How can I fix a pool gate post that’s loose because the screw hole has widened?

bethlo19

Hey everyone, hoping for a bit of advice.

The metal post that my pool gate latch is attached to has come loose from the wall (photo attached). It hasn’t pulled out completely, but the screw hole in the brick has widened from the gate being pushed and pulled over time — probably from kids swinging on it. The screw no longer grips properly, so the post moves slightly when you open or close the gate.

I tried taking the long screw out to use liquid nail, but the hole is too big for it to bite back into. The post itself is fine, just the fixing is loose.

Would it be better to drill new holes in the post and wall, or is there a way to fill the existing hole (maybe with epoxy or a masonry anchor) so it holds firm again?

thanks 

JacobZ

Hi @bethlo19,

Can you let me know the rough diameter of the hole in the concrete? Also, what kind of anchor was used previously? Was it a DynaBolt or AnkaScrew?

The easiest option, if it is possible, is to insert a wall plug of a suitable diameter, then fix the post back on with a suitably sized screw. Wall plugs go to a maximum diameter of 8mm, so as long as the existing hole is not larger than this, this should be an option.

Another option is to widen the pilot hole slightly and use a wider anchor. If, for example, the original fixing is a Ramset 10 x 50mm Galvanised DynaBolt, you could move up in size to a 12 x 60mm Galvanised DynaBolt.

The final option I could recommend that would avoid moving the holes is using Chemset to fix a suitably sized anchor stud in the existing hole. You would likely have to cut the anchor stud to length, but this would give you an extremely solid hold in the wall.

I imagine one of these options would work, but if not, you could always move the post up so the holes line up with the brick above, drill a new hole, then reattach the post with your choice of masonry anchor. You would need to reposition the latch, but this wouldn't be too difficult.

Let me know what you think and if you'd like further guidance on any of these options, please let me know so I can assist further.

Jacob