How to Repair a Sagging Gate

-

Things You’ll Need

  • Level

  • Tape measure

  • Power drill

  • 3-inch deck screws

  • Circular saw

  • 2 inch by 4 inch board

... Gate in need of repair. Image Credit: Debbie Williams

A sagging gate is a common problem that many homeowners experience. Weather and constant use can cause deterioration of the bolts and wood where they are attached. It can become a real annoyance, dragging on the ground and becoming impossible to open. In most instances, it can be repaired with a few basic adjustments.

Video of the Day

Step 1

... Removing the latch makes handling the gate easier. Image Credit: Debbie Williams

Examine the gateposts to make sure that they are level and plumb. Although this is not usually the problem, you must have a secure foundation to attach the gates. Repair if necessary. Examine the hinges for missing or rusted lag screws. Obtain replacements if necessary. Remove the latch.

Step 2

... Drive the screws with a power drilll. Image Credit: Debbie Williams

Measure from the bottom on the hinge side up to the top on the latch side at a diagonal. Cut a 2 inch by 4 inch board to fit this measurement. Start a few 3-inch deck screws partway through the board. Have a helper pull the gate up to a little above level and drive the screws into the vertical boards of the gate.

Step 3

... Use a socket on a power drill to remove the lag screws. Image Credit: Debbie Williams

Disconnect the bottom hinge by removing the lag bolts even if the hinge and bolts look like they are in good shape. If the hinge is bent, obtain a replacement.

Step 4

... Tighten the bolt at the level position. Image Credit: Debbie Williams

Loosen the top hinge by removing the lower lag bolt. Have a helper pull the gate up and check with a level. Mark the location on the lag bolt and retighten or replace the bolt in the new location.

Step 5

... A power drill is invaluable for this repair. Image Credit: Debbie Williams

Still holding the gate at the level position, reset the lower hinge by relocating it and drilling new holes for the lag bolts. Drill holes slightly smaller than the lag bolt diameter.

Step 6

... Check and tighten bolts by hand with a socket wrench. Image Credit: Debbie Williams

Install the lag bolts in their new location and tighten all the bolts at the top and bottom hinge. It's a good idea to oil the hinges or spray with WD-40 to help them work smoothly without creaking.

Step 7

... Reinstall the latch as the final step. Image Credit: Debbie Williams

Last step, reinstall the latch and it should work smoothly.

Share this article

Recent posts

Teachers’ Top Needs for 2019

0
Teachers’ Top Needs for 2019Great classrooms don’t happen by accident. Teachers across the country work hard to build vibrant, energizing learning environments for their students, which often means ev

Top Tips to Transition Back to Work After Baby

0
Top Tips to Transition Back to Work After BabyMany new parents spend hours preparing for the arrival of a new baby – reading books, seeking professional advice and consulting friends and family. Howev

Get Away Without Going Away

0
Get Away Without Going Away5 family staycation ideas that won’t break your budgetFamily vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, b

5 Common Questions for Memorializing a Loved One

0
5 Common Questions for Memorializing a Loved OneOne of the most difficult conversations in a person’s life typically takes place near the end of that life. Planning for a funeral can put an emotional

Boat Safe

0
Boat SafeEnsure your boat is ready for the water with this checklist No matter how much experience you have on the water, prepping your boat – and your passengers – before leaving the dock can make fo

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent comments