How to Fix a Gate Hinge

It's time to fix the hinge when the gate sags or drags the ground every time you open or close your gate. Rusted bolts or rotted wood are the two main reasons that gates need this type of repair.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Socket or crescent wrench
• Bolt
• Drill
• Drill bit
• 2-by-4-inch piece of scrap of wood

1. Tighten a wrench onto the top bolt of the gate hinge using either a regular socket that fits the bolt or an adjustable crescent wrench.
2. Remove the bolt by turning the wrench to the left, which is counter clockwise, until it becomes loose.
3. Raise or lower the gate as needed until the top of the gate is even with the top of the fence. The gate will easily pivot on the one remaining bolt that is holding it in place.
4. Wedge a scrap piece of 2-by-4-inch lumber under the bottom of the gate on the handle side. Use it to prop and hold the gate in place.
5. Drill a pilot hole at a slight angle into the spot for the new bolt installation. Run the drill bit through the hole several times to clean out any remaining wood particles or dust.
6. Install your new bolt into the pilot hole using your socket or crescent wrench.
7. Remove the 2-by-4 piece of wood once the bolt is completely tight.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety goggles when working with power tools.
• Use a long bolt to give the hinge extra strength.
• Most newer gate hinges have hex bolts. Socket wrenches are made to fit these six-sided bolts. Older gate hinges generally were installed using square bolts.

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