Bare Steel Pedestrian Gates

You will need

A drill, tape measure, sand and cement or postmix, spirit level. Digging tools and two people when it comes to hanging gate.

1. Drill holes for the hinges

Lay the post and gate on flat ground with the gate latch facing upwards so the gate and post are level and approximately 15mm gap between them (you will need to prop the gate up slightly). Ensure the gate and post are parallel by checking the gap between them is the same top to bottom. If installing a pair of gates you will need
to do this with both gates and posts.

• Typically the top of the gate and top of the post (where the post cap begins) will be level but this personal preference and there is flexibility to have the post higher than the gate or visa versa. Bear in mind the bottom of the gate should have at least 35mm ground clearance.
• Mark a line on the post at the bottom of the gate as a guide when concreting the post in. (This will ensure you don’t bury the gate post too deep or shallow).
• When your happy with the gate position in relation to the post mark the centre of the four hinge holes on the post.
• Drill the 4 holes on the post using the drill bit provided, use a medium speed and only a small amount of force to prevent the drill bit overheating and failing.

2. Installing the hinge post

If installing a pair of gates, both posts will be the hinge posts.
If attaching your posts to a wall please refer to the wall fifixings instructions and go to step 3.

• The posts need to cemented into position for stability with particular attention paid to the post from which the gate hangs. A hole around twice the size of the post should be excavated to allow for a good amount of concrete.  Cement the hanging post fifirst, paying attention to the mark you made in step 1 indicating the bottom of the gate ensuring this gives the gate enough ground clearance throughout its swing.
• Ensure the holes you’ve drilled on the post are facing the right way (they should not be facing the closure post or opposite hinge post if installing a pair of gates). Please note the installed gate diagram shows a single gate option A which is hung on the left when the gate opens towards you, the same principal applies to gate option B which is hung on the right when the gate opens towards you, only the hinges and gate latch will be on the opposite side.
• A little tip: When the gate is hung due to its weight the post will flex slightly into the opening. It’s a minor detail as the flex is pretty minimal but to counter balance this on 1.5m to 2m tall gates cement the post ensuring the outside of the bubble on the spirit level is touching the outside centre line so the post is leaning out just slightly, on shorter gates the bubble can be between centre and the line.
• Cement the hinge post in when your happy with its position.
• Do not cement the closure post at this stage, only the post on which the gate is hung. Allow 24 hours drying time if using
  a regular concrete mix, refer to manufacturers instructions if using fast drying post mix although typically an hour setting time is all that’s needed.
• In the case of a pair of gates both posts can be cemented in at the same time, ideally aim for approximately a 15mm gap between the gates and their post and between the gates when closed. There is some flexibility with this, especially the gap between the gates.
• If your gate is adjoining a new woven steel fence ensure you cement the end fence posts in at the same time as the gate posts as you won’t be able to knock them in through the cement afterwards.

3. Hanging the gate

This is where you need at least two people. You will need to support the gate off the ground at the correct height. Use something you can make small adjustments to, thin pieces of wood under the gate for example will allow you to tweak the gate height
so the holes in the hinges line up with the holes you’ve drilled in the post. Ensure the gate is parallel to the post, this should ideally be around a 15mm gap.

• Fix the hinges to the post using the expanding bolts provided. Insert them through the hinges and into the post.
• Using the spanner hold the bolt head in position while turning the centre of the bolt with the Allen key clockwise. Turn the Allen key until the bolt is tightly gripping the hinge. This does require some force but be careful not to snap the allen key. (See diagram right).
• You can make adjustments to the hinge position on the post by loosening the bolts slightly, adjusting as necessary and retighten.

4. Setting the closure post (Not applicable when hanging a pair of gates)

Gate Hinge
Turn allen key clockwise to fully tighten expanding bolt
Pre-drilled hole Post
Use spanner provided to hold bolt head still
With the gate hung you have a clear indication of the closure post location and height. Ideally the closure post will also be around 15mm away from the gate for aesthetics but as long as the latch overlaps the face of the post and sits in the catcher there is flexibility with this. Concrete the closure post in position or refer to the wall fixing instructions (as applicable).

5. Setting the drop bolt tubes (Gate pair only)

Cement two tubes to receive the drop down bolts when the gates are closed and the other two to hold the gates open. They should be set high enough to prevent stones etc falling down them but ensure you don’t create a trip hazard.
It’s wise to haunch the cement up to the top of tubes especially those holding the gates closed.

6. Lastly, attach the latch catcher

Use the self drilling screws to attach the latch catcher to the closure post (or gate if installing a pair). Ensure the latch is level when resting in the catcher. The self tapping screws will drill and secure the latch, there is no need to pre-drill a pilot hole. (We have included two spare screws). That’s it you’re done.

7. Ongoing maintenance

A drop of oil or WD40 on the hinges and latch will keep things moving freely. Over time the gate or posts may settle, you can make adjustments to the hinges by loosening the expanding bolts just slightly and moving the hinge position against the post. Only loosen the expanding bolts just enough to allow you to make adjustments and ensure a second person is on hand to support the gate. Keep hold of the spanner and Allen key for this purpose.