Wrought-iron gates
are a popular ornament in formal gardens.
Wrought-iron gates can be beautiful, adding an elegant touch to any yard, garden or driveway. Despite their visual complexity, most wrought-iron gates have simple hinges, consisting of a bent bolt that fits into a small shaft attached to the fence. You can hang your own wrought iron gate with less than an hour's work, though you may need the help of an assistant if the gate is too heavy to lift on your own. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Drill holes through one of the gate end-posts, if they are not pre-drilled already, at appropriate heights so the gate will hang with a clearance of 4 inches underneath. You will need two sets of two holes close together in most cases, though this will vary depending on your gate's construction. Use the hinge plate as a template to determine where the holes should be placed.
2. Hold a hinge plate in place against the upper pair of holes, so that the holes in it are aligned with those in the post. Run 5-inch bolts through these holes, securing the hinge plate to the post. Add a nut and washer to each bolt. Do the same with the second pair of holes, installing the other hinge plate.
3. Run hinge J-bolts through the pre-drilled holes in the gate itself and tighten the nuts. The bolts should be installed such that their bent portion points downward.
4. Place a ball bearing in the barrel of each hinge plate. Lift the gate and slowly lower its J-bolts into the plate barrels to complete the installation. Grease the hinge as necessary.
Tags: hinge plate, pair holes, Wrought-iron gates
