How to fix a gap under an automatic gate

The Ultimate Handyman builds a custom movable gap filler for the bottom of an automatic driveway gate.

[@user-mx9sm7yc5l]

We implemented this idea for our backyard gate. Now bunnies could no longer come into our backyard to devour our plants. Thank you so much! :D

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

That’s cool. I’m glad it worked for you.

[@tomp4492]

I zip tied a long black rubbier thing to mine which stopped the dog for a while because she thought it was solid. She figured it out, now. So, going to do this idea. Love it, and thanks for posting this!

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Let us know how it goes and good luck with you project.

[@maxme2000]

Hey Mr Handyman with this video you have saved me loads of time… you rock

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

That’s great.

[@mindibrooks774]

Thank you so much. Having same issue with a hog panel fence on slab. Going to try it!!

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Good luck!

[@AbhishekKumar-qf6vp]

It was just a great idea ... This will surely help me to get my gate fixed ... Love from India

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Thanks. What part of India are you from? I’ve never been there.

[@justinclarke2525]

This is exactly what i need! Thanks for the idea.

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

No problem

[@normanjames9010]

That Is A Bloody Great Idea Exactly What I'm Looking For/ To Do 👏👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Thanks.

[@lloyd5873]

Hiya, I’m having the same problems with my gate. I like this idea. The issue I can think of is the dog could push the flap (depending on how heavy the sheet of metal is)

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

when the flap is down it can't move outward because the plate hits the frame on the gate. The dog would have to pull the plate of steel up and the one I used in the video is ¼ thick and to heavy for a dog to move out of the way. I was just at that property and it still works perfect.

[@lloyd5873]

@@TheUltimateHandymanKyle thanks

[@pauldardeau5532]

Nice work and a creative solution! That wheel might be a bit small to deal with the asphalt cracks over time though.

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Recently I drove by that gate and it’s still work good. If big cracks were to form they would need to be filled.

[@theonlinebizwhiz]

Necessity is the mother of all invention. Nice invention!

[@keeyanho]

Wonderful idea! A beautiful crude and unsophisticated genuine mcgyver diy fixit. Just tell naysayers 'It works, doesn't it?'👌👏👏

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

It’s still working good with no problem. I could have refined this more. The customer didn’t quite understand what I was going to make. They didn’t want it at first. So I decide to quickly build this and show them how it works. Once they saw it in action they loved the idea. Sometimes people need to be shown rather than told.

[@TinaTheofanis]

Thanks for the suggestions 👍

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

No problem any time

[@geoffreypage6803]

I have been looking for a solution such as this. My neighbors tiny dog slips under my gate and uses my backyard as their public toilet. Thanks!

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Glad to help

[@ganieldcosta7422]

Fantastic idea💡

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Thanks. I was just at the house that has the gate. It still works perfectly after 9 months.

[@cassandra5795]

I have the same issue with my automatic gate. Are there any other remedies that you thought would work instead of a plate? I’ve been racking my brain! My gap measures approximately the same as yours.

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

You could fill in the gap with a heavy duty drive over cable cover. It would be bolted to the ground. The problem with that is it would be like going over a speed bump. The way I did it in the video has worked perfectly with now issues.

[@paullordi5154]

Need another hinge That hinge will break

[@sherylvanderberg3667]

Can I pay you to make both pieces? I have same issue and no talent for making the stop plate or the flap. I have tried everything else and they don’t work

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Where are you located? If you live close you can hire me to install this on your gate. It needs to be build on location because every gate is different.

[@MiltonRivera-ed1zb]

How would you suggest I fix a gap under a sliding (rail) fence gate close to the bottom of a ramp. Don't want my small dog sticking his head under it. Thx.

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Film a video of the gate and what you want and post the link here so I can see it

[@ajarvis1499]

This is ingenious

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Thanks

[@RebeccaDeCardenas]

Pretty cool dude pretty cool! Thanks for the video

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Thanks

[@jessicabarrera3748]

What a great idea!

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Thanks

[@grassymitten5324]

That is a great innovation. So maybe you can suggest something for my problem. I have a vinyl gate with a gap that my dog can go under. What material can I use to close that gap?

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Does the gate get tighter when you open it or wider. If it gets tighter you need something that works like what I built in the video. If it gets bigger you can permanently mount something under it that doesn’t move. You can use wood, aluminum, stainless-steel,steel. You want to make sure it’s not to light or the dog may be able to lift it out of the way. Good luck with your project

[@keeyanho]

@@TheUltimateHandymanKyle That point "if it gets bigger...." is a good one.

[@bencamp18]

That would keep an animal from coming in on that one-way hinge, but I think getting out wouldn't be a problem.

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

It keeps my customers dog from squeezing under the gate. That pice of steel is pretty heavy. Most animals would probably not waste their time trying to push that up. You could go heavier on the steel to make it harder or add a strong spring to make it so animals can’t move it. This would only be necessary if the gate opens into the property.

[@bencamp18]

@TheUltimateHandymanKyle I am trying to accomplish the same effect with a 16' privacy fence double gate. It swings open manually and the ground is much more dramatic and uneven. Rather than moving a bunch of earth around and complicating the drive into the backyard, I was trying to find something clever and mechanical. This is pretty clever and mechanical, but I don't think I can use it. I'm trying to keep excess weight down on the gate doors as they're already pushed to their limits. I like the idea of wheels and flaps, I just kinda need it to work from the other side so the dogs can't push out. Certainly can't use thick steel.

[@dragonwoode67]

Been looking for something to keep our dog in!!

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Hope it works for you

[@TinaT-b4h]

Hi. This is a great solution. My gate swings inwards though and I’m worried the dog will be able to push the metal plate outwards. Any ideas? Thanks

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Maybe ad some springs or strong magnets to hold it in place. Or you could make it heavier so it not easy for the dog to lift up.

[@deepakbantykujur682]

Its a very good idea 👍👍

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Thanks.

[@juansoriano2890]

What a bad ass idea.

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Thanks.

[@Smorss2011]

I love this idea, but I am renting and cannot weld it. Any ideas?

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Powerful neodymium magnets might work

[@d.l.bamlett4393]

Why not just use wire?

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Because the gap under the gate gets smaller when it opens. If it got bigger then I could do that.

[@journeyinthemoment]

Nice!

[@yorkshirelass8786]

I have this problem but my gates electric and opens sideways. My dog can fit under unfortunately.

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Instead of installing hinges you need the plate to be mounted so it can move up and down vertically. The wheel can be installed in the direction the gate moves so it can push up on the plate. Maybe you could use drawer slide to mount the plate to. They might not be durable enough for out side. Do some research to see if they make heavy duty slides that are for exterior insulation. If I was there I could figure something out for you. Good luck with you project. Check these out GUWANJI 2Pcs SBR20-800mm Linear Slide Guide Rail with 4Pcs SBR20UU Bearing Block, Linear Sliding Guideway Length 31.5 inch(800mm) for Fully suppoeted Shaft Rod a.co/d/5O2wpoZ

[@yorkshirelass8786]

@@TheUltimateHandymanKyle thank you so much, really appreciate it.

[@norain31]

im doing similar thing on a cattle gate .why did you not have your panel up a inch or 2 and elminnate the wheel all together dog wouldnt fit under that . just asking not criticizing .nobody is as smart as all of us . ha

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Because the gap gets smaller as the gate opens so the wheel is needed to lift up the metal plate

[@etez7950]

Could tell the dimensions of the plate ?

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Not sure on the exact size . It was ¼" plate. This kind of Job is going to be custom fit, so ever gate will be different.

[@sheelamathew5524]

Really wonderful and useful .wow salute ur brain

[@betsyhauser410]

Where do you buy the metal sheets to go under gate? My gates are 8’.

[@TheUltimateHandymanKyle]

Just look in your local area for metal suppliers or a metal recycling center they might have some. A welding shop might sell you some.