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How to make a heavy gate self-closing?

We have a large and heavy gate, that opens inwards on our property. We are keen for it to be self closing due to not wanting the dog to escape. I would estimate the gate would weigh approximately 80+ kgs.

We have added springs to it to make it close, but it is just too heavy (they made no difference). I am aware of the self closing hinges, but again the gate is too heavy for them.

I have thought of having a counter weight (like this https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5UQ2rx0SOPw), but given the gate swings inwards to our property, it would mean that the device would have to be on the streetside (which would not look great).

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas?

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Comments

EricL

Hello @cludelessdiwhye

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your gate.

It is possible to create a pulley system from the inside that would pull your door shut. The video you linked to is half the solution, what needs to be modified is where the cable passes through. Now imagine you have the counterweight all set up inside your property, the wire will need to pass through the fence structure and get attached from the outside so that when the gate opens it pulls the weight up, but as you release the gate the counterweight will pull from the inside. I'll try to draw up a diagram and post it here.

One other option of course is to install an electric gate opener - Richmond Automatic Gate Opener For Single Swing Gates.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag, @AlanM52 and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

AlanM52

Hi @cludelessdiwhye ,

Please post some pictures.

Cheers

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/60240#Comment_60240

Good morning @cludelessdiwhye

Would it be possible to get some pictures showing your gate when closed and also when open?

I like the pully idea and once we see the gate we may be able to suggest a way to thread the wire. 80Kgs is a resonable weight to be opening so yeah some extra help would be nice.

Dave

AlanM52

Hi @cludelessdiwhye,

While waiting for photos I'm going to post some ideas/recommendations in no particular order.

Pets are Precious - In my circles I am always involved with keeping pets safe and regardless of what the setup is I always try to include some sort of backup to warn of malfunction.

Gate Alarm.jpg

Amazon Alexa monitors the front gates via a Wi-Fi Door/Window contact switch.

If the gate is opened (or left open) she will send notifications to my phone 'Alan...someone opened the front gate' with repeat warnings.

With a front entry door/ flyscreen door in mind install a half height gate/barrier on the outside - self latching.

What about this?

Bunnings have them.

I'll be back...

Noyade

I have an overengineered steel and wood gate - around 50 kg.

There is one large spring self-closer installed. The movement is slow initially - but once momentum builds up, it'll break a finger if I'm not careful.

Like the others above, photos would be good, especially the failed hardware you used.

Cheers @cludelessdiwhye

cludelessdiwhye

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/60272#Comment_60272

Sorry for the lack of photos. This is the gate from behind.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92605#Comment_92605

Hello @cludelessdiwhye

Thank you for sharing that extra photo. Let me tag @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @Noyade to make them aware of the picture.

Eric

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/112430#Comment_112430

CC: @cludelessdiwhye,

This one for 70kg.

Self Closing Heavy-Duty Safety Gate Hinges.jpg

Self Closing Heavy-Duty Safety Gate Hinges

I found this one for 80kg gate.

GSB gate closer.jpg

Gates Plus GSB gate closer.

Weight Driven Gate Closer.jpg

Weight Driven Gate Closer.

Cheers

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123734#Comment_123734

Good Morning @cludelessdiwhye

I like @AlanM52 's last link of his suggestion, The weight driven gate closer, it looks a little complicated but Would carry enough weight to close the 80kg gate. (Not sure about the spacing layout of the front of the gate. Using spindals and pullys will keep it narrow profile.

I would also suggest to add Easyroll 125mm 100kg Swivel Gate Castor to help with the load on the hinges. At the moment The gate looks good but with a little time it may sag. This will help prolong the life of it.

Dave

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131208#Comment_131208

G'day @Dave-1

Which reminds me...

I need to replace that unroadworthy castor wheel before I get booked by the council.

I had to mount the bracket like that...

Because when the gate is fully open there is only a narrow space between that and the rock border.

Cheers

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135776#Comment_135776

I would deconstruct your fence @cludelessdiwhye.

Get rid of those pickets.

Reconstruct the gate with two sides hinged - new post on the right. This will be the smaller gate for you and your garbage bin.

Self-closer for that gate.

Open both for a vehicle.

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