Installing Gate Spring Closer

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The Everbilt 11 in. Black Gate Spring features adjustable spring tension that helps make it ideal for use in heavy to light duty applications. Can be used for self-closing gates and doors. Easy to install. Made of steel; Black finish; Can be used for self-closing gates and doors; Adjustable tension for light to heavy duty use.

When you want your screen door to close every time it's used, install a door closer, a spring or chose a more elegant solution without a lot of extra hardware: spring-loaded hinges. Self-closing hinges take the place of regular hinges; they allow adjustment so the screen door closes securely without slamming. When you properly attach the hinges to the outside of the door and frame, it exposes the adjustment mechanisms for easy access. You can make the adjustments with a pin or hex wrench. Spring-loaded hinges are actually easier to install than regular hinges.

1

Set the screen door inside the frame on shims to ensure a gap between the bottom of the door and the frame. Use more shims to center the door in the frame, verifying a gap of at least 1/4 inch on all sides. Level the door with a 4-foot level. Mouse click delay windows 10.

2

Open one hinge and place it against the outside of the door and frame, about 6 inches from the top of the door. Center the hinge pin between the door and the frame and mark the positions of the holes with a pencil.

3

Remove the hinge and drill a pilot hole on each mark with a 1/8-inch drill bit. Replace the hinge, line it up with the holes and drive a screw into each one. Remove collars divinity 2. The screws usually come with the hinges, but if not, use 1 1/4-inch wood screws.

4

Install the hinge the same distance up from the bottom of the door as completed for the top following the same procedure.

Things You Will Need

• Shims
• 4-foot level
• Pencil
• Drill
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• 1 1/4-inch wood screws
• Screwdriver

Tips

• If your door is unusually heavy, you may need to install a third hinge midway between the other two to get the proper closing action.
• Adjust the self-closing door hinge with the screen door shut. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper adjustment dependent upon the type of hinge you have with either the tension pin or hex wrench.

Warning

• Verify the door is level before you install the hinges or it won't close properly.

About the Author

Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies.

Photo Credits

• Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images

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With closer devices for wooden gates, the terms 'positive' and 'negative' refer to the action of a return spring. When a gate is opened and released, a positive device pushes the outer face of the gate to the closed position. A negative device pulls the gate closed. Self-closing hinges have an internal coil spring that acts upon the hinge pin. The spring tightens in a clockwise direction and loosens counterclockwise. The hinges are either positive or negative, depending on which end of the pin faces up. Self-closing hinges work more efficiently when installed as positive-action hinges.

1

Inspect the ends of a hinge-pin barrel, or tube, on a self-closing hinge. Typically, a circular cap with a screw denotes the top of the hinge. This end is installed facing up, or toward the top edge of the gate.

2

Loosen and remove the retainer screw and cap with a screwdriver. Save the cap and screw. Turn the slotted adjuster inside counterclockwise with the screwdriver until the hinge butts close face to face easily by hand.

3

Set up a power or cordless drill with a screw-tip attachment. Position the gate on edge with the edge where the hinges install facing up.

4

Open a hinge so the butts are parallel instead of at an angle to each other. Position the hinge at the end of the wooden rail that attaches across the back of the gate, with the top of the barrel facing the top of the gate. Position the innermost butt at the end of the wooden rail. Attach the butt to the end of the rail with the provided wood screws at each of the machined holes.

5

Repeat Steps 2 through 4 and attach the remaining hinge at the end of the opposite rail, with the top of the barrel facing the top of the gate.

6

Stand the gate in the open position with the hinges facing the appropriate gate post. Place two two-by-fours flat on the ground under the bottom of the gate as temporary supports while you attach the hinges to the gate post. Space the blocks 24 inches apart.

7

Align the sides of the hinge barrels against the outer edge of the gate post. Attach the opposite butts on each hinge to the post with the provided screws at each of the machined holes in the butts.

8

Turn the slotted adjusters in each hinge barrel clockwise in equal increments with a screwdriver. Continue to turn the adjusters until the gate swings to the closed position.

9

Attach a gate latch to the gate with the provided screws. Close the gate and mark the corresponding gate post at the height of the latch. Attach the catch to the gate post with the provided screws. Adjust the hinges, as necessary, so the gate closes and latches without assistance. Reattach the caps to the top of each barrel with the screwdriver.

Things You Will Need

• Screwdriver
• Power or cordless drill
• Screw-tip attachment
• 2-by-4-inch wood blocks
• Gate latch

Tip

• Install three hinges, equally spaced on heavier or taller gates. Adjust each in equal increments for the most efficient closing action.

Warning

• Hinges and adjustment procedures vary. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions regarding installation and adjustment of self-closing hinges beforehand.

About the Author

William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. He studied architecture at Taft Junior College.