How to Repair a Sagging Fence Gate
This page shows you how to fix a wooden fence gate that is sagging because the post from where it hangs is rotten at the base. If your actual gate is falling apart, and the post is still good, you could just build a new one to the exact same dimensions. Then, follow the procedure below to rehang it, or try the cable bracing method with this:
However, if your post is the cause, proceed with repairing the wooden fence gate as follows. First, measure the exact height of the top of the post with the DEWALT 30 ft. Tape Measure (Via Amazon Associates) then remove the gate. Leave the hinges completely attached to it.
Above is the hole after the gate has been removed. I removed the old rotten post and reset a new post in the old plug.
Please see the page that shows this process here:Reset a fence post,
Don't cut the post, set the whole 8 foot length as shown, and obviously don't try to hang the gate before the concrete is dry.
For the surrounding wood, carefully remove the old nails with a Spec Ops Tools Nail Puller 10 Inch (Via Amazon Associates) so that you can re-nail the wood to the new post. Do whatever you can to leave them in good condition. It is best to use the old nail holes as much as possible to have it remain tight. If it is not completely tight, you can always put in some new Huttig-Grip Fence Deck Nails - 2-1/2 inches 8d for Wood Fencing (Via Amazon Associates.)
Because you are putting the post in the old post plug, it will end up exactly where the old one was. If any of the wood parts are too rotten to reuse in this fashion, you will have to replace them.
More pictures of how the old wood should butt-up to the new post because you have set it exactly where it was before.
Since you have set the post completely uncut, lengthwise, you will be able to cut it later to the exact right size from the measurement we took in the beginning. You would not be able to tell what that exact size was before because of the usually arbitrary depth of the post plug bottom.
Mark off a square using a Arrow Aluminum Alloy Rafter Square (Via Amazon Associates) all around the post at the right measurement for all four sides, then cut it most of the way through with a CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Circular Saw (Via Amazon Associates) on its deepest setting. Be careful! Finish it off with a JORGENSEN 15” Hand Saw (Via Amazon Associates) so that you can catch the the top of the post when it falls off.
Again, you want to use the nail holes in the old wood as much as possible. You could also hammer one new nail in using a CRAFTSMAN Hammer (Via Amazon Associates,) I suppose!
I also like to drill new holes with a CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit - Battery and Charger Included (Via Amazon Associates) in the side of the bottom runners to toenail the nail as shown; This way, there is not as much chance of splitting the wood, which may not be in the best condition for toenailing. Hold the runner about 1/4 inch out from the post to start the toenail, so when you hammer it in, it ends up flush with the side of the post. Also, when you are on your knees hammering or drilling, you will want NoCry Professional Gel Knee Pads for Work with Soft Foam and Gel Cushion (Via Amazon Associates,) trust me!
I usually use Huttig-Grip 4 in Framing Common Nail 20d Size, Outdoor Galvanized Finish (Via Amazon Associates) for the top and bottom runners and Huttig-Grip Fence Deck Nails 2-1/2 inches 8d Outdoor Galvanized Finish (Via Amazon Associates) for the palings (panels).
I had to reattach a paling to the front of the post in order to rehang the gate.
Remember that the gate hinges are still attached to the gate; the whole idea here is to use scrap pieces of wood to balance the gate exactly where it's going to hang, then pre-drill and screw in one screw on the top and then one screw on the bottom just to get it hanging up.
Also note that the drill bit you use is the width of the shank of the screw not including the threads.
All you have to do is zip all the rest of the screws back into the wood by pre-drilling the holes and using a CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit - Battery and Charger Included (Via Amazon Associates.) Then, you can remove the scrap wood.
Don't forget to put the spring loaded, self-closing mechanism back on so it closes by itself.
VOILA! Finished gate.
Save some time and energy for your home repair by getting your hardware supplies online at Amazon! (Affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commision at no cost to you. This is much appreciated and helps support this site. Thank you.)
DEWALT Atomic Compact Series 30 ft. Tape Measure (DWHT38130S)
Huttig-Grip 4 in Framing Common Nail 20d Size, Outdoor Galvanized Finish, 1 lb Pack of 29 Nails
CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Circular Saw, 7-1/4 inch, Bare Tool Only (CMCS551B)
CRAFTSMAN Hammer, Fiberglass, 16 oz. (CMHT51398)
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, 1/2 inch, Battery and Charger Included (CMCD700C1)
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