How to Install Wrought Iron Gates

Wrought iron gates are often baroque in appearance, with metal twists and turns that lend a complicated elegance to any yard. This complexity is merely on the surface, however -- most of these gates have very simple hinge systems, making installation a project that anyone can tackle. By sliding hooked hinge bolts into small barrels attached to the gate's support columns, you can assemble a wrought iron gate in only a few minutes.

Hinge plates
Hinge bolts
Nuts and washers
Ball bearings
Grease
Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Bolt hinge plates to the end posts, running the bolts through the predrilled holes in each post. Note that each post on most wrought iron gate models have four holes arranged in pairs to support two hinge plates each. Place a washer just under the head of each bolt and tighten it by hand onto the end of it.
- 2
  Slide a hinge bolt into each of the holes on the side of the gate panel or panels, adding a nut and washer to each. Rotate the bolts so that the bent head of each points downward.
- 3
  Insert a ball bearing into the barrel of each hinge plate. Lift the gate panel with the help of an assistant and lower the hooks of the hinge bolts into the hinge plate barrels. Do the same with the second gate panel, if yours is a double gate.
- 4
  Tighten or loosen the nuts using a wrench to ensure the gate hangs level. Do not over tighten the nuts as this will prevent the mobility of the gate. Grease the hinges.

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