How to replace rusted gate hinges?

[Rachel20]

We just bought our first home and my first project is to fix the gate to the driveway. 

The hinges are rusted and poorly fixed to the posts, the gates require lifting to open as a result.

I don’t have a welder, just a drill. What is the best way to repair or replace these hinges? 

Thank you!! 

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Rachel20,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

I see two options, which have varying degrees of difficulty: replace the hinges or adjust and repair the existing ones. Of the two options, I think adjusting and repairing them would be easier, as replacing them would mean either grinding off the existing hinges or replacing the gate frame itself.

To repair and adjust the hinges, start by lifting the gate off the bottom part of the hinge and unscrewing the hinge plate from the post. Once off, you would use a combination of a wire brush and sanding to remove as much surface rust as possible, ensuring you wear a mask during this process. This will remove the loose surface rust and help to smooth the surface. 
 

You should then apply Rust Converter to all surfaces of the hinge. Rust converter chemically changes rust into a stable, solid layer so it stops spreading and can be painted over. Once the reaction has taken place, the surface will be a dark, charcoal-like colour.

After this, paint the hinges with Cold Gal Primer, followed by a topcoat. This three-layer system will give your hinges the best protection possible that will prevent the hinges from rusting in the future.

Once the hinges have been cleaned up and sealed, you can reinstall the hinges so they sit slightly higher on the posts than before. This will mean the gate will sit higher on the posts, so you won't need to lift them when opening. 

As mentioned, the alternative to this is to cut the hinges off the frame and replace them or replace the frame itself. If you'd like to go with one of these options, please let me know, and I can assist you with that process.

Let me know what you think, and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Rachel20]

Thanks Jacob! 

I will go with the first option. Do I reinstall them on the posts with the same screws and in the same way they have done it? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Rachel20,

Assuming the screws aren't bent or anything when you have removed them then you should be fine to reuse them. The only difference is that you would move them up however much you need for the bottom of the gate to not drag.

If you need to replace them, then some Buildex® 14G x 50mm Class 4 Bugle Batten Screws would be a suitable replacement.

As you would be moving them up, you'll want to predrill new holes in the post using a 4.5mm drill bit.

If the old screw holes are visible, fill them with some Polyfilla Exterior Timber Filler, let it dry, then give them a light sand and paint over them with some exterior paint.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @Rachel20,

Congratulations Rachel on moving into your first new home... a very exciting time!

Way back... Dec 1979 we did the same thing and the housewarming party guest list included a marriage celebrant 🙂

The good news is you don't need a welder but you do need to reinstall the gates.

The gates need to be properly aligned with the post hinges moved to the left or right leaving a narrow uniform gap between post and gate.

Can you take photos from further back so we can see the whole thing after which we can continue...

Cheers