How to install a side gate

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A Wooden Gate can greatly enhance the appearance of your home. Once the hinges have been attached, your gate is ready to be hung. Proper installation will ensure that the Gate swings open and shut without a hitch and remains tightly closed when not in use. A smooth operation also will ensure less wear on your hinges and a longer life for your gate. Installation of the gate should take about an hour for a first-time installer.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Inspect the Gate to be certain the wooden structure is sound and the hinges are properly placed. They should be large enough to hold the Gate's weight. It's best if the Gate has a large T-hinge with one rectangular plate that attaches to the post and one long, pointed end bolted to the face of the Gate with fixings supplied.
   • 2
     Use a level to make sure the two vertical posts are plumb (exactly vertical). The support post must be strong enough to hold the weight of a swinging gate (generally either a 4" x 2" or 4" x 4"). Hold the Wooden Gate between the two posts to see that the Gate fits properly. There should be a gap of a quarter-inch to a half-inch between the gate and the post on each side.
   • 3
     Set the Gate on two blocks at the exact height you want it when it's installed. The Gate should be level and evenly spaced between the posts. Mark the spot where the top hole of the top hinge falls on the support post, pull the hinge plate back (you don't need to move the door) and drill the hole.
   • 4
     Insert a lag bolt into the hole you just drilled. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the head of the lag bolt until it is tight against the hinge plate.
   • 5
     Mark the top hole in the bottom hinge plate, where it falls against the support post. Pull the hinge back and drill the pilot hole. Insert the lag bolt. Once the bolt is tightened, remove the blocks under the Gate and the hinges will support the Gate's weight.
   • 6
     Drill the rest of the pilot holes, insert the lag bolt and tighten it using an adjustable wrench.
   • 7
     Choose a height for the gate latch. It will be on the opposite edge of the door near the top. The latch will have two parts. The latch will go on the face along the outside edge of the gate, while the catch will be placed on the far post in a position to hold the latch in place.
   • 8
     Hold the latch in place, so the edge of the base lines up with the side of the door. Mark the location of one of the top holes on the face of the gate with a pencil. Pull the latch away and drill a pilot hole that is smaller than the screw that will hold the latch in place. Put the latch back against the side of the gate and insert the first screw using a screwdriver.
   • 9
     Drill the rest of the screw holes (there should be three) and after each pilot hole is completed, add the screw.
   • 10
     Put the catch against the far post and slide the catch mechanism until it wraps around the barrel portion of the latch. Mark the location of the first pilot hole for the catch with a pencil and drill the first pilot hole. Put the catch back in place and insert the first screw.
   • 11
     Drill the rest of the pilot holes and insert a screw after each hole is drilled.