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How to make a low picket gate, child-proof
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Although this particular gate is only 900mm (36") high, the posts each side of the gate need to be at least 1500mm (5ft) high
in order to accommodate the gate latch, which should be at least 1400mm (56") above ground.
You could use even higher posts if they are incorporated into a walk-through structure such as an arbor.
Opening between posts. Try to make the opening between the two posts at least 900mm (36") to allow for garden implements such as wheel barrows to pass through.
Gate width. Make the width of the gate 20mm (3/4") less than the opening between the posts. That's 10mm (3/8") clearance each side.
Wood. Use any standard size exterior pickets for the fence boards. Sizes usually range between 70mm to 100mm (2 1/2" to 4") wide and are usually 20mm (3/4") thick.
Use 90mm x 45mm (1 1/2" x 3 1/2") stock for the rails and brace. A lesser size will also do.
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Note: The metric (mm) sizes given in this project do not convert exactly to their corresponding ft and inch equivalents. >>
Find out why.
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Make the gate frame
Lay out the extended stile and the two rails on a pair of sawhorses or a similar type of work platform.
Lay the rails at right angles to the stile. See the plan drawing on the previous page for placement.
Nail (toenail) the rails to the stile and then further strengthen with metal plates, straps or strong-ties nailed to the rails and stile over each join, both top and bottom.
Four plates in all.
Ensure that the frame is square and start nailing or screwing the pickets to the rails.
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Fix the pickets to the rails
Work out the spacings between the pickets before you commence nailing.
Ensure that the first and last pickets are flush with the ends of the frame and that the intermediate spaces between the pickets are equal.
Fix with two nails or screws at each meeting.
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Add the brace and hinges
Check again that the frame is square.
Mark, cut and fix the diagonal brace.
You can then screw one side of each hinge to the two rails, as shown in the picture.
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Fix the gate in place.
Position the gate between the posts.
Sit the gate on packers so that the gate is about 75mm (3") off the ground and then temporarily pack the sides between the gate and posts to hold it in position.
There should be a gap of about 10mm (3/8") each side.
Screw the hinges to the posts and add the gate latch.
All done! Eazy with a 'Z'
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User Comments
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Author: Les Kenny
Editor: Maree Anderson
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Page two: Instructions and User Comments