There are a number of different reasons why you might find yourself needing to repair a gate. Troubleshooting what is actually going on with the gate is typically going to let you know what needs to be done in order to repair the problem. If you have a sagging gate, then the culprit may be loose hinges, wobbly posts or a gate frame that is out of square. Sometimes gates begin to stick as they retain moisture, allowing the gate to have alignment problems and this will cause the gate's hinges to become loosened. Once the moisture is gone, the gate will be left sagging. Many metal gates end up sagging because their posts have become wobbly or because the pins holding the gate into the post have become bent.

Check the Stability of the Posts

The first step is to check the post stability for whatever post is supporting the gate as well as the ones that are simply nearby. You should make sure that they are plumb and free of any wobbling. The fence posts may begin to wobble with time if made using untreated wood, or if the post setting has been allowed to become unstable.

Often, all you will have to do to fix your problems with the gate is to repair your posts. Wobbly posts can be secured using splints or stakes, but this is only going to work if the post is still in a suitable condition. You can drive the stakes into the ground on both sides of the post. Choose stakes pre-treated with a preservative in order to prevent any rotting. Secure everything together using bolts that run from the stake to the post and into the other stake.

If the posts are not in good condition any longer, then you are going to need to replace them. This repair is one that takes significantly more work as the posts will have to be disassembled and reassembled to repair or replace the part of the fence that is giving you issues. Remove the problem posts and reinstall new posts, ensuring that you are using good that has been pressure treated or a cedar or redwood variety.

Check the Hinge Quality

If your posts are not wobbling then the problem may be with your hinges. Check your hinges to determine whether or not they are loose, old, bent or simply too light-weight for the gate that you are using. Replacing your hinges is a relatively simple procedure. You may also be able to fix the problem you are facing simply by replacing the screws that attach your posts and your gate together.

Worn hinges can be replaced with larger hinges. Make sure that you use brand new holes to suit the screws. You can make strap hinges stronger by bending their tips around the corners of the posts.

Photo Credits: 96dpi

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Categories:

Curb Appeal, Fix, Handy Man, Repair, fence

Tags:

alignment problems, bolts, culprit, different reasons, fence posts, hinge, hinges, metal gates, pins, preservative, stake, suitable condition