37
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How to (more) securely attach a latch to a frequently-used wooden gate
Build a stop strip so the latch doesn't take the force of slamming
Screw anchors in wood is not a good idea and in rotting wood is a waste of time.
I don't like how the latch bar catches the force of ...
- 16.9k
28
votes
Accepted
What's this plastic thing along my sidewalk pavers?
That is called Paver Edging. It is used to keep the pavers tight or to separate one section from the other. It's usually covered to the point that you only see a small strip of it. However, it looks ...
- 3,655
28
votes
How to (more) securely attach a latch to a frequently-used wooden gate
In my experience, screws into wood will eventually fail. A better solution is to use thru-bolts so that the threads can't pull out of the wood. You might consider using stainless steel or brass to ...
- 20.3k
17
votes
Adding a (stair/baby) gate without facing walls
They make a variety of gates for just this kind of thing. They typically have 3 segments with adjustable angles.
For example at Amazon:
That middle segment is the normal gate, but the whole thing ...
- 2,862
16
votes
Accepted
What is the optimal configuration of a cross brace on a wooden gate?
You asked for optimal: Follow a few thousand years of practical experience and put in a tension brace (lower outside corner to top hinge-side corner - opposite what you are going for, which is a ...
- 132k
16
votes
How to (more) securely attach a latch to a frequently-used wooden gate
You could try using stainless steel bolts and go all the way through the wood from the front and fasten with a nut and lock washer from the back. That is going to be a lot stronger than a wood screw. ...
- 482
15
votes
Accepted
Suggestions for gate latch issue
One option would be to drill holes through the post to allow you to use the lock that you have (or perhaps a slightly longer lock).
- 6,064
11
votes
Suggestions for gate latch issue
It would be fairly easy to retrofit a proper locking latch.
Product link (for reference only)
Here's one that locks from either side. You'd need to grind off the old one, drill for the new one, ...
- 104k
11
votes
Accepted
Adding a (stair/baby) gate without facing walls
I would get two Evenflo wooden baby gates. I suggest this model for its proven, simple design and wooden construction.
Then do this:
Shorten the second gate
Separate the mounted and sliding panels ...
- 104k
11
votes
How to (more) securely attach a latch to a frequently-used wooden gate
To use existing holes:
Remove the fence gate and lay it down flat
Hollow out the holes with a drill and flare them out inside the wood
Fill with a 2-part epoxy
While it's still wet attach the latch ...
- 10k
8
votes
Suggestions for gate latch issue
There are cable locks that have a plain end to the cable that might fit through.
You might have to file the hole a little bigger in the lock mechanism to allow the end of the cable to angle through.
...
- 33.1k
7
votes
Adding a (stair/baby) gate without facing walls
I would put a false wall or barrier as shown in red for the gate to latch to, see image.
- 20.6k
6
votes
Accepted
How do I hang a new wooden gate so that it automatically stays closed when it is shut but also stays open at its maximum open span?
If the hinges are on the same vertical line, then (as noted by @DA01) the hinge should stay wherever you leave it (absent wind, etc). If the hinges aren't vertically aligned, then the gate will want ...
- 6,168
6
votes
How can I put an audible notification on a yard gate?
This feels like an XY problem - you imagine a squeak would work, so you ask about how to make a squeak. Instead, ask "how to alert a blind person when someone opens the gate"
I'd go with ...
- 6,826
6
votes
How to (more) securely attach a latch to a frequently-used wooden gate
First thing you need to do is repair the gate itself. Get some wood hardener (a thin acrylic resin in a solvent carrier) and apply liberally to the areas where the wood is rotting (or just replace the ...
- 1,370
5
votes
Accepted
Will this 10-foot wide gate design be rigid enough?
If you were my client and I was taking money for your project, I'd put wood on a metal substructure, have wheels on the ends, and make sure the posts were extremely well stuck in the ground. (You ...
- 15.6k
5
votes
How can I fill in the gap between my chain-link fence and its gate
Use a chainlink "terminal post" the appropriate diameter and length and attach it to the existing posts using a zip-tie or ideally a chainlink "brace band." I got the idea from watching this video: ...
- 51
5
votes
5
votes
Suggestions for gate latch issue
if you could get it tight enough, you could attach the lock in other ways to keep the latch from lifting. did you try any of these configurations?
- 223
5
votes
How to fix loose post
"How can I make it solid?"
Something isn't right in your post. An 80lb sack mixes up 2/3 cubic foot.
Spec sheet: https://www.quikrete.com/PDFs/DATA_SHEET-Fast%20Setting%20Concrete%20Mix%201004-50....
- 51
5
votes
How to repair this hefty wooden fence gate?
The hinge is damaged, it's bent. You should either bend it straight or get a new one. The hinge has three holes for screws your only using two of them. That's putting extra stress on the two that you ...
- 3,614
5
votes
Accepted
Building a wood gate too hard for DIY newbie?
In order to build a gate properly you need the Z/reverse Z frame and build everything around that.
How to design your fence properly
The key points are the intersections where the 45° lumber meets ...
- 6,098
4
votes
How can I calculate the rotational force and motor HP needed to lift a 5lb sheet from a horizontal position to a vertical position from one end?
Once you have corrected your axis of rotation it should be obvious that the idea to lengthen the "clip" will not change anything with regard to the force required to raise the flap. Actually it could ...
- 61.1k
4
votes
Accepted
Should I reinforce my lap-joint?
Use waterproof glue, make the joint tight-fitting, and leave the screws on the shelf. A lap joint is one of the strongest of all the glued wood joints, and a well-fitted glued lap joint will be at ...
- 2,299
4
votes
How can I fill in the gap between my chain-link fence and its gate
If you don't care about how it looks, a piece of plywood or other rigid material mounted to the gate would bridge the gap. You could attach it to the vertical part of the gate using a variety of ...
- 27.1k
4
votes
What's this plastic thing along my sidewalk pavers?
Your particular brand, SnapEdge is simply too high.
You can find their various installation guides PDFs on the web-site.
But the clearest explanation comes from one of their drawings:
You need to ...
- 347
4
votes
Adding a (stair/baby) gate without facing walls
What about a custom L-shaped gate that would fit around the contour of the top stair, mounted on the corner near the top stair on the right side of your diagram? It would need a lot of space to swing ...
- 51
4
votes
Deck Gate design for offset posts
I believe that you are over thinking the need to have the gate be somehow "even". You should just hinge the gate at the post that is on the side nearest the street. Then just simply arrange ...
- 61.1k
4
votes
How to (more) securely attach a latch to a frequently-used wooden gate
@Z4-tier has a humourous last line that actually makes for a decent long-term solution.
A welded steel frame is an excellent solution. You could re-attached the existing wooden pickets to keep it ...
- 6,826
3
votes
Accepted
Can I use a 4x4 concrete post holder to install a gate?
No. Those holders give virtually no torsional support. Your gate will tear it right down. Plan on robust posts in a substantial concrete footing to carry that torque load.
Either that and do what I ...
- 104k
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