How to Hang a Farm Gate

A farm gate that sags or drags is not good. It's not only unsightly, but it's a real nuisance for the person that has to open and close it regularly. Here are some tips to help you hang a farm gate so that it stays on plumb for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Gate posts
• Brace posts
• Braces
• Quick set concrete
• Tape measure
• Gate
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Hinge bolts

Instructions

1. Set the gate posts at the correct distance for the gate you plan to hang. Also set brace posts on either side of the gate posts. Install the braces between the posts. If your ground tends to heave from freezing and thawing, you might want to consider setting the posts with quick-set concrete.

2. Purchase your gate and hinge bolts. Most gates come with threaded bolts that screw into the post but these eventually sag. It's best to purchase threaded hinge bolts that usually don't allow the farm gate to sag.

3. Use a pencil to mark where you want the bottom hinge located on the gate post. Have someone help you hold the gate on the other end to make sure the gate doesn't have any obstructions and that it can swing free in all directions when it's installed.

4. Drill the bottom hole for the gate hinge on the gatepost. Measure the distance on the gate between the two hinges. Mark and drill the second hole on the gatepost.

5. Tighten the lower hinge bolt into place. Make sure the hinge end is pointing up.

6. Put the upper hinge bolt in place. If you plan to remove the gate from its hinges regularly, you can leave the end pointing up. But if you don't want your farm animals to rub against the gate and knock it off its hinges, you should install the top hinge bolt facing down. Don't tighten it at this point.

7. Set the gate on the bottom hinge. With someone helping you, align the top hinge bolt with the hinge. Tighten the top hinge to hang the gate. Make sure the gate swings freely. Make any adjustments by tightening or loosening the bolts holding the gate to the gate post.