Entrance Gate Installation Guide
Entrance Gate Installation Guide
Installing an entrance gate is a great way to enhance the security, privacy, and aesthetic appeal of your property.
We recommend using a professional, trusted fitter for your gates, however this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that your gates are installed with the correct clearances and secure fittings for smooth, reliable operation.
With careful attention to detail, your entrance gates will be both functional and visually impressive.
Tools and Materials Needed
Measuring tape
Spirit level
Drill
Appropriate drill bits (for wood or masonry, depending on gate post material)
Pilot bit (1mm smaller than the screws)
Bands and Hooks for the hinge mechanism
Step 1: Measure and Prepare the Gate Opening
1. Measure the Width of the Gate Opening: Use our How to Measure page to calculate the size of your gate.
2. Mark the Center Point: Use a measuring tape and mark the centre along the top and bottom rails of the gate opening. This will serve as a guide for positioning the hinge holes.
Step 2. Positioning and Preparing the Hinges
1. Center Alignment: Mark the centre line along both the top and bottom rails of each gate leaf. This line will guide the position of the hinges.
2. Screw Hole Placement: Align the hinge on the marked centerline and mark the positions for both screws and bolts.
3. Pilot Holes: For screws, drill pilot holes approximately 1mm smaller than the screw diameter to allow for secure grip. For bolts, drill clearance holes 0.5 - 1mm larger than the bolt diameter to ease the insertion and prevent binding.
4. Fixing Hinges: Attach the hinge to the gate using screws and bolts. Note: The bolt may need trimming to avoid protrusion.
Step 3. Installing the Eyelet on the Gate
1. Attach the Eyelet to the Hinge: Secure the eyelet by sandwiching the hinge between two locking bolts, ensuring a stable attachment.
2. Measure Eyelet Position: Measure from the bottom of the gate to the base of the eyelet. Then add a clearance distance of approximately 25mm (or adjust as necessary if your driveway has a slope).
3. Calculate Hook-On-Plate Position: Subtract the distance from the hook to the base of the mounting plate from the measured eyelet height (including clearance). Use this result to mark the mounting height on your gate post.
Step 4. Attaching the Hook-On-Plate to the Gate Post
1. Align the Hook-On-Plate: Attach the hook-on-plate to the gate post, ensuring it aligns with a spirit level for accuracy. Adjust as necessary to achieve true vertical positioning.
2. Account for Slope: If your driveway slopes between posts, begin by mounting the hook-on-plate on the higher post. Use a straightedge and level to mark the correct height on the second post for consistency, rather than measuring from the ground.
5. Lifting and Adjusting the Gates
1. Set the Gates in Place: Carefully lift the gates onto the hook-on-plates.
2. Adjust Hinges: Fine-tune the hinge alignment to ensure:
The gates sit level.
There is equal clearance between each gate and the respective gate post.
Central alignment of the 10mm gap between the gates.
And you're done!
Following these detailed steps will ensure a secure and properly aligned gate installation, with accurate clearances to accommodate driveway slopes and operational adjustments.