How to fix a sagging metal gate

[doncaruana]

Other than the classic turnbuckle, is there another way to fix this gate that's sagged? You can see it's dropped maybe a half inch or so and it's enough to keep it from closing properly. And with it being metal, most of the sag kits are for wood. Suggestions?

 

[Bperry]

Other than the classic turnbuckle, is there another way to fix this gate that's sagged? You can see it's dropped maybe a half inch or so and it's enough to keep it from closing properly. And with it being metal, most of the sag kits are for wood. Suggestions?

Got a picture?

 

[doncaruana]

Got a picture?

Omg. Yeah, I didn't realize the upload didn't take. Just updated the original post.

 

[Newdude]

Are you sure its the gate and not the post ? If I had to guess, 95% of sagging gates in the land are the post.

 

[doncaruana]

Are you sure its the gate and not the post ? If I had to guess, 95% of sagging gates in the land are the post.

Put a framing square up to check the gate and it's not square. There is a wee bit of give on the post but not a lot - it's almost plumb (the latch side is plumb). So it's a combination of both I guess. How to address either?

 

[Newdude]

Got a pics of the hinges?

 

[doncaruana]

Got a pics of the hinges?

They aren't adjustable. They are truclose self closing. Here's a link to them on Amazon

 

[ajw22]

Show the sag with the gate open and where it hits the post.

 

[ajw22]

This does not show any sag and it looks like the horizontal pieces align.

 

[doncaruana]

This does not show any sag and it looks like the horizontal pieces align.


View attachment 649726

That would be because I lifted it up, because it was sagging, so it can latch and now the latch is holding it in place. That's why I asked how to fix it. Here's what it looks like before I lift it.

 

[Newdude]

They aren't adjustable.

The link you posts says they are. You may be able to lengthen the bottom hinge to pull the top latch corner from rubbing.

EASY ADJUSTMENT​

TruClose hinges also offer vertical and horizontal adjustment to ensure precise alignment and reliable operation. They can be fitted to all square-posted gates.

 

[doncaruana]

Here's a closeup of how it hits now. Used to close smoothly.

 

[doncaruana]

The link you posts says they are. You may be able to lengthen the bottom hinge to pull the top latch corner from rubbing.

EASY ADJUSTMENT​

TruClose hinges also offer vertical and horizontal adjustment to ensure precise alignment and reliable operation. They can be fitted to all square-posted gates.

These hinges are only adjustable for tension. They do have other hinges that have multiple adjustments but those require a much larger gate gap than I have.

 

[Newdude]

You may be able to remove the bottom hinge, shim the gap there to pull the opposite top corner away, then reinstall the hinge just higher/lower from the old location to get fresh screw holes.

 

[ajw22]

Let's understand what shifted.

Are both end posts plumb vertical? Put a level on all sides and see.

Is the distance at the top between the posts the same as between the bottom of the posts?

Is the opening square?

If you rehinged the gate would it fit in the opening?

I have had similar problems due to ground shifting over the years. Except in my case the gate opening widened instead of came together.

 

[doncaruana]

Let's understand what shifted.

Are both end posts plumb vertical? Put a level on all sides and see.

Is the distance at the top between the posts the same as between the bottom of the posts?

Is the opening square?

If you rehinged the gate would it fit in the opening?

I have had similar problems due to ground shifting over the years. Except in my case the gate opening widened instead of came together.

View attachment 649740

The hinge post is leaning into the opening, slightly off plumb. The latch side post is plumb. I didn't measure the top and bottom yet, but I'd guess the top is more narrow.

Like I said above I think it's a combination - the gate has sagged a little and the post is leaning a little. Between them, there's an issue.

Im thinking about using a cable and turnbuckle on the hinge-side post (to the bottom of the next post) but I haven't figured out how to attach one on the gate. Because I'm feeling like there isn't a lot of magic to be had here.

 

[Newdude]

I haven't figured out how to attach one on the gate.

Eye bolts perpendicular to the fence. Bolts shown going through beam and bolted on the other side.



To pull the hinge post back, turnbuckle the top of the post to the bottom of the next post.

 

[doncaruana]

Eye bolts perpendicular to the fence. Bolts shown going through beam and bolted on the other side.

View attachment 649775

To pull the hinge post back, turnbuckle the top of the post to the bottom of the next post.

View attachment 649776

What will the eye bolts on the gate do? I need to go top hinge side to lower latch side so I'm not understanding.

What you describe for the hinge post is exactly what I was thinking though.

 

[ajw22]

Did you try giving the hinge post a hard shove at the top with your shoulder?

It may not stay there but seeing if moving the hinge post is enough for the gate to close.

 

[doncaruana]

Did you try giving the hinge post a hard shove at the top with your shoulder?

It may not stay there but seeing if moving the hinge post is enough for the gate to close.

Yes, I did that first, tbh. It will close but the post won't stay that way.