How to Install Fence Gates
Building a fence almost invariably means installing a gate, and in the case of a wood fence that means installing hinges. On the surface, the task seems like a simple matter of drilling and driving screws, but in reality it is more complicated than that. Properly positioning hinges so that they present an even, level appearance on both the gate post and gate is a complicated business, while the final stages of the installation demand the assistance of an extra pair of hands. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil or marker
- Level
- Hinges with wood screws
- Drill
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark the spaces for where you want to install your gate hinges onto the gate post, using a tape measure. Start by measuring the height of your gate. Measure how high off the ground you want your gate to be and mark this point on the gate post as a bottom guideline, using a pencil or marker. Go to the gate and measure and mark approximately where you want the hinges to be placed on it. Measure and mark the matching spots on the gate post, using the bottom guideline as a starting point.
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2
Set the first hinge onto one of the spots you marked on the gate. Check it with a level, adjust the hinge so it is level, and mark the screw holes with a marker. Check the hinge by opening and closing it, just to make sure you have it set up facing in the right direction. Drill the screw holes, then set the hinge back in place and fasten it with screws and a screwdriver.
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3
Repeat Step 2 for all the remaining hinges. Take care as you go that the hinges are equidistant, for a uniform and smooth appearance.
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4
Place the gate against the other side of the column of hinges, and give the gate a practice open and closing to make sure everything is set up properly.
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5
Hold the gate in place against the gate post hinges while a helper checks the gate to ensure it is level. Once the gate is adjusted into a level position, have the helper mark all the screw holes through the hinges and onto the gate. Check the level again before the last set of screw holes, just to be certain the gate remains in a steady, level position.
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6
Drill the screw holes into the gate as they were marked.
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7
Place the gate back up against the gate post and hinges, so the screw holes in the gate are aligned with the screw holes in the hinges. Instruct the helper to drive screws through the hinge screw holes into the gate, to fasten the gate to the hinges.
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8
Open and close the gate once all the screws are set. The hinges may need some oil, but the gate should hang and swing freely.
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References
- Photo Credit wooden gate image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
