INSTALL A DRIVEWAY GATE

Entrances hold security and grace at the front of your home. They stop unwanted visitors from easily entering your premises. Gates can come with either automatic openers or be manually operated, depending on your choice. Combined with a barrier, you can create a secure area for pets and children that extends beyond the bounds of your back garden. This blog deals with manual setup. For electric gates, it is always advisable to contact and employ a skilled installer.

contact us at 01420 487700 for consultations.

A wooden driveway gate requires protection – either through staining and treatment or using appropriate outdoor paint. Here you will learn about how to attach the driveway gate to existing posts or pillars.

STRENGTHENING THE DRIVEWAY GATE

Considering the view of the gate from the rear and the positioning of gate hardware is important. The strength and durability of the driveway gate depends on its frame and rear structural reinforcement. Properly hanging the gate is essential. If your new gate features a structural brace design ensure that you hang it correctly. (Depending on the gate design, certain variations might feature an inverted “V” pattern on each leaf. If so, you can hang it on either side).

As the hinges are located at the rear, the driveway gate would swing inward toward the property. If an outward opening is needed, place the hinges at the gate’s front. Please note: opening a gate onto a motorway or pavement is prohibited. If such an opening is required, make sure there’s enough space to do it.

THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING A DRIVEWAY GATE

First, ensure that you have the minimum required clearance for the proper functioning of driveway gates. The opening must be at least 40mm (1 1/2″) wider than the gate. The clearance gap amounts to 15mm per side (from post or pillar edge to gate edge) and 10mm at the centre (to facilitate gate opening). If your measurement exceeds 40mm, subtract 10mm from the centre and divide the remainder by two to determine the gap on each side.

Select the appropriate hinges. We recommend and sell adjustable hinges. They simplify gate installation and allow adjustments to gate positioning without removing it. If you purchase hinges from us, you will receive 4 x hinges (either 24″, 36″, or 48″ depending on gate size).

INSTALLING THE GATE HINGES

Position the hinge on the horizontal structural brace (place hinges on top and bottom). For aesthetic purposes, centre the hinges. Mark the holes, then remove the hinge, Drill pilot holes for screws. Start by drilling a pilot hole using a 3mm drill bit. Gradually increase the size. To prevent wood from splitting as you do this, drill halfway on each side following the guide hole created by the 3mm drill.

Attach the eye bolt to the hinge. One bolt and washer should flank either side of the hinge’s edge.

MARKING THE HINGE PLATES

Subsequently, take the hinge plate, place it onto the eye bolt, and determine the distance from ground level to the bottom of the hinge plate. Add the ground clearance gap (25mm to 50mm). Now mark the post at the hinge plate’s bottom position. Repeat the procedure for the top of the hinge. Place the hinge plate on the post, mark the holes, remove it, drill pilot holes, and secure it in place using screws.

After attaching both hinge plates to the post, use a straight edge (a long piece of timber, possibly two combined) to span the opening. Position a level across it and mark the hinge plate positions on the opposite post. Mark the holes and attach the hinge plates.

HANG THE GATES

With the assistance of a second person, lift the gate onto the hinge plates.

Once both sides are suspended, adjust the hinges using the two bolts to align the height and sides. Each side should have an identical gap width, with the centre gap measuring 10mm. This process might require some time for precision. The gate should now swing freely when opening and closing.

ATTACHING GATE HARDWARE

RING LATCH

Comprising five components, the ring latch includes a connected rectangle bar, ring latch, 2 x bar catches, and stainless steel bar. If observing the gate’s rear, with inward opening, position the ring latch with the rectangle bar on the gate’s rear. For outward opening, affix it to the gate’s front.

Place the ring latch on the brace, allowing the rectangle bar to extend 50mm from the gate’s edge. Mark the holes, remove the latch, and drill pilot holes. At this point, you should have four holes. Use a ruler to draw a cross to determine the centre. This is where the stainless steel bar connects to the ring latch (on both sides). Drill a pilot hole all the way through the gate with a 3mm drill bit. Gauge the thickness of the stainless steel bar and select a slightly larger drill bit to create a hole for the bar’s free rotation. Screw the ring latch onto the gate and insert the bar.

Next, slide the holding catch over the rectangle bar, mark the position, remove it, drill pilot holes, and secure it in place.

Proceed to the gate’s opposite side. Connect the ring latch to the stainless steel bar, mark the holes, remove the latch, drill pilot holes, and then screw it in place.

Close the gate. Position the catch on the other gate, allowing the ring latch to close onto it. Mark the holes, remove the catch, drill pilot holes, and attach it to the post.

BRENTON BOLT

Select the location (typically best suited atop the gate). Centre it on the horizontal brace for aesthetics, mark the holes, remove the bolt, drill pilot holes, and secure it in place. For added security, use a padlock.

DROP BOLTS

Drop bolts assist in securing the driveway gate in either the open or closed position. Each drop bolt must be affixed to the vertical edge opposite the hinge side (toward the centre of both gates). Position them, mark the holes, remove them, pilot drill the holes, and secure them. With the gate closed, release the drop bolt until it contacts the floor. Indicate the position by outlining a circle around the bolt. Open the gate to facilitate access.

Next, measure the bolt’s diameter and select a slightly larger drill bit. Set your drill to “hammer” mode. Drill a hole just beyond the required depth. Exercise caution during this step and ensure no services run beneath! Once completed, confirm and repeat the procedure on the other side.

Fully open the gates to your desired position. Duplicate the above procedure to secure the gate in the open position.

And that’s the process! Your driveway gate is now successfully installed!