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!! 

 

 

 

[MitchellMc]

It might be worth going with this Trojan 40 Piece Socket and Driver Set, as it has the hex5 socket in it, @AlanM52. However, @Rachel20 mentioned that two of the threads were stripped in the bugle screws, so using a ratchet is unlikely to resolve the issue. That's why I recommended the pliers to see if they would grip the head.

Mitchell

[Noyade]

Hello @Rachel20 

"left side ones will not budge, and the thread is gone on two of them."

Have you got the gates off the hinges? Which would reduce the load and maybe help you remove the wood side component.

Once the gate is off - you can insert a large screwdriver between the steel and wood and then apply outward pressure - and try the allen key again.

They look to be these hinges?

They have cut at 'A' and welded.

Installed so far from the post they gave up on the inner pre-drilled holes and made two extras at the left.

And so close - they had to angle the screws to the left.

"I don’t have a welder, just a drill."

Fair enough - but I would be looking at an inexpensive angle grinder to add to your new home arsenal.

I would consider - repurchasing/replacing/moving the top hinge higher utilising the full length of the arm, allowing to grab more steel with Tek screws (welding would be better) and post wise, going with Hex-head coach screws.

Just some thoughts.

Keep us informed.

Cheers.

[AlanM52]

CC: @Rachel20,

OK... let's regroup.

I was trying to keep the costs down.

I have that Trojan set, a nice bit of kit so I also recommend purchasing that.

At this point in other similar discussions there are often suggestions to cut a slot in the head with angle grinder and use a flat blade screwdriver.

That will very likely be a FAIL so just continue to grind off the bugle heads until you can pry off the hinge.

Safety:

Eye protection and gloves.

Do not be forceful when grinding, good grip on the grinder but a light touch at the other end - let the blade do the work.

Hopefully that will work out and we can continue if needed to reinstall the gates.

Cheers

[Rachel20]

Thank you everyone.

I had not taken the gates off the hinges, but I managed to do that, and got the remaining screws out!

Some with more wd40 and muscle, and for two I drilled the heads off using a cobalt drill bit.

I haven’t lined them up to measure the gap, but the opening is 3050mm and the gates are 1465mm each. 

@AlanM52 so will I add extra wood to the right side now? 

@Noyade if I use a different hinge at the top, can I just leave the old one attached? Is this the right hinge:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-16mm-galvanised-rh-long-strap-security-gate-hinge_p4150143 

Thanks  

[AlanM52]

You are well prepared so yes - go ahead.

Chers