The gate and fence have moved over time causing this. Whats the cheapest way to resolve this. Thanks
Hi @koalaroo,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.
The simplest solution is to shift the d-latch or the tongue slightly so they line up better, but this will not fix the underlying issue.
Is it possible to get some photos from further back showing how things sit in relation to each other? Specifically, I'd like to see where the gate attaches to the post.
For the latch to become misaligned, either one of the posts has moved or the gate's hinges have sagged, so the best solution is to identify what has shifted and move it back to where it was and brace it so that it stays where it is supposed to. If we can identify the issue, then rectifying this would be the best way to go.
I will assist further when you can provide a few more photos.
Jacob
Hi. Pls see more images. Thanks
Thank you for the additional photos. They make me suspect that the post and panel to the right of the gate are the culprit.
If you pull on the top of the post, can you get it to move at all?
If you can pull it over slightly, you should be able to brace it off the structure to the right using some H3 Framing and batten screws.
Is there anything further to the right, possibly a boundary fence, that could be used to brace the gate post?
Another option, which wouldn't be as clean, is to attach some H3 framing to the inside of the post and unscrew and reattach the latch to the new timber so it is further over.
Let me know what you think.
Is there a longer latch (the horizontal part) I can use instead so it can extend further to the right and can compensate for the gap? Wouldn't that be easier?
Can you @koalaroo, or someone else weld an additional piece of flat steel to the existing length?
Yes that's what I am asking for ..except just a piece that I can buy and not have to get into welding
I've had a good look, and I can't find a latch with that style of attachment (two vertical holes) that appears longer than the one you have.
@Noyade's idea of welding an extension to the latch could be an idea.
If you didn't know anyone who could weld, you could just attach one of these Carinya 57 x 17 x 2mm Zinc Plated Mending Plates, or something similar to the existing latch.
I am proposing to use a connector plate.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=connector+plate&sort=BoostOrder
Remove the gate post hardware and install a connector plate.
If needed mortice the plate into the post and secure with four hex head timber screws.
Spray paint to blend in with the timber post
Align the D-latch, mark and drill pilot holes for hex head metal screws.
Down the track if the gate post moves remove the connector plate and elongate the holes with a rat tail file.
Another suggestion using @Noyade idea is to fabricate a (extended) gate arm from a connector plate.
Cheers
"just a piece that I can buy and not have to get into welding"
Fair enough.
If you're interested I'm more than happy to fabricate a longer section for your gate. I just need dimensions.
No cost.
Cheers. 😁
Thanks heaps! The horizontal part should be 10cm. The vertical (distance between the mid points of the holes) is 5cm but I'm assuming that's standard?
Allow me to tag @Noyade so he is notified of your comment.
Hopefully, he will be able to help you out.
Happy to help @koalaroo
What are these dimensions?
Would 5mm thick plate be too thick for the latch to drop?
I was thinking it was 30mm square - but maybe it's 25mm?
Cheers!
Beautiful day outside @koalaroo.
So I just went with 30mm steel. Extra length - 150mm each side - should the World Tectonic Plates open up between your post and latch. 😁
PM me if you're interested - or let me know if it needs a redesign.
@Noyade thanks mate. I'll PM you
No PM received yet @koalaroo.
If circumstances have changed and it's not required - not a problem.
But still happy to post - no cost to you.
G'day @koalaroo
Thanks for the PM. I have now reduced to 20mm as per your request.
Then a crazy thing happened - I had a thought. My thoughts are usually slow.
All I'm making are T-brackets...
These would be available in Bunnings in various sizes - but with more holes though.
Maybe that would be a quick solution?
Anyway, 20mm finished today.
PM me your address and phone number - and I'll post both of them.
Cheers.
Graeme.
In the mail.
Express Post.
Only the best for Bunnings Workshop Members!
@koalaroo kindly uploaded a photo in a PM with the 20mm bracket in place - just one screw to go.
Plenty of room to play with now.
Thanks for that.
Looks good @Noyade.
I'm sure @koalaroo is grateful for your help on this one.
As always, thank you for all of your wonderful contributions to our community.
