How to fix metal gate hinge?

[lukejames]

Hello, I am looking to fix the old metal gate where the hinges have snapped off from the connection from the fence to the gate.

what would be the best course of action here? Can a welder just weld

 

 

the broken part back together or does the hinge need to be angle grinded off and a new hinge install and welded on?

Also is there other options here? 

thank you

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @lukejames. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about repairing a gate hinge.

It appears that a similar product to the Pinnacle 16mm Galvanised Weld Strap Security Gate Hinge was used. Fortunately, it is the non-welded side that has broken, and you could potentially unscrew the broken section and screw on the new section from this kit. Hopefully, it is the same product, and the pin is the same size. That would be an easy fix.

The other option, if the pin from this kit isn't compatible, would be to have a welder remove the existing pin and weld on the new one from the kit.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[lukejames]

Hi thanks Mitchell

The screw inside the hole looks to have been welded or is just so rusted that it no longer is able to be unscrewed. I’ll try some wd40 and a mallet later to see if I can dislodge the pin. 

ill see how I go and provide an update.

thank you 

[MitchellMc]

I wouldn't think the screws are welded in place, as access would be difficult @lukejames. What are you using to undo them? A socket set or a large adjustable spanner should do the job.

Mitchell

[lukejames]

Hi Mitchel 

I got the base off but I cannot get the pin out. The tiny whole inside is where I thought maybe it was welded. This is where I tried a screw driver as I assumed a screw was holding the pin in place. 

  

[MitchellMc]

No, it's not welded in there, as that would prevent the hinge from turning @lukejames. Speaking of which, can you turn the pin or move it up and down at all? In that hole, I'm just wondering if a tiny pin has been installed that locates in the rebated section of the gate hinge pin. There's nothing in the instructions about that, though.

The rebated section on the hinge pin is rather suspicious. It might be worth running a drill bit the same size as the hole through it. That might clear out any pin that was used.

Let me tag @Dave-1 to see if he has any thoughts.

Mitchell

 

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @lukejames 

Going through the thread I am also thinking that there may be something like a grub screw left in that small hole. Can you use a pair of mulitgrips and turn the pin thats left on the gate at all? Im wondering if its rusted up or seized due to the pin itself rusting. 

If there is no pin, you could spray some WD-40 300g Specialist Fast Release Penetrant into the hole and also up the pin if possible, then try and jiggle with the multigrips. My last option if there is no pin would to be use a cold chisel and hammer, standing on a ladder and "tapping" down with the hammer and the point of the cold chisel against the broken edge of the pin. Just patiently tapping, then trying to turn the broken pin. Just in case there is some metal in that inset area. 

Otherwise it will be a small drill and drilling it out. Its to stop the gate being lifted after installing. So you could always use a straight pin afterwards to replace it on the new hinge.

Dave

[MitchellMc]

I've just realised these are called "anti-lift" hinges as @Dave-1 has mentioned, @lukejames. They would likely have a slotted spring pin, as per below, pushed into that hole. I'd run a drill through there to remove it. 

If it still doesn't budge, a swift tappity tap with a chisel and hammer on the broken edge, as @Dave-1 suggested, would be my next step.

Mitchell

[lukejames]

Hi Dave

The Pin does not move at all with the multi grips. I have tried with a mallet to bang it out aswell.

ill try the wd40 and also I’ll grab a cold chisel method.

ill put an update on the outcome. 

Thanks 

[MitchellMc]

Interesting @lukejames. I've found this "Gate can only be lifted off if the Gate is open by at least halfway.". So maybe it's not a slotted spring pin in that hole. It appears that the large stuck pin needs to be spun to simulate the gate being open, allowing it to drop out. Given that, I'd soak it in WD40 and leave it overnight. You'll need to get it to spin to the right position before it can be knocked out.

Mitchell