The EASIEST Way To Build (Or Rebuild) A Wood Gate

[@Ranger42]

I’m only six minutes into this instructional video and already realize this is the best gate building video on KZbin. Excellent job and thank you.

[@SWiFence]

Wow--thanks. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@steveperreira5850]

It will soon be the second best because this is not the right way to build a gate. For wooden gates, I have the only technique seen so far that won’t sag. Pay attention in 2025, my video will be up and it will definitively prove the right way to build a wooden Date that will not SAG

[@curiouscat3384]

Excellent! this is a prime example of why we should learn from the pros, not just inexperienced DIYers learning as they teach. Lots of details here. I think the only thing you left out was "be sure and screw in the top rail before working below" 😂 (can't tell you how many times I've done that in different projects, lol

[@TheOddTinkering]

I Just finished rebuilding my gate, Lucky for me I came across this video before starting. I used this method, and it was so much easier and the gate operates better than before.

[@SWiFence]

Love to hear that!

[@twintype]

This is the best gate how to ever!

[@SWiFence]

Hey thanks!

[@ktt2062]

Best gate build video I’ve seen. Thanks!

[@SWiFence]

Hey, you're welcome!

[@SheilaSpencer1]

What a great frickin video!!! Thank you! As a "wiser" woman of many years, this 'build in place' method will make building/re-building my gate soooo much easier! I can't lift as much weight as I used to be able to, much less holding it in place to fasten. I loved every moment of this video, so informational and in detail. Y'all rock!!!

[@SWiFence]

Hey thanks! Those are very kind words!

[@curiouscat3384]

Ditto! Did you get it done Sheila? I'm 70 yr old woman and was afraid I'd have to hire someone to rebuild by double driveway gate. It's hard to find that someone though. This method is very do-able for me!

[@saltymofo5870]

Well done, building gate in place is genius

[@dianas514]

I have 3 gates to rework. So glad I came across your video. I’ve been battling these gates since I first built them. They started out great…level and square…but sagging settled in shortly there after. Love videos where I learn something and get a few laughs too. Thanks a bunch! ❤

[@SWiFence]

You bet!

[@kungfoochicken08]

There's a few different braces you can buy to add to your existing gate to remove the sag. Those would be easier and cheaper than rebuilding the gates.

[@prigs750]

Enjoyed the video. Have you ever seen a builder complete the fence install the hinges and then chainsaw the gate opening?

[@landmarkcreations1183]

Great seeing Dan back in the videos

[@meaganmittman611]

You guys are hilarious, such an informational video which I really appreciated but being able to laugh while I’m learning is even better! Keep it up, nice work guys!

[@SWiFence]

Hey thanks!

[@zombiehunter5923]

Thank you You guys are the most efficient and easily explained

[@SWiFence]

Thanks for that compliment. 👍🏻

[@DerrielJTheriot]

Great video...informative and entertaining 😂

[@SWiFence]

Thanks!

[@BLKMGK4]

As i happens I need to replace rusted hinges on a gate that's actually functioning pretty well, those adjustable hinges look like they might just do the job - thanks!

[@SWiFence]

You're welcome! 👍🏻

[@carpathiandevil]

I'm about to build a gate for our fence tomorrow, thanks for the helpful video. I'm also in Wyoming, in Gillette.

[@timjones9596]

Love your channel. I’ve told myself I would build a fence but have been putting it off for a few years. I’ve finally started it and completed one side of it and a gate that I couldn’t wrap my head around until I watched this video. Thanks for helping dummy DIY’ers like myself. You guys are awesome.

[@SWiFence]

You got this!

[@brando.cando06]

It shut so solid. Well done.

[@SWiFence]

Thanks!

[@lesliebrew4789]

Been building gates for years but thanks to you 2 guys, I built the perfect gate for a customer on yesterday. Thanks guys!

[@SWiFence]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing that! 💪🏻

[@davidg8032]

I am so glad I stumbled on this video. Build my gate in place is going to be so much easier. I loved the "belt and suspenders kind of guy reference. Thank You....

[@1959mikel]

One of the best gate tutorials, and entertaining too! You got a subscriber.

[@SWiFence]

Welcome aboard!

[@Robertsons_landscaping]

Awesome video!!!! I have to build 2 or 2 gates at my house this week and this was awesome and easy to follow.

[@SWiFence]

Fantastic! Great to hear. 👍🏻

[@edwardpoling2307]

Building your gate today. Thanks for the great info.

[@SWiFence]

You welcome! You got this!

[@jeepbeersleep4762]

quality. really a good watch. i will have a good dang day

[@SWiFence]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertlane8216]

thanks for doing a good job of explaining! looks good! please make a video on building a couple of saw-horse stands.

[@billkeith2266]

When I saw the hand come over the fence with two screws I was certain a Tim the Tool man and Wilson joke was incoming.....dang....a missed opportunity there boys. Love the content even though I have no intention of building a fence. You guys are somehow magnetic.

[@SWiFence]

A missed opportunity indeed! 😁

[@tylerstanley8677]

Getting ready to matle my first gate for a project, a little nervous. This video should help alot. Looks good

[@SWiFence]

You got this! 💪🏻

[@ellobo761]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[@SWiFence]

You're welcome!

[@Alex-vs6mq]

Doi buni meseriasi , cred si prieteni buni ! Spor la bani si multa sanatate !

[@SWiFence]

Mulțumesc foarte mult! Cuvintele tale amabile sunt apreciate. Suntem frați și uneori prieteni. 😄

[@Alex-vs6mq]

@@SWiFence Eu cred ca prietenia nu exista daca nu te mai si certi citeodata ! Vorbiti romineste ?

[@SWiFence]

Ai un punct bun. Din păcate, nu. nu vorbesc romaneste. Trebuie să folosesc Google pentru a traduce.

[@Alex-vs6mq]

@@SWiFence ok , inteleg ! Va doresc numai bine si sanatate ! Si spor la bani 😃

[@SWiFence]

Multumesc! Îți doresc aceleași binecuvântări.

[@rafaelastorga5215]

You guys are amazing instructors, I love how in depth you explain the purpose of every member. Wish you continued success.

[@SWiFence]

Hey thanks!

[@thebordernow]

Yes, who woulda thunk a fence company in far-off Wyoming would be teaching us all about fencing clear 'cross Anerica?! (FYI, I built my first fence a few weeks ago to help a family member out after storm damage. I watched a lot of your videos before that, learned a lot, and ended up going with metal posts for the long-run durability. Thanks sincerely for all the help!)

[@SWiFence]

You bet!

[@jerrypass8888]

Pure genius! Thanks!❤❤❤❤

[@SWiFence]

You're welcome 😊

[@dcchai]

Video very clear Smart idea

[@LeeRice-i8x]

Great teacher, thanks!

[@SWiFence]

You're very welcome!

[@justinmullens6829]

My 16 yr old wanted to take the lead on building the gate. It looks great, and he did an awesome job at each step like he's done it before. I emptied the metal recycling bin the day before, so I didn't see old hardware in it. He said he threw it out in the street. He showed me the video, and we had a discussion when you get out in the workplace about sarcasm, I'm sure you already do that with friends in school.

[@SWiFence]

Best comment ever!! 😂😂 Glad the gate looks good! And sorry about the hardware. 🤣

[@TheOddTinkering]

So that is why there is a lag screw in my tire...🚙

[@thatoldoak2865]

Good job 👍

[@SWiFence]

Thanks 👍

[@racerxv6valvoline424]

Great vid guys,,,I like watching ya'll just for content and comments. Plus I do learn some things.....

[@SWiFence]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@paul4124]

That was absolutely brilliant. I have made quite a few gates like this in my time, l wish that l had known this method. Wedging the three cross members in is genius. And l am glad you let people know about the third hinge……..don’t do it. Good on yer lads ❤🇦🇺

[@SWiFence]

Many thanks!

[@brianredding9160]

Great video. Can you do a video on a large double gate? I rebuilding my little gate today using your video thanks. For whatever reason my gate wants to twist. no matter what I do to adjust it. It was fine for a couple of years and then then it started twisting. When I add the cable it gets worse no matter which way I put it.

[@Rwinnett2012]

Get a metal frame and attach your gate to it. No more twisting.

[@billygilbert7911]

Another great lesson for me. I already built two small gates using your build in place method from watching another video of yours about 2 years ago. After watching this one I realize I didn't pay very good attention to the other video. But they are 4' tall and work great. Now to reframe my 6' gates that are sagging. Not from age but from crappy builds from people my neighbors hired.

[@antoniolazzaro7052]

Finally a build that makes sense to me. Thank you!

[@SWiFence]

You're welcome!

[@NoahDevine91]

Great video as always, I hope you guys have a great dang day. No I demand you have a great day and weekend 💪

[@SWiFence]

😁

[@kzooCAM]

do you happen to have any videos on gates that would in this case, open the opposite direction as the one in the video here? curious if the hinges would need to be set differently.

[@TaylorMadeDIY]

A tip for those post latches, I use a t25 deck screw to mount them initially. That will make sure you've got it in the correct place, but it also acts as a predrill :) meaning you don't have to go find a drill bit and a drill.

[@chaderic27]

FFF'ing Love These Guys

[@RobbieBrown-mw2xq]

Dan was calming and laments terms move out the way mark talk to fast! 😂

[@berthongo8531]

That was a good dang video!

[@SWiFence]

Thank you!

[@sammypluto9249]

Great vibes by the 1st guy. Second guy came in like a 🌪 🌀 but he was cool

[@curiouscat3384]

I thought of another question: How did you attach the two brace pieces? Toenail or some other clever invisible method?

[@SWiFence]

Yep, you got it--toenail. 👍🏻

[@davidballance209]

Great video! Quick question. At the 03:41 mark, installing the 2x4s for the gate using the screws -- when the gate is finished and using the saw to cut back to the 1" (latch side) and the 3/8" (hinge side) you're not leaving the screws in to hold the wood when you cut are you? I'm at this point now, and am wondering how to cut to sizes above without running the saw in to the screws? BTW the hinges and sag cable used in this video arrived yesterday from your store. Thansk again!

[@davidballance209]

Ahhhh I see it now. At the 07:06 mark installing the vertical 2x4s is the key.

[@gizmoedits9911]

Dan The Man!

[@mickjohnson3769]

Fantastic KZbin videos. Very useful. Thanks.

[@SWiFence]

Thank you!

[@jerrybylsma6519]

Thank you for the well done instruction on replacing a wood gate. I have one that was poorly made and is sagging & warping badly. The opening from post to post is approx 56 inches and 6 ft tall. I think the Z brace will be at or a little more than 45 deg. If it at 45, would that be ok? But if a tad or little bit more than 45 deg, what should I do?

[@briancrossley1710]

Hi Guys, This is not related to the video. I visited Cody recently on vacation from England. On Sat 27 July I was relaxing on the sidewalk (pavement in the UK) when who should roll past but your SWI truck rolling east on Sheridan, towing a big rig with the skid steer on board with a pretty big auger. Every credit to you guys for working on a Saturday. After following you guys for a while now it was great to actually see you in real life.

[@SWiFence]

Hey that's great! Hope you enjoyed Cody!

[@alexmarks2950]

What about a double gate setup? Any chance you could do a video on re-doing a double gate setup? Thanks! Great Videos.

[@Camscrub]

All of your videos are excellent! I'm going to install an 8' double drive gate opening inward. Two 4' gates. I'd definitely prefer to use your hinges from your website. I intend on connecting two 4x4's together (side by side) for each post opening. I'm somewhat certain your strap hinges would work with my scenario? Your double drive western gate kit seems doable? You don't have any double drive videos, my overall concern is where the two gates connect, will your latch system with this kit suffice? Keep up the quality content!

[@SWiFence]

Yes, this system should work fine. We need to start getting creative once the opening is over 10' wide, but an 8' double is nothing unusual. 👍🏻

[@davidgagnon2849]

Will those hinges self-close the gate so that the latch will self latch? If so, that is exactly what I need.

[@SWiFence]

Yes

[@justsomeguy4033]

Question: What would be the best way to attach gate hinges, into cinderblock? The cinderblocks are filled with cement (mortar mix). They are a [roughly] 6” high wall built around a water pipe valve area in the ground against an old house. I built a lid for it out of 2x4’s, like a heavy duty gate (double layered with 2x4’s so it’s a little over 4 inches thick). I topped that with pallet wood and then with roofing shingles to match the house. So I have 3 gate hinges on the lid and I want to attach those to the cinderblock housing below it. Each hinge is 4” on each side, with 3 bolt holes to each side (6 total per hinge). Since this lid is like a gate and it’s heavy, I want to attach the hinges to the cinderblocks, with enough durability to withstand its use ..what might you recommend? Tapcon’s? Sleeve anchors? Any other tips or options?

[@Kimbohlina]

Complete novice but set my first posts today. Do you think I should use this method to build my fence just in case I didn’t get my posts level?

[@SWiFence]

100%. This method should ensure a good gate fit even if your posts are not completely level.

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

are those posts still perfectly plumb from when they were installed years ago or did you have to reset them? You didnt mention how important or not the plumbness of the posts is to building a gate.

[@mike94560]

Oh joy I have to rebuild my fence. Lots of bananas.

[@nickanderson9167]

Could someone explain the “cut the gate free” part? I understand the horizontal framing was proud and tacked into place but what is being cut where?

[@trackmader]

You don't find the stainless deck screws shear when they tighten against the hinge metal? I like to frame gates with the big structural screws sames ones that are used for crossbuck.

[@joebloe5336]

Great, informative video, as usual 👍 Been looking for work shorts like that...what brand are they?

[@SWiFence]

truewerk.com/products/mens-t1-werkshort?variant=39941944868906

[@SamsNew]

I watched one of your videos where you had a prototype explaining tension and compression middle bar. For longer gates where the compression middle bar forms an angle smaller than 45 degrees, you added a middle horizontal wood, but your compression bar was going from bottom corner to the end corner of the middle horizontal wood, and the top compression bar was extending from the far left of the middle horizontal bar to the top far right corner. How come this build is different, it’s extending from far bottom left corner to the center of the middle horizontal bar then extending from the middle horizontal bar to the top right corner. Is this build specific because the middle horizontal bar cuts the gate’s frame into 2 halves, in other words the overall rectangular frame is not one 2 full vertical bars? Can I use the same middle compression bar as yours (bottom left to center of middle bar then center of middle to top right corner) if I’m building a gate on the side with 2 full vertical studs, but the middle horizontal bar is screwed on the the vertical studs?

[@JohnPeterson-l9d]

Hey Dan, Have you ever worked in Sacramento, CA? Decades ago I worked with a young man that looks and sounds very much like you in these videos. If it is you, then you have matured well. If not, then be careful there is a twin out there, somewhere... I have built countless fences of all types as a working manager of a large landscape company and SWI has the best videos out there. Congrats! JP

[@SWiFence]

Hey thanks! I never have worked in Sacramento.

[@nobadmojo70]

What is the recommended distance of the bottom hinge from the bottom of the gate? Can it be too high and pinch a compression gate over time? Thank you!

[@BitsOfInterest]

I'd put your hinges where your 2x4's are. Since you don't want much more than a 6 inch reveal top and bottom it just goes where it goes.

[@jasonmershon3941]

It’s worth a mention that the compression should be a really snug fit with no gaps between it and any other framing members. That way the board actually has to compress for the gate to fall out of plumb.

[@SWiFence]

Good note.

[@ضرغامفاهم-ت6ذ]

عمل رائع وجميل جدا شكرا لكم

[@SWiFence]

شكرا لك على المشاهدة. وأشكرك على كلماتك الطيبة.

[@blackpilledserb]

I've cut my fingers several times on the wire tension brace months after installation. Can I install it behind the wooden compression brace, in other words sandwiched between the pickets and wood brace?

[@TheyCallMeSir_H]

Nice.

[@tysonanderson9550]

Roughly how long should a rebuild like this take ? Without the video N of course.

[@claytonkeeney8911]

What are your guys's thoughts on adjust-a-gate or the EZ gate kits?

[@sanjonny2]

Great video. Instead of cutting the fence rails on the gate, I put in a hidden hinge and just unscrewed the initial screws holding them to the 4x4s and opened the gate and then cut them off even easier then how you guys did it. Pretty sure it would be possible with the hinges you used also, but saved a few minutes by making it so easy. I had built a gate before by cutting a fence section, but did not think about this method of doing it, but it makes it much easier like you said for sloped gates. Excellent and I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@StringDriver]

What kind of pencil are you using in that video? It looks like a nail set but it’s also a pencil.

[@OswaldMcGarity]

Why don't you use the Maxi deluxe

[@collinsmith9941]

Stainless GRK’s Heck any GRK’s absolutely no other screws to use , aside from a Simpson structural screw when required

[@MAGAMAN]

When it matters, you get what you pay for. Those "construction screws" from home depot are not rated for construction. GRK and Simpsons both have properly rated construction screws.

[@AuburnElvis]

Point of Order: I think the pull side handle is installed upside down. I think it's made so you can put your fingers into the handle, and flip the latch with the thumb of that same hand. But since y'all put the latch so low, you had to turn the handle upside down. As it is now, the one-handed-thumb-opening trick only works if you reach down with your right arm twisted in a really weird way. But, I still like this install.

[@illa-noisemusic1081]

are there hidden hinges available?

[@egarcia5004]

clever!

[@SWiFence]

Thanks!

[@Capafool]

My backyard fence was built that way with the top rail over all the posts and over the years it's sagged a good amount. Seems a lot of them were in this area. 6ft post to post. Likely an easy build for them but looks bad now. I'm getting rdy to tear it down and re-do it. Perhaps a good video to do on why NOT to do it that way

[@SWiFence]

Not exactly what you're asking for, but we do have this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSQfq2YbM2se5I

[@normrodriguez9306]

It would be nice if you showed adding fastners to you diagonal brace. First screw is obvious, what about the others?

[@SWiFence]

That's good feedback. It's hard to remember everything when we're making a video. If you pause the video at 17:36 you can see where some of the screws are in the brace. The main thing is you're going to want to make sure each end of the brace is securely fastened in with a couple of screws. Toenail them in where it makes sense to you.

[@matthewwhittle5064]

Look up Fix A Fence LLC on KZbin on how to build a wood gate not as heavy as your and will last just as long if not longer my guess

[@ashnur]

Will you go next time bottom first? :D

[@johncamp7679]

Those black screws, or most any that come with a kit, will strip out just touching them. Get some quality assortment of screws, you can always paint the ends black.

[@kenschmidt6522]

The gate would be stronger if the vertical and diagonal parts would all run straight through, not bisected by the center horizontal piece.

[@xisotopex]

I didnt see you level the three rails of the gate.... is that not necessary?

[@johngan3652]

what brand of shorts are those

[@SWiFence]

truewerk.com/products/mens-t1-werkshort?variant=39941944868906

[@eimvizier6601]

“The street is the best place for those”- in reference to old screws🤣

[@SWiFence]

I'm gonna have to watch what I say! Had a teenager watch this video and literally chuck his screws in the street! 🙄😆

[@carlmeibergen8149]

I've built a few gates and always struggled to get the layout right, then struggled to get it into place. I used your method and it was a breeze! Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@SWiFence]

Great to hear! Thanks!

[@steveperreira5850]

Structurally, this is not the right way to build a gate. Everything is wrong about the 2 x 4 pieces of the frame of this gate. And I mean everything. So sad. This Carpenter is a pretty good guy and he is trying to teach people but what he is doing here is wrong. Stay tuned in 2025 I will be putting up a video on how to make A wooden gate that is very attractive and it will not sag. It takes a little more time but not too much. Well worth it. Because every other way shown on KZbin will sag!!

[@MySlugger]

Wait, i always thought is was the same guy, i didn't realize it was 2 different people 😆🤣🤣

[@SWiFence]

What! 🤣

[@steveperreira5850]

@@SWiFence: Pay attention boys, in 2025 I will be showing you how to make a wooden gate that Will not sag. It is also attractive and not too hard to build. The way you were doing it, guaranteed it will sag. All contractors do it more or less your way and they all do it wrong. I’m not trying to be argumentative here. I’m in the building industry and I know what I’m talking about. Everywhere I go there are SAGging Gated except for the ones I have made. I appreciate your other videos on fence building. It’s not my main focus in construction, but I learned a lot from you guys. I promise you, the gate Technique I will teach will be the end all for wooden gates.

[@fenceman53]

As a long time fencer I have noticed that fencers usually are thin and wiry but always have a bit of beer 🍺 gut. I wonder 💭 why?😊

[@SWiFence]

No comment. 😁

[@moose64]

Video was going good till the 7:19 mark. 🤪

[@SWiFence]

Right?! 😁

[@brucegay4847]

On the outside of the gate you put the handle on upside down, think about it. grab the handle with your left hand and use your thumb to open the latch!!! you can not do that the way u mounted the handle, now its two hands or very awkward to say the least. I use 1/2 inch plw wood scraps as spacers then you dont have to cut any thing on the gate just pull the screws out!! good video I guess!!

[@OswaldMcGarity]

Why don't you use a t hinge

[@s28278187]

Instructions unclear, left screws in the road while Dan was on the phone

[@SWiFence]

🤣

[@2chipped]

Thank you for using adjustable hinges! You have to be an idiot for using fixed,#1 callback/frustration is a gate that doesn't function. I build with 10" timber screws at all 4 corners ,and through the hinges. Angle brace next in compression next,and mid rail last cut atound the brace. Ive built in place,but prefer a bench built with 1/2 gap per side. Again thanks for showing proper bracing (although I prefer continuous),and by far absolutely without a doubt #1 best decision...adjustable hinges. You can add trim on the posts to hide the gap if requested by the customer. 15 yrs experience.

[@2chipped]

Also add loctite to the latch bolt,they can loosen up

[@HerbertPortillo]

👏👏👏👏👍

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

out of the blue with no explanation he says "so all the way from the top to the bottom thats 5/8 of an inch out of level"

[@justindavis1546]

You always talk about wind but it's never blowing when you are filming.

[@SWiFence]

We don't particularly love filming when it's extra windy. The camera guy gets grumpy when we get a lot of wind in the mics.

[@catahoulla8488]

Did u just come back from a game of golf?😂

[@jmac8834]

12:27 Please throw your screws into a bin, not the street! I have spent a fortune on new tyres and had to cancel kids outings last minute because of thoughtless actions like that. Good work, love the gate :)

[@SWiFence]

Yes, for sure! We don't actually advocate throwing them in the street. 😏👍🏻