Self-closing gravity gate (angled hinges)

[Sodo]

Does anyone have experience with self-closing gates? Want gravity to close it, overcome friction etc. I might have to let the wind blow thru it. If you know of one can you measure the angle for me?

Here's how I envision it, but there are probably several ways. I know you can do it with a guy-wire coming down at an angle (from a longer post).

THX!

 

[bcp]

I have a 12ft tubular gate set up to have gravity keep it open when unlatched. The hinges are about 30 inches apart and out of alignment only a small amount. Maybe less than 1/4 inch. It works very well.


Bruce

 

[Mendonsy]

I have done something similar by making hinges from a piece of steel tube cut at an angle with a pin through the center, but nothing that big. A steeper angle makes the hinge more likely to close (and stay closed) but also more difficult to open. A 45 degree cut is a good starting point to experiment and thicker wall tubing works better.

 

[rekees4300]

This is a clever solution. The hinges are angled so gravity pulling downward closes the gate.

 

[Sodo]

So just 1/4" on 30" works? OK I'll start small! Thanks.

I've seen the 45* cut method before but didn't think of it being able to close a 10 ft gate. Buy anyway the bigger hinge pin provides more closing power. I think I'll use that in addition to my hinge angle, like the final detent to hold the two gate halves aligned together. If theres a way to adjust it, would be a nice addition.

Great video, thanks. I forgot to search youtube.

 

[farm boy00]

The hinges cut on angle is how walk in coolers and freezers work and have been used for many years. But their doors are only about 30 in usually but heavy

 

[MossRoad]

This is a clever solution. The hinges are angled so gravity pulling downward closes the gate.

In my employer's building all of the stairwells have self closing gates on the 1st level leading to the basement. That's so you know you're on the 1st floor if you're trying to leave the building in a fire. I'll try to get a picture.

 

[MossRoad]

In my employer's building all of the stairwells have self closing gates on the 1st level leading to the basement. That's so you know you're on the 1st floor if you're trying to leave the building in a fire. I'll try to get a picture.

Ahh. I went and looked. They're just spring loaded hinges on 36" gates. Nothing special.

 

[MossRoad]

One thing to consider on self closing gates is will the gate be heavy enough to crush you or a small kid if someone isn't paying attention. I know these gates in our stairwells close very gently, but I've gotten my finger in there before and it hurt pretty bad.

 

[Sodo]

I'm making this gate to be lightweight as possible. It just signifies that it's a "private drive" not a security gate. It should just "appear" locked from afar.

I think the way to go might be..... The 45* angled pipes method used as a detent. Not using the entire 45* so the 45* only comes into play at "almost closed". Where the hinge line being adjustable for the "closing speed". Then I can simply adjust like Bruce's if I want it to hold open. Or move the the hinge line the other way if I want it to swing closed.

Have to figure out ow to allow for all the "adjustments". There's hinge line angle and then the detent closed position where the two gates meet up.

I know some of you fellers are going to ask "where I'm gonna find a grease fitting that big...?"
eBay, you can find ANYTHING on eBay.

 

[Ford850]

Just use a big ole screen door spring.

 

[Sodo]

oooops sorry I forgot to describe the gate action.
I want the gates to open forward (coming or going) then swing back to closed (at the middle).

 

[BukitCase]

what kind of traffic (dogs, sheep, goats, horses, cows, people, etc) do you NOT want to be able to go thru the gate? Or is it just so it LOOKS closed??!? Steve

 

[Sodo]

Just to make it look like its a private driveway not a public road. I'm not looking fwd to getting out to open/close it. I wonder if it can be bumped open without making wear marks on our cars. Even my pickup has a painted bumper.

 

[pycoed]

How about this type? The bottom hinge is the two legged one, so it's self closing in both directions



Self-Closing Hinge Sets for Chain Link & Tubular Gates - Hoover Fence Co. - All things Fence and Fence Related

 

[Sodo]

I like that one. I'd probably build one, very easy to copy, THANKS!

 

[ovrszd]

I have no details. 50 years ago my Uncle's farm had dual gates that self closed and latched. Had a bumper pad in the middle that he would hit with his tractor bumper. Unlatched the gates and then his momentum would swing them open. They closed and latched behind him. He raised thousand of ducks/geese on what would be called today "free range". As a kid I thought that was the coolest thing ever!!!!! All our gates dragged on the ground......

 

[BukitCase]

OK, now that the intent is clear I'd start saving for a double gate "mighty mule" or similar - otherwise I'm pretty sure ALL your vehicles will end up with "wrap-around racing stripes" -

Only OTHER (semi) sane idea I'm comin' up with - 6" or larger URETHANE casters mounted on BOTH sides of BOTH gates at a height that'll work with whatever vehicles you own, COMBINED with the "slanty hinge thingys" - and those casters would need to be mounted at slightly different heights on opposing gates so they DIDN'T HIT EACH OTHER as the gates swing open, or it'd probably "spring" your gate posts or bend the caster brackets - ...Steve

 

[Sodo]

Them'r ideas! Electric would have to be solar, under heavy tree cover. Or I have to climb trees and mount a panel up high. Can be done. The battery goes bad, actuator goes bad, limit switches etc etc etc.

Non powered sounds better though. And good for a cheapskate who likes to make stuff in the shop. Maybe you tap the gate with the car bumper just enough to swing it open to a "latch". Then you drive farther and reach out the window and pull a latch release wire. And the gently angled/well greased hinges let the gate move easy/smooth/slow? There could be a gate release lever you run over with the tire.

This sounds like too much fun for me I'd better stop now.

 

[MossRoad]

Here's a couple for you. Kinda fun to watch...