the 3 screws that attach the gate to the fence are loose. opening/closing the gate loosens the top hinge. i can push them in all the way with my finger...they dont stay in very long.
heres a picture. im referring to the 3 screws lined up on the left.
the sun-damage shows the outlines of an older larger hinge. should i find a hinge that size? but this current hinge works well when the screws are pushed in
2013-03-03T15:18:04Z
thanks so far. yes it is a wood fence....the gates in good shape (better than the post anyway).
the post is 3.5 inches thick. i am not sure how long the current screws are.
callipygenous2013-03-03T14:08:50Z
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I looked at it. It's not metal, so it can't be welded. Your best bet is to use epoxies to consolidate the rotted wood. Drill out the bad wood with a paddle bit and fill it with West Systems epoxies. Use a high strength filler like West Systems 404. Re-tap the holes and screw the screws in, re-hanging the door. This ain't cheap, but few things that work are. You could also replace the post and re-build the door. ----------------------------- Oops. I forgot to mention. You could just use carriage bolts, nuts, regular washers, and torque washers. That might solve the problem. Holding strength would increase 10 fold. I'd still consolidate with epoxies.
You could drill the holes slightly bigger and glue in a piece of dowel then once is dry pre drill screw holes and re hang gate. You could also use some nice long gal bolts. Drills all the way through your post and fix with a washer and nut on opposite side of hinge.
not sure what side of the hinge the screws are loose on the door or frame.if on the frame side, try putting the wood splinters/tooth picks in again but this time also insert some gorilla glue in the hole first.don't know what size screw you are using but you need one long enough to reach into the framing of the door way at least 3"screws should do it. you could also replace the trim .if on the door itself reset the hinges.a little more work but it would be a better and more permanent fix.and use a wood filler to fill in the old hinge positions
Replace screws with bolts that go all the way through. Use big washers on the outsides of post and gate, clamp tight with nuts on the bolts. It'll be bullet proof for many years.