How can I fix this leaning metal fence?

[Bill1990]

Hi bunnings workshop,

I have a heavy metal gate that hasn't closed properly in years because the door is leaning

It is hard to see the extent of the leaning but I've taken a few photos to show the problem

Photos of top and bottom hinge (can't see much here)

Photo of side away from latch, top and bottom:

I'm happy to provide more photos but it's hard to photograph the lean (and spot it in person) but the scuff marks on the fence where the door is meant to close indicates that the door is leaning too much on the top side.

Was wondering how I could fix this? I'm not sure if I could get a jack under because of the stones, and tighten the hinges in some way?

Please let me know of any ideas or any further pics/info needed. Thanks!

[EricL]

Hello @Bill1990 

I suspect that either the retaining wall has moved causing the lean or the gates weight has stressed the hinges causing it to pull the hinges out of alignment. My first suggestion is to uninstall the gate and see if the gate will still fit if the hinges are changed and rebated into the steel. Another possible way to fix it would be to trim the steel at the end of the gate itself or replace the last bar to a smaller one so that it fits into the existing space. Both solutions will require the services of a welder to carry out the repairs safely. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag · Accepted solution]

Hi @Bill1990 

The gate has been installed correctly by having the hinges fixed to the house side return section, being the most stable and secure side. But having the left hand gate return attached to the retaining wall was always going to be problematic at some later stage. So, I agree. with @EricL that it's the retaining wall that has moved pushing the return fence into the gate opening.

Personally I wouldn't be looking for an easy fix, because the issue will continue to reoccur. The best long term solution would be to remove the left return section completely and either have it modified or re-manufactured to be "free-standing" and concreted into the ground 100% independent of the retaining wall. Giving at least 30mm clearance from the sleeper wall will allow the wall to move without ever effecting the gate. If the wall should ever get to the point of near contact again, then the wall is going to need attention.

Nailbag

[Bill1990]

Thanks very much @EricL and @Nailbag for the diagnosis!

Unfortunately it seems a bit our of scope for a DIY, and will have to reach out to a specialist.

[Nailbag]

Glad we could be of help @Bill1990 

Any business that makes custom metal fencing, inc pool fencing can do this. Essentially the outcome will look like the image below.

Regards Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @Bill1990 

Sorry, Im late to the party 😕  I agree with @Nailbag 's suggestion for sure. That fence and gate is a soild piece and it really does look like the retaining wall has slowly pushed and closed the gap. His fix is also the way I would go.

Dave