how can l brace and lock big double gates ?

[masterblaster]

Hi guys.
Sorry l always seem to be asking something around here lately - new property wows .
l've just made a pair of double wooden gates , 2.1 mtrs each so a 4.2 spand . They are treated pine pailings over wooden frame so they catch heaps of wind.
We can get huge winds from both sides [ Port Campbell area ] . l've only just put them up 2 days ago and found them flung open this morning .
The problem is l've tried a sliding rail brace type locking on the inside [ like on a barn door ] which supports them ok when the wind comes from that side .
Now l've realised l need to support them very strongly from both sides for winds in the other direction.
Any ideas on how l can create some stong support on both sides of the gates ?

The other problem apart from the support would be opening them . Because we have people that need to get in and out down at that end l need them to be able to be opened somehow from the outside as well as from the inside . Because they stand 1.8 high they can't just reach over to unlock from the inside .
Cheers.
MB

[Ashore]

To keep them closed and be able to open from either side look here
http://www.hooverfence.com/woodfence/lokk-latch/lokk-latch-pro.htm
You can get these at most good lock shops and some hardwear places

Rgds

[bsrlee]

For the 'open from the wrong side' problem, just make sure that there is a hand hole in the gate big enough to get your hand & arm thru' - its worked for a friend of mine for over 50 years & a few back fences/gates.

As for the lock/brace problem - have you thought about putting a brick/concrete pier flush into the ground, then hinging a length of bar (square or round) to it & have a hasp on the other end locking to the back of one gate leaf? You can unlock one leaf of the gate/s while the other one stays braced, and you don't need 12 foot long arms to grab both gates in a blow either, as you can lock one gate to the brace, then chase down the other side & wrestle it into position.

[Robert34]

Go to this site and have a look at the Drop Bolts. These are a simple and easy solution to your problem.

If your driveway is dirt just drive a piece pipe into the ground, if concrete drill a suitable sized hole and a steel plate as shown.

Oh and I did not pay any where near that price for my Aust made one from Mitre 10.

You will be able to find a similar type of drop bolt at your local Mitre 10 or any good hardware store

http://www.connectstores.com/bernards/sp_15242.html

Rob

[masterblaster]

Hey thanks for those there's some good tips there.
To be honest l think l might need all of the above and then some like a big board across or something to . Blowing like crazy yesterday again yet even with all the bessa blocks l had stacked against them plus the first board brace l made they still bowed inwards about 300 ml at top .
l'll put on the lot , that should fix it .
Cheers
MB

[Jacksin]

Have you given any thought to opening up gaps between palings so the gates dont catch as much wind?

[masterblaster]

Have you given any thought to opening up gaps between palings so the gates dont catch as much wind?

Sorry Jacksin haven't been able to get back for awhile .
The trouble is bigger gaps would mean l'd lose allot of privacy so l only used around 5 ml gaps .

Cheers

[doug1]

Master blaster said

The trouble is bigger gaps would mean l'd lose allot of privacy so l only used around 5 ml gaps .

Can you re do the face of the gate with offset palings so the wind can go through but no sightlines?

Doug