How to Use Cables to Fix a Sagging Gate

Measure the distance from the corner below the gate hinge to the corner located above the gate latch with a tape measure. Add 18 to 24 inches to the measured distance.

Cut a piece of 1/8-inch stainless steel cable to the final length with a pair of cable cutters. Align the ends of the cable. Fold it in half. Cut the cable at the bend.

Drill a 1/8-inch hole in the inside of both corners with a 1/8-inch drill bit and drill. Thread a 1/4-inch eyelet into each drilled hole. Slide the tip of a flathead screwdriver into the eye of an eyelet. Turn the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the fastener. Tighten the second eyelet as described.

Slide one 1/8-inch cable clamp over each stainless steel cable end. Push 4 inches of cable through one eyelet. Push the short end of the cable against the longer side. Slide the cable clamp up to the bottom of the eyelet. Ensure both sides of the cable sit inside the clamp. Tighten the hex nuts with a 7/16-inch wrench. Secure one end of the second piece of cable to the second eyelet as described.

Turn both ends of a turnbuckle until they sit in their extended position – no turnbuckle threads sitting inside the center buckle.

Thread the loose end of each stainless steel cable in the hoop on the end of the turnbuckles. Secure the cables using the method described for the eyelets. Clip the cable extending beyond the tightened cable clamps.

Place a 2-foot level on top of the sagging gate. Turn the center buckle of the turnbuckle clockwise with a flathead screwdriver until the gate sits level.