Farm gates are a popular option to manage livestock, prevent unwanted entry and above all give your property the vintage feel the farm gate provides with it’s nostalgic look. Here are a few tips, tricks, and tools to think about when installing your first farm gate.
Take Preparation
To keep your gate from sagging it is important to hang your gate on a sturdy hinge post. Take into consideration the ground type. You will need more support in muddy or sandy areas than rocky clay ground like in the karoo. Extra support like a concrete mix will be necessary. Bracing the gate post is always important, to keep the post from sagging, especially when a heavier gate is used.
Align the Gate
Next, you must align the gate both vertically and horizontally. First you determine your desired height, so it aligns horizontally with your existing fence. Or if you notice that the ground is not level, you will have to raise it at the far end of the gate, so there is enough ground clearance. When you have that sorted, you can drill the hole for the bottom hinge, in the center of the post. The hinge collar which is welded to the gate will keep the gate vertically in position as it will rest on the bottom hinge, when mounted.
Next you can level the gate vertically, by just lining up the top hinge, and drill the hole at the appropriate height.
Now you are ready to tighten both the bottom – and top hinge with the nut. The hinge bolts allow for a bit of play if the gate is too narrow or wide for the gap.
More tips
- Ensure that your gate post is sturdy and supported
- Ensure that your gate is ordered and manufactured to the height, length and type you
require - Use the same size drill bit as the hinge bolt outer diameter
- First install the bottom hinge
- You can adjust the gate horizontally by adjusting the nuts on the hinge bolts
- Allow for enough ground clearance for the entire space where the gate will open and close