[Valfaroth]

I'm new to the whole handyman gig, and generally try not to get in over my head. Recently, however, a problem has popped up that needs some attention, and I'm not sure what kind I should give it.

Around 2 years ago, we had our yard completely fenced. With that came an additional driveway and a gate. The gate is supported on either side by 4x4 posts, sunk into the concrete. Recently we had some pretty windy weather, and noticed that one of the 4x4's split. I took the gate off the hinges for the time being, but I am stumped as to where to go next. I don't have the skills for a "new post in the concrete" solution, so I'm hoping there's another way.

Is there a way to repair this split and reinforce it so the gate can hang safely? In my mind, I'm envisioning some kind of metal bracket that will hold the post together. (combined maybe with some glue?) Hopefully someone here has some good ideas for me. Looking for relatively inexpensive, but solid solutions. (Easy would be nice too. :wink2: )

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

I'm new to the whole handyman gig, and generally try not to get in over my head. Recently, however, a problem has popped up that needs some attention, and I'm not sure what kind I should give it.

Around 2 years ago, we had our yard completely fenced. With that came an additional driveway and a gate. The gate is supported on either side by 4x4 posts, sunk into the concrete. Recently we had some pretty windy weather, and noticed that one of the 4x4's split. I took the gate off the hinges for the time being, but I am stumped as to where to go next. I don't have the skills for a "new post in the concrete" solution, so I'm hoping there's another way.

Is there a way to repair this split and reinforce it so the gate can hang safely? In my mind, I'm envisioning some kind of metal bracket that will hold the post together. (combined maybe with some glue?) Hopefully someone here has some good ideas for me. Looking for relatively inexpensive, but solid solutions. (Easy would be nice too. :wink2: )

get some gorilla glue and try and fil the crack with that and if you can get an elastic hold down strap around the post, wrap it up tight till it dries, that will pull the crack tight, then trim off the extra glue that leaked out of the crack..also ditch those short screws and use some 3 inch screws, predrill the post so you dont split the wood..

 

[ChuckTin]

Good reply. I'd add that a large C clamp, or two, might be a better choice; its not that you have to have tremendous pressure, just sufficient pressure, and elastic may not be enough.

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[Valfaroth]

Glue will hold by itself, huh?

You're the boss....I'll let ya know how it goes.

 

[Valfaroth]

Question: The glue says apply above 55 degrees. It's 46 degrees. How important is that number?:wink2:

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Try a real gate hinge rather than a barn door hinge.

 

[Oso954]

I am not sure that the spilt is necessarily related to wind. It may be simply the weight of the gate coupled with a couple contributing factors like a weak spot in the grain, and possibly driving the screws in without pre-drilling.

Regardless of the cause, I think I would add a third hinge in the middle of the two that are there.

I would change out that top T-hinge for a strap hinge. It would allow some fasteners further away from the split.

I think that if you just reuse the T-hinge, you are going to have problems in the future.

 

[mako1]

Not trying to contradict anyone here but think the "good answer" was actually a very bad answer.
How wide and heavy is the gate?The hinges used were the wrong hinges and the screws are to close to the edge of the post for one. 3" screw with the wrong hinge will do no good with the wrong hinge and screws being that close to the edge of the post will do nothing but tear it out worse.

 

[Valfaroth]

I'm listening to all replies... Everyone is offering great stuff.... Right now I'm on the glue and the temperature question.....i will certainly look at how the gate goes back up after the post is fixed.

Thanks everyone for addressing various aspects... Still watching, while I work this out..... Back to Lowe's for bigger clamps.... That's 6x6, not 4x4.....*smack forehead*

 

[mako1]

Just to clarify.Those are what we call utility hinges or strap hinges.They may be ok on a wooden toolbox or something like that but not a gate.
Go buy some real gate hinges that will reach the center of the post and use 3 of them with lag bolts to connect.

 

[ChuckTin]

If you are using gorilla glue then it's worth paying attention to the temperature.
Tha stuff using a chemical reaction to foam and work properly.

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[mako1]

Glue and some $2.59 cent hinges are not going to fix your gate.

 

[Valfaroth]

So, I see there are different types of strap hinges. I found these (see pic) at Lowes and grabbed one to see. Previously, someone posted a "screw hook strap hinge?"...(Lowe's didn't have them that I saw) Are those considered better? worse? same?

I also took a couple pictures of the gate (the other side that isn't damaged). The reach halfway across the driveway and latch in the middle. (there's a pin on one that connects into the driveway to keep them from swaying with the wind.) It seems that by design these would put pressure on the hinges (since they have little support in the middle). Sucks, but it's what I have to deal with. Replacing the gate, at this point in time, is really not an option. I just need a solution that will hold as best as it can, working with what I got.

I like the idea of adding another hinge halfway down, but what would I connect it to? The top and bottom hinge have 2x4's to support them. The middle does not. (Really not a carpenter, so this is approaching "over my head" territory 8) Thoughts? Is it as "simple" as getting a 6-8 inch 2x4 and screwing/gluing it to the vertical wood?

(Thank you for your patience with my lack of knowledge. 8)

 

[Valfaroth]

Would this help with weight distribution? (More weight closer to the hinge rather than further away?)

 

[Valfaroth]

Good Enough!

I don't feel too bad about this one. The post didn't come back together as tightly as is probably ideal but I clamped it down hard. I think the strap hinges will also help hold it together. wink2 Added a third hinge as recommended, as well as 3 inch screws. Hanging the gate was tough, but when I finished, I checked it with a level, and it was dead center......(and I realized I should have checked before drilling....live and learn :devil3

I messed up the other gate, putting the third hinge's boards on the wrong side....*sigh*. So, tomorrow after the glue dries, the gate will be back up and functional. It may not be perfect, but it was a cheapish solution that I think will hold for a while at least. For my first "big"ish job, I'll take it.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.