Gate Tip :

Hanging 5 bar field gates

A common mistake made when hanging timber gates on square posts is to hinge the gate onto the sides of the posts. Although this enables the gate to partly swing both ways, it does neither correctly as the hinged end of the gate makes contact with the square post before it has fully opened back. This way of hanging also makes it difficult to ensure a decent gate stop, particularly on larger, longer gates which have a tendancy to swing and slam hard.

It is usually best practice to hang gates on the front or back of the posts depending on direction of opening / entrance. This ensures complete opening of the gate in one direction.

Where possible, try to use a 7'' x 7'' post for both the hanging and shutting end.

The shutting post should be positioned so that the gate just catches on it. This being a natural gate stop.

The hunting or spring catches are ok but not as good as the auto latch (tooth and striker type).