How to Install a Chain Link Gate With a Downhill Slope

Tie a string near the bottom of one gatepost where you plan to position the bottom of the gate, pull the string taut, then wrap it around the base of the opposite gatepost. Hang a line level on the string. Raise or lower the string until it is level, then tie the free end to the gatepost. If the string is parallel to the ground, the gate will be installed perpendicular to the slope. If there is a triangular gap between one end of the string and the ground, the gate should be installed parallel to the slope.

Mark the gate's swing radius on the ground on the opening-side of the gateposts. To facilitate simple installation and operation, the gate should swing toward the downhill side of the slope. The swing radius is an arc with its center at the base of the hinge-side post. The radius of the arc is equal to the width of the gate. Use contractor's foundation-layout paint or scribe the arc on the ground, using the tip of a shovel or pick.

Remove any soil, roots or rocks in the gate's swing radius that would prevent the gate from swinging freely. If necessary, raise the grade in the swing radius by shoveling in gravel, then tamping to level. If the gate must be installed parallel to the slope, fill the triangular gap between the level string and the ground with gravel. Over time and with rain, the gravel settles. At that time, add more gravel to level-out the area between the gateposts.

Install the hinge straps on the gate. The hinge straps have large openings to fit around the vertical portion of the gate frame and a smaller opening that fits onto the hinge pin. Pass a bolt, included in the hinge kit, through the square holes in each hinge strap. Screw on the square nuts but do not tighten. Rest the gate between the gateposts with the lower rail resting on scrap lumber or bricks, elevating the gate 2 to 4 inches above ground level.

Spread the male portions of the hinges, then slide them onto the gatepost. Position the top hinge pin so it faces downward. Position the bottom hinge pin so it faces upward. Insert the bolts, included in with the hinges, into the square holes in the hinges. Turn the hinges so the hinge pins face the gate opening. Position the top hinge so the hinge pin is just below the upper gate rail. Use a socket wrench to tighten the hinge on the gate post. Position the bottom hinge just above the lower gate rail, then tighten.

Slide the female portions of the hinges, attached to the gate, onto the hinge pins. Using bolts provided, tighten the female portions of the hinges onto the gate.

Remove the attachment bolts and the removable steel strap from the U-shaped gate latch. Position the latch on the opening-side of the gate at a convenient operating level. Replace the strap. Insert one bolt into each hole in the straps. Replace, then tighten the nuts, using a socket wrench.