How to Put Wheels on a Gate
Gates provide a means to open and close an area for access to a yard, garden or other fenced area. After several years, a metal or wooden gate may sag from age, accidental bumps or loose hinges. Rocky, dense soils or thick grass under a gate make it hard to open and close. Adding a wheel on a gate allows the wheel to bear the weight, lift the opening side and provide fluid movement for opening and closing on rocky soil.
Wooden Gates
Step 1
Place a 3/8-inch drill bit into a drill.
Step 2
Slide a wooden swing gate wheel onto the vertical post of the gate on the latch side. Mark the bolthole in the post with a marker. Remove the wheel.
Step 3
Hold the drill at a 90-degree angle to the gate and drill completely through the gate.
Step 4
Place the wooden swing gate wheel on the gate.
Step 5
Slide a 3/8-inch diameter bolt that is 4 inches long through the bolthole in the wheel.
Step 6
Place a nut on the protruding end of the bolt. Turn the nut clockwise to tighten on the bolt.
Step 7
Place one pair of adjustable pliers on the bolt head with one hand and a second pair of adjustable pliers on the nut with the other hand. Hold the bolt head in position and turn the nut to tighten completely.
Metal Gates
Step 1
Slide a swivel swing gate wheel onto the vertical post on the opening side of the gate. The round part of the wheel adapter slides straight onto the metal gate.
Step 2
Place the bolt from the metal gate wheel kit through the bolthole to protrude on the other side of the wheel adapter.
Step 3
Thread the nut onto the bolt and tighten it clockwise until it is hand-tight.
Step 4
Place a pair of adjustable pliers on the bolt with one hand and a second pair of adjustable pliers on the nut with the other hand. Hold the bolt stationary and turn the nut clockwise to tighten it fully.
References
Tips
- Metal gate wheels are available in standard sizes for 1 5/8-inch and 2-inch diameter farm gates and for chain link fence gates. Metal gate wheels include the bolt and nut with the purchase.
- Wooden gate wheels are universal to fit any wooden gate size. This type of wheel does not usually include the bolt and nut with the purchase.
- The wheel on a gate can face either outside or inside on a gate. Most homeowners place the wheel on the inside of the gate so it swings onto the property and does not require room outside of a gate.
Writer Bio
Mary Lougee has been writing for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Management and a double minor in accounting and computer science. She loves writing about careers for busy families as well as family oriented planning, meals and activities for all ages.
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- Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
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