Help for Sagging Gates

Screws, Hinges and Fittings

• The first step in repairing a sagging gate is to check all the hinges and screws. Gates that are insecurely fastened can often sag and become difficult to open, even if the frame is still structurally sound. Use an appropriately sized screwdriver to check each fitting, and tighten any loose screws or bolts, taking care not to over tighten and strip out the fasteners. Often, sagging gates require nothing more than a simple tightening of hinge screws or bolts. If screws have loosened as a result of moisture damage to the gate frame or post, the structure should be replaced entirely, rather than repaired.

Gateposts

• Gates frequently begin to sag if the gateposts have been set directly into gravel or the surrounding soil, rather than a concrete footing. Frost heave can move the gatepost significantly out of alignment, and moisture can weaken wooden posts over time. Use a level to determine whether the post is standing plumb. Dig up the soil on the side the post leans toward, have a helper hold the post straight and level, and backfill the hole with coarse sand or fine gravel. Tamp well, and use a hammer to drive a 6-inch long wooden wedge into the filled hole, directly against the surface of the gatepost. Cover the exposed wedge with gravel.

Cable and Turnbuckle Bracing

• Wooden gates can also sag if the frame becomes weakened from moisture damage or simple use. This can be easily remedied with the installation of a steel cable and turnbuckle kit, an item available at most hardware stores and garden centers. These kits help re-square the frame and maintain adjustable tension levels with a steel wire that runs between two frame corners. Install a turnbuckle kit by driving two lag bolts into the gate's frame, one at the upper hinge side, and one at the lower latch side. Fasten the length of cable to each lag bolt, and use the turnbuckle to join them together in the middle. Rotate the turnbuckle to tighten the two lengths of cable, until the gate frame is square and secure. The gate should now be ready for many more years of service. Cable and turnbuckle kits for gate repair can vary significantly according to manufacturer. Always refer to the included instructions for proper installation.

Bracing with Lumber

• Diagonal wooden braces can also be used to repair sagging or loose gate frames. Select two straight pieces of 2-by-4 inch dimensional lumber of sufficient length to span the distance between the top and bottom rails of the gate frame. Cut each end so that it fits flush against the horizontal surface of the frame rail. Use wooden shims to prop up the latch side of the gate until it appears square. Use a framing square to check the corners, or measure the diagonals with a tape measure. A square frame will have matching diagonal lengths. Fasten the 2-by-4 brace diagonally with carriage bolts and washers, from the bottom hinge side to the top latch side. Re-check for square before tightening all the bolts for final assembly.