how can l brace and lock big double gates ?

**masterblaster** · 15th April 2006, 09:25 AM

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** · 15th April 2006, 01:28 PM

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

Rgds

**bsrlee** · 16th April 2006, 12:30 AM

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** · 16th April 2006, 01:38 AM

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** · 17th April 2006, 10:37 AM

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** · 17th April 2006, 05:01 PM

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

**masterblaster** · 25th April 2006, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by Jacksin

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** · 30th April 2006, 08:28 PM

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

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