Concealed Gate and Pivoting Slide Bolt
Introduction: Concealed Gate and Pivoting Slide Bolt
In March of 2018, a Nor'easter persuaded a large section of an even larger tree to drop a flying elbow onto my fence ... it was a slobber-knocker. Since that storm also threw my roof shingles around the neighborhood like a game of 52 pick up, which in turn opened the literal floodgates for water intrusion, I had quite a mess on my hands.
After cleaning up all the water damage and calling in the insurance claim, I borrowed a chainsaw and got to work in the yard. The tree was limbed, bucked, and given to a friend for future fire pit enjoyment. Parts of the fence were already in need of repair (loose and/or rotten off posts, insect damage, squirrel damage, algae), so I took the opportunity to just cut it all down. It ended up in a dumpster with the old roof a few months later.
Putting up a new fence was low priority since I was busy with a full gut job of the second floor bathroom and hall closet, as well as ceiling repairs in the living room. Adjusters, electrician, plumber, permits, inspectors, supplemental claims, multiple insurance battles - it was a nightmare.
During that span of time, the neighbors got impatient and put up their own fence, which was great for me. The back and other side are on hold until I get a retaining wall replaced, but while I wait for that ... I decided to close in the ground zero side of the yard.
This Instructable is primarily focused on the concealed gate mechanism, so I'll try to quickly overview the actual fence building. I also didn't take many pictures of that process because it's just a basic fence.
Supplies
2 3/8" galvanized posts
2 3/8" galvanized wood posts adapters
Galvanized
Galvanized screws
Pressure treated 2x4 boards
Pressure treated fence pickets
Step 1: Posts, Brackets, and Boards
The former fence was cedar and due to the climate in my area, was rotting out after 10 years. I decided to change tactics and go with galvanized posts and brackets with pressure treated wood. Some of the pickets need replacing down the road and corrosion will become a factor, but the posts will probably out last me.
I'm close to an esker ridge, which means tons of rocks. An auger on a skid steer might do it, but I don't have one, so I just dug the holes over the course of a week - pry bar, shovel, and post hole digger, sweat, minimal tears.
Posts were set with concrete, brackets bolted on, and 2x4 boards attached with lag screws. I didn't worry about leveling the post tops because it was easier to run them long and cut them off with a portaband - except that one near the house ... ran a bit short on that fella.
Step 2: Gate
There are adjustable metal gate kits on the market, but I decided to make one using readily available parts from the big box store. 826
I was planning on welding the frame, but aluminum corner brackets made the job much easier - and arguably more accurate considering I haven't welded in many years.
The frame was attached to the post with hinges and easily adjusted until it sat flush against the horizontal boards. This dry fit in turn reveals the six locations for bolts, which was a multi-step process.
1. 5/16" holes drilled through the galvanized pipe.
2. Those hole locations marked on the inside face boards.
3. Pilot hole drilled through the boards.
4. 3/4" holes drilled on the outside faces of the boards - deep enough for a washer, split washer, and nut.
5. 5/16" hole drilled on the inside faces of the boards.
Why the heck do I do it this way? Few reasons.
1. If you just drill through with a 5/16" from one side, you're gonna get blowout. I don't like blow out. I always drill from both sides in order to have a clean face/surface.
2. Trying to enlarge a 5/16" hole to 3/4" with a <PERSON> bit is rather difficult. It can be done with a drill guide, but that's just more extra steps.
3. I'm insane and like to punish myself.
5/16" carriage bolt was inserted through the pipe and through the wood. Washer, split washer, nut, tighten .. done.
All that remained was to cut the horizontals to free the gate. I did this by clamping a DIY saw track to the fence and making the cut with a circular saw. 599