Installing gate hinges
Also called T-hinges, the primary purpose of strap hinges is to hold up heavy things such as gates and heavy doors. They are different from ordinary hinges because they have one long flap which is the portion being screwed to the gate. The shorter portion is the one that anchors it to the wall or ceiling. Installing these hinges to heavy gates and doors is a must in order to assure safety and reliability.
Step 1: Determine Placement
First off, determine where you would want to place the strap hinges. They are usually placed at the top and at the bottom portions of the gate. Especially large and heavy gates may require a third hinge at the middle in order to support the weight.
Step 2: Aligning the Hinge
Place the gate on the ground with the inside portion of the gate (the one to be on the inside of the house when it’s closed) facing up. Place the long flap of the hinge on the gate and make sure that the pivot pin is not sticking to the gate in order for it to swing properly. The placement of the strap hinges should be even at the side of the gate and must be perfectly aligned. Having the hinges misaligned now will cause a misaligned and tilted gate later on.
Step 3: Attaching the Hinge
With the strap hinges aligned and positioned perfectly on the gate, trace an outline of the screw holes with a pencil or marker. Remove the hinges from the gate for now and drill holes on the marks that you made. Be sure that the holes are a bit smaller than the screws that came with the hinge. Get the strap hinges again and put them on the gate, aligning them with the screw holes. Drive in the screws using your screwdriver. Make sure that the hinges are fastened and secure. Repeat this process with the other hinges.
Step 4: Aligning the Gate to the Post
Bring the gate to an upright position and prop it up in such a way that the side where the hinges are placed is parallel to the post or wall where the gate will be fastened. Ask assistance from a friend while doing this because the gate will definitely be heavy. Line up the side of the gate to the post and the pivot point of the hinge should be between the gate and the post. The shorter flap of the strap hinge must also sit flat on the post. Place the blocks at the base of the gate to get the correct height to which the gate should be attached. Mark the screw holes on the post where the hinges will be attached.
Step 5: Attaching the Gate
Drill the holes and line up the gate with the hinges to the holes. Drive in the screws with the screwdriver and make sure they are on securely. Remove the blocks from underneath the gate and swing it open to test if your strap hinges are able support the gate.
