Troubleshooting a Vanguard Gate That is Not Working

Examine the gate's hinges to ensure that they were installed on the appropriate side of the gate. Reversing the hinges will reverse the direction that the gate opens.

Measure the distance between the top and bottom rails, or horizontal members, of the gate and the gate hinges. According to Vanguard, the hinges should never be installed more than 6 inches above or below the bottom and top rails, respectively. Hinges that are too close to the center of the gate may prevent it from swinging open freely.

Remove the plastic caps covering the hinges by prying them upward gently with a screwdriver. Adjust the tension screws in the gate hinges by turning them slightly and attempting to operate the gate. Try turning the tension screws in both directions for all of the affected hinges to determine the appropriate hinge tension setting.

Remove the set screws that hold the gate hinges together with an Allen wrench. Examine the inside of the hinges for dirt or broken springs. Debris in the hinges can cause them to lock up, while a broken spring will prevent the gate from swinging closed behind you.

Compare the gate latch to the image of a latch in the Vanguard installation guide for your gate. Check for improper latch assembly and installation, which may be the cause of a gate that won't stay latched.