Tie Rods Make Good Gate Hinges

Tie Rods Make Good Gate Hinges FENCING Gates 32-2-32 Richard and Carma Small really like their unique gate hinges because, in addition to not costing anything, they're easy to install, allow the gate to swing in either direction and are easy to grease. The Ovid, Idaho couple has found that using tie rods they've salvaged from old cars or trucks is an ideal way to go. They have a short bolt on one side, which goes through a hole drilled in the gate's upright post, and the long bolt on the other side goes through the stationary post, according to Richard. It will go through a gatepost of 6 in. or so. "All you have to do is weld a plate on top of the tie rod - the size depends on the size of gate. Usually about a 4-in. sq. plate is just right for an average gate, but if you're using a 2 by 6-in. wooden gate upright, it could be 6 in. sq. If you've got a metal gate post, you'd just weld it on," Richard says. "Having these home-made hinges on the top and bottom of a gate is really nice. They'll pivot, allowing you to swing the gate both ways, and they also have a zerk fitting built right in. They'll last forever, and if they get a little dry you can just put a little grease in them with your grease gun." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Richard and Carma Small, 148 Old Mill Rd., Ovid, Idaho 83254 (ph 208 945-2390).

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