Shop: Adjust-A-Gate Kits
Before you begin...
Open box and check contents. For simplicity we have chosen to use the AG-36 series for our guide. Inside the box you should find a packing list on the manual. Please check this to see if you have all of the necessary items.
Assemble the tools you will need to complete the gate kit. These include:
Now that you have gathered the parts and the tools you will need to assemble your new gate, let's get started!
Step 1: Measure distance post to post to find gate opening. For this demonstration we have fabricated a 3 foot gate. Measure gate opening carefully between gate hinge and latch posts. The gate finish size will not match the gate opening size. You will need to subtract from the gate opening size the space allowances for both gate hinges and latch.
Step 2: Lay out gate uprights which have horizontal rails attached. Notice the prefabrictaed tabs at the top and bottom which will accept a standard 2x4 wood rail. Lay main frame units out on flat surface opposing each other. Make sure the latch side (which has 2 holes at the top) is positioned properly and the small hole is at the top of the other side.
Step 3: Insert Horizontal Slip Members into left and right gate uprights. Adjust gate width to match desired gate finish size. The 3 holes on the slip members should face the top of the gate. Now use the measurement from step 1, your gate opening. Subtract 1" for the hinges and 1" for the latch and that is what you need to adjust the frame to.
Example: 36" (gate opening) - 1" (hinges) - 1" (latch) = 34" (frame width)
Step 4: Measure twice and cut once each wood 2 x 4 backrail for installation into steel gate frame kit. Secure wood 2x4's w/ provided screws to steel gate frame using the predrilled holes in rail tabs. (See picture below for detail of screws). Depending on the width of your gate, you may not need all of the screws provided. The wood 2 x 4 horizontal rail may be further secured using wood screws driven from the top and bottom of the center of the horizontal rails. This prevents inside slip members from sliding.
Step 5: Once 2 x 4 rails are cut and installed into steel gate frame, install female gate hinges to gate uprights. These simply slide on and secure with nuts and bolts. Next, tighten nuts and bolts of female gate hinges. Space gate hinges evenly, a few inches below the top horizontal rail and a few inches above the bottom horizontal rail.
A steel braided cable is provided as a truss cable to help prevent gate sag. This installs diagonally from the top corner to the bottom opposite corner of the gate frame. Install truss cable kit by hooking the turnbuckle in the hole at the bottom of the gate on the latch side, and looping the free end of the cable around the S-hook which is secured in the hole on the top of the gate frame on the hinge side. Use the clamp provided to secure the cable and cut off the excess gate truss cable once secured and tightened. Adjust turnbuckle to mild tension.
Step 6: Install provided gate stop to prevent gate from opening in the wrong direction. Gate kits are designed to open one direction only. Gate kits ship with a simply gravity latch that may be locked with a padlock. Install striker bar to steel gate upright. Install latch receiver to gate latch post.
Step 7: Now you can install the matching fence boards to your specifications using nails or screws (not provided). In this demo we have chosen to install 6" x 4' dog-eared cedar pickets.
If you have trouble attaching the boards to the edge of the adjustable gate, you can use the self-tapping TEK screws provided in the kit and attach the boards directly to the frame itself.
Simply tap in the frame caps provided to give you a nice finished edge, and to prevent water and insects from entering.
Step 8: Let's Hang your new gate!
Now on the post where you want your gate to swing mount your lag bolts. Mark gate hinge post for installation of lag screw hinges. Drill pilot holes for the hinges and screw into place. In general the bottom hinge pin should point up and the top pin should point down. Hang gate by adjusting female hinges for the perfect fit.The hinges slide right onto these bolts providing your gate with a smooth swing. The turnbuckle on the truss cable can be adjusted to give your gate the perfect fit.
Congratulations, enjoy your new non-sagging gate!
Your Adjust-A-Gate product is now ready for years of trouble free use. Adjustable gate kits may be installed as single pedestrian gates, or double driveway access gates. Double gate kits come equipped with a drop rod to 'pin' the gate in the closed position. You may also consider using alternative gate hardware from Hoover Fence Company's extensive gate hardware catalog.