How to Fix a Sagging Gate

As anyone over 30 knows, gravity is relentless. It's also tough on gates. Wood droops, joints open, fasteners loosen, and pretty soon, the gate sags and the latch won't close. There is, however, an antidote for time's ravages: an anti-sag kit that squares up gates and permits future adjustments to boot.

Such kits come with all the necessary hardware cable, mounting brackets, turnbuckle and screws. Our kit works for gates up to 6 feet high and 5 feet wide.

Step by Step
1. Raise the gate so it doesn't sag by putting blocks of wood under the latch stile. At the right height, the latch should open and shut freely.

2. Screw the kit's mounting brackets to the gate frame, one on the upper hinged side and the other on the diagonally opposite corner. Driving the screws is easier if you drill pilot holes for them first. (If the wood is too rotted to hold the screws, however, replace the gate.)

3. Attach the support cable to the brackets and turnbuckle using the clamps provided. Be sure the turnbuckle is opened to its maximum length before you attach the cable.

4. Tighten the turnbuckle with an adjustable wrench until you see the gate lift a bit in the latch. Open and shut the gate to be sure it operates freely. Finally, trim the excess cable with diagonal pliers.

Tip From the Pros
If the gate binds because the gatepost leans into the opening, and if the post isn't too far out of plumb, you may use a similar turnbuckle-and-cable assembly to plumb it. Using eyebolts to attach the cable to the posts, run cable diagonally from the top of the gatepost to the bottom of the nearest fence post. Tighten the turnbuckle until the post is plumb.  

TOOLS AND MATERIALS
Drill
Scrap wood blocks
Drill-bit set
Gate anti-sag kit
Screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Diagonal pliers