Table of Contents
Hanging (fitting) the gate
4: Hanging (fitting) the gate.
Place the gate in between the two gate posts and sit it on packers so the gate is about 50mm (2″) off the ground. (Adjust accordingly if required, to allow for the contour of the ground and to ensure that the gate will be able to swing all the way open.)
Place wedges or packers at the sides of the gate so that the gaps between the gate and posts are even, and the gate is ‘jammed in place’.
The gate should be able to stay in position by itself while the “T” hinges are screwed in place. Place a hinge on each horizontalParallel to the horizon, flat, level. frame memberPiece of lumber that is part of a frame or structure. (3 in all). If the gate is to open inwards, then the hinges will be fixed to the inside of the gate to the horizontal frame members. If the gate is to open outwards, then the hinges will be fixed to the outside of the gate, to the boards and in line with the horizontal frame members.
Once the hinges are screwed in place, take out the wedges and/or packing and fit the gate latchThe locking device on a door or window.. Note that usually, the latch should be put half-way up the gate, but if the gate is to keep little kids in or out, then put the gate latch more towards the top of the gate.
Finally, cut a hole in the gate handy to the latch and big enough to put a hand through. This is so the gate can be opened from inside or outside.
I am a single female homeowner and I needed a side gate for my house and looked into a re-furbished iron gate. When I got their quote for $750, I thought “I could make my own gate for less than half.” The only problem was… I had NEVER done something like that before! It seemed to be basic enough, but again I had no idea what to do. I Googled “How to build a gate” and found your web page. I read the instructions, printed them out, and went to work. Your step-by-step instructions definitely helped me dodge the “trial & error” bullet, and I had very few “do overs”.
The one fear I had was cutting the diagonal brace(s) accurately. I laid the rectangular frame over the diagonal 2×4, and traced the lines as you suggested. Wow, what a great idea! It saved me most of my anxiety. I was using a skill saw for and did end up having to borrow my neighbor’s chop saw (and my neighbor) to re-do those cuts for a better fit.
I also wanted to show you my proud photos!
Thanks to you for your help. You saved me over $500! Plus I DID IT!
Carolyn Bell
I have just decided to build a side gate for the first time in my life and decided to search the internet for instructions and advice.
This was the first web site that came up in the search engine and I was pleasantly surprised to find a short, easy to read and understand tutorial with brilliant pictures on how to do it. I am confident now about building it after reading such wonderful instructions! Thanks a million!
Doug Christchurch, New Zealand.
It would be prudent to leave a note of caution if one wants to use the concrete bridge design.
Frost heaving is always a problem but with the bridge design the frost can easily lift the bridge portion of the gate.
This can obviously be a disaster.
I don’t understand how the diagonal brace will fit? Will it no clash with the horizontal brace ?