How to Brace a Large Wood Gate

Mark the lateral center of the gate post just above and on the opposite side of the top hinge and drill a horizontal pilot hole about 3/4 inch deep through the mark and into the post.

Insert the threaded shank of the eye screw into the pilot hole and turn clockwise to tighten. When the eye screw becomes too difficult to tighten by hand, insert a screwdriver into the eye for more turning power. Turn the eye screw until its curved portion reaches the post.

Measure the height of the eye screw and multiply that dimension by 1.5 to calculate the distance from the base of the post to the insertion point of the rebar anchor.

Measure and mark a spot on the ground that is the calculated distance from the base of the post. A stick or a leaf can be used to mark the spot. The insertion point for the anchor should be as close as possible to the fence to prevent creating a tripping hazard.

Hold the rebar at a 45-degree angle on the mark so it will be hammered into the ground with the bottom pointing toward the base of the gate post. Use a sledge hammer to drive about half of the rebar into the ground, leaving about 18 inches of rebar exposed.

Cut two pieces of coated steel cable with a bolt cutter, each about the length of the distance between the eye bolt and the center of the exposed rebar anchor.

Slide one cable clamp onto the end of one piece of cable and thread the cable through the eye screw, then back through the cable clamp, leaving about a 2-inch tail end.

Crimp the cable clamp firmly with pliers. Attach the other piece of cable, in this manner, to the middle of the exposed rebar.

Extend the turnbuckle as far as possible by turning the eye screws on its ends.

Thread the free end of the cable attached to the post through a cable clamp. Pass the end of the cable through an eye screw on the turnbuckle, then back through the clamp. The turnbuckle should be about halfway between the rebar and the eye screw on the post. Crimp the clamp.

Thread the free end of the cable attached to the rebar through a cable clamp. Pass the cable through the remaining eye screw on the turnbuckle. Pull the cable taut.

Thread the free end of the cable through the cable clamp and crimp. Use a bolt cutter to trim any excess cable.

Insert a screwdriver into the center opening of the turnbuckle and turn clockwise to tighten. Should the gate post begin to lean at some point, use the turnbuckle to tighten the cable and straighten the post.