We take a look at how you might go about hanging a wooden gate with step by step instructions and plenty of hints and tips. In addition to instructions for fixing your gate to your gate posts, there’s advice on selecting the right hinges and latches.
How Do You Hang A Gate?
There are basically two main ways to hang a gate – either on the back of or between the gate posts. More usually gates are hung on the backs of posts but in some situations you might need the gates to be hung between the posts as this allows them to be opened in both directions. So it’s always worth taking considerable care and thinking about all the possibilities of the gate’s usage before you commit to the cost and effort of installation.
Whichever way you choose, you will need to make sure that the posts are placed accurately according to the width of the gate whilst also making allowances for the fittings which you plan to use to attach the gate to the posts.
Check with your supplier or with the instructions exactly what distances you will need to allow for between the posts with the particular fittings you plan on using. Note that you might need slightly different allowances when either rising hinges or an offset bottom hinge set are being used.
Back of post hanging
You may require either a single or double gate configuration for your particular opening. For a single gate hung on the back of the posts with the gate opening inwards a (1″) Standard Hanging set is recommended with either an Autocatch or Spring Fastener. For a pair of gates hung on the back of posts with the gate opening inwards, the distance between the posts should equal the combined width of the gates less one a half inches (38mm). Gates overlap posts by one inch (25mm), with a half inch (12mm) gap between centres. For this, adjustable hanging sets are recommended with a Loop-over Fastener and Drop Bolt(s).
Between post hanging
For a single gate hung between posts where the gates will able to open in either direction, the distance between posts should equal the width of gates plus around seven and a half inches (192mm). Then you will need to allow adequate additional length (including a bit extra for safety) to accommodate the type of hanging set you have opted for such as a Standard Hanging Set or self-closing Chelsea Catch style.
For a pair of gates hung between posts that will open in either direction the distance between posts should equal the combined width of the posts plus nine and a half inches (241 mm); plus allow a suitable length for each Adjustable Hanging Set and a 12mm (½”) gap between gates. Loop-over Fastener and Drop Bolt(s) are recommended.
Positioning the hooks in the posts
Ideally the gate should hang around 50mm (2″) off the ground. This height will be determined by the positioning of the hooks in the post. Therefore, it is essential that you select the correct position for the hanging set you have chosen.
Rising Hinge Sets
A Rising Hinge Set is a metal hinge designed to give a good deal of lift to a gate. This is especially important for situations where the gate might be positioned on a steep gradient and the action of opening the gate might mean the bottom of the gate grounding itself.
A good rising hinge set should be able to cope with slopes of 1 in 6. Usually, the hinge set will also include special two-way nylon or similar bearing that means the gate can be opened or closed without the gate seizing up. All the gate’s metal components should be galvanised for effective protection from the elements.
Due to their design, these types of hinges also provide a strong self-closing action, and this means you need to make sure that the swinging stile of the gate overlaps the shutting post by at least half its width. In addition, a holding back device will be necessary to keep the gate in the open position. An auto-catch is recommended on the closing end.
Follow the instructions for installing both upper and lower fittings carefully or get the advice of an experienced fencing contractor. Follow these simple guidelines and you should have your new gate up and running effectively in no time.
