Garage door handle replacement in Exeter
Professional garage door handle replacement 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
Garage door handle replaced quickly and properly. Whether it's snapped off, seized up, or just worn out, I'll fit a new one that works smoothly.
Broken Handle, Stuck Outside
There's always an annoying moment when you grab the garage door handle and it either snaps off in your hand or just spins uselessly. Now you're jimmying the door open with a screwdriver or climbing through a window.
New handle fitted properly and you're back to normal.
💡 Pro tip: If your handle's getting stiff or wobbly, replace it before it breaks completely. Much less annoying than being locked out when you're in a rush.
Quick Job Done Right
Not much to replacing a handle, but there are ways to bodge it:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Bodged |
|---|---|
| New handle fitted securely | Wobbles, will break again soon |
| Works smoothly with lock | Sticks or hard to turn |
| All fixings tightened properly | Loose screws already |
| Tested before I leave | "Should be fine" (isn't) |
What matters: Getting one that fits properly and fixing it so the lock still works smoothly.
Pricing Guide
| Job Type | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard handle replacement | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Handle + lock cylinder | 45-60 mins | £60-£85 |
| Awkward/seized fixings | 1 hr | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. You supply handle, I fit it.
Types of Garage Door Handles
🔧 Up-and-over doors:
- T-handle (pull-down lever type)
- Usually includes lock cylinder
- Relatively standard sizing
📦 Side-hinged doors:
- Knob or lever handle
- Usually separate from lock
- Similar to shed door handles
⚠️ Roller doors:
- Different mechanism entirely
- Often need specialist parts
- I can advise if yours is suitable
Why Choose Us for Garage door handle replacement in Exeter?
New handle fitted securely
Works smoothly with lock
Matching or upgraded hardware
Tested before I leave
What to Expect
Step 1: Remove Old Handle
Take off the broken/worn handle, check the lock mechanism behind it is still okay.
Step 2: Fit New Handle
Mount the new handle securely, align it properly with the lock.
Step 3: Test & Adjust
Make sure it opens smoothly, lock works properly, everything's tight.
🔧 DIY Tips
Replacing a garage door handle yourself is actually pretty straightforward:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Screwdriver (Phillips or flat depending on yours)
- Maybe a socket set if it's bolted through
- WD-40 (for seized screws)
- New handle (obviously)
📐 The process
- Take a photo first - so you know how it goes back together
- Remove old handle - usually 2-4 screws from inside
- Check the lock cylinder - does it need cleaning or replacing too?
- Fit new handle - line it up with the lock mechanism
- Tighten everything - but don't overtighten (cracks plastic)
- Test thoroughly - open, close, lock, unlock
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not buying the right type of handle (they're not universal)
- Stripping screw heads trying to remove seized screws
- Over-tightening new fixings (cracks the door or handle)
- Not testing the lock works before declaring victory
💡 Pro trick: While you've got it apart, give the lock cylinder a spray with WD-40 or graphite lubricant. Garage door locks seize up from lack of use - bit of lube makes everything smoother.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔧 Lock not working either? If the lock cylinder is also worn or seized, do both at once. They work together, so might as well sort it all in one go.
Handle types: Garage door handles aren't as standardized as house door handles. Best to match your existing one - take it to Screwfix or a hardware shop and find the closest match.
Security: Basic garage door locks aren't high-security. They keep honest people out and that's about it. If you're storing expensive stuff, consider a proper deadbolt or ground anchor inside.
Spare key: While I'm there, check you've actually got a spare key for the lock. Loads of people have no idea where their garage key is - find it or get one cut while you're thinking about it.
Old doors: If your garage door is ancient and the handle keeps breaking, it might be time to think about a new door. Throwing money at repairs on a knackered door gets expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy the handle first?
Ideally yes - match it to your existing one. But if you can't find the right one, send me a photo and I can advise or pick one up from the supplier. Sometimes old handles are discontinued though, so might need to fit the closest match.
Will a new handle work with my old lock?
Usually yes - most standard garage door handles are compatible with existing lock mechanisms. Occasionally you need to replace both together if it's an integrated unit, but I'll know once I see it.
My handle broke off completely - can you still fix it?
As long as the lock mechanism behind it is okay, yeah. If the whole assembly is knackered, we might need to replace more than just the handle, but I'll assess it and tell you what's needed.
How long does it take to replace?
Usually 30-45 minutes. Removing the old one, fitting the new handle, adjusting it so it works smoothly with the lock, testing it properly. Longer if there are complications with the old fixings.
Can you make it match my front door handle?
Garage door handles are pretty standardized - mostly basic lever types. You can get different finishes (black, chrome, white) but they won't match decorative house door handles. Function over fashion for garage doors.
Garage door handle replacement Also Available In:
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