when you can check who they are first.
UPVC doors: These can be fitted to UPVC and composite doors as well as wooden ones. The technique is slightly different (different fixings needed), but it works fine.
Door viewer combo: Often makes sense to have both a door viewer (peephole) and a chain. Viewer to see who's there without opening the door, chain if you decide to open it but want to stay secure.
Upgrading security: If you're getting a chain fitted, worth considering other simple security improvements at the same time - door bolts, better locks, door viewer. I can advise what would help your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a door chain for?
It lets you open the door a few inches to see and talk to whoever's there, without actually opening it fully. Good for checking ID, accepting deliveries, or just seeing who's knocking without committing to letting them in. Simple security device, very effective.
Will the screws hold properly?
Yes - if it's fitted right. The trick is getting the screws into solid timber, not just surface wood or the door skin. I use proper length screws and make sure they're going into something substantial. A chain that pulls out when tested is worse than useless.
Can you fit one to my front door?
Almost certainly yes. Works on wooden doors, UPVC doors, composite doors. The only tricky ones are really thin hollow doors or all-glass doors. I'll advise on what works for yours.
How high should it go?
Usually about 150-160cm from the floor - high enough that you can use it comfortably without bending, but not so high you're stretching. I'll position it where it works for you.
Is it better than a door viewer?
Different purposes. A door viewer (peephole) lets you see who's there without them knowing you're looking. A chain lets you talk to them while still having the door secured. Ideal is both - viewer to check who it is, chain if you decide to open the door.
Door chain fitting Also Available In:
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