Gates

Here's how to build a simple gate:

• Determine the gate size by measuring the space between the posts at both the top and the bottom.
• Plan your frame width for three cm less than this measurement.
• Build the frame, keeping in mind that when nailing the frame pieces together it must be kept at right angles using a square.
• Attach a diagonal brace at both ends by nailing through both the horizontal and vertical rails.
• Attach the siding. However, if the gate will be too heavy to handle. then this can he attached later.
• Prop gate in place with wooden blocks and attach the hinges to the gate and the loose ends of hinges to the posts.
• Fit the gate and trim so that it swings freely.
• Attach the latch.

If your gate doesn't swing
Check the hinges and replace loose ones with larger hinges. The screw may need to be replaced with longer ones. If the gate is more than 1.5 metres wide it should have three hinges. Check the post. If it is leaning, straighten it up. If it hasn't been set in concrete. then to do it. they may need strengthening with a turnbuckle and heavy wire running to the bottom of mother post clown the fence line. Check the gate and if it is out of shape remedy this with a wire turnbuckle, which runs opposite to the diagonal wood brace. (Turnbuckle kits can be bought at hardware stores.) If the latch does not catch you may need to take it off and move it up or down until it catches again, and re-fix it.