How to fit a gate spring?

B'stard

I'm want to fit a gate spring to my gate as I'm fed up with the postman/junk mailers etc leaving it open.

I have purchased one of these springs - gate spring
How do it fit it to my gate to get the best tension so it self closes - which part of the gate do I attach it to?

Thanks for looking

sillygoose

The type of closer in your link is meant to be screwed securely to a wooden gate and a wooden post as it then needs some tension winding into it. I can't see how you could attach it to a metal gate easily.. sorry, not sure what type of fitting would be more suitable.

To use the one you have you would have to find some part strong enough to perhaps drill and nut and bolt it on, the gate metal looks too thin to do this unless you fancy welding some plates on. I hate these springs, if the pin slips it can fly out like a bullet. I cover them in araldite after fitting for my own reassurance! Also very careful tightening, a bit too much and the spring will snap easily.

TimBuckTeeth

It should be fitted as a torsion spring so it twists in use rather than as an extension spring. Would be best vertically between the hinges, one end attached to the gate and one to the frame/post. Pins fit in the holes in the round spring end fittings to set the tension.

sillygoose

TimBuckTeeth wrote: »

It should be fitted as a torsion spring so it twists in use rather than as an extension spring. Would be best vertically between the hinges, one end attached to the gate and one to the frame/post. Pins fit in the holes in the round spring end fittings to set the tension.

Ah thats good thinking! Never tried using one like that.

Also wonder if one of these
http://www.screwfix.com/p/3272-surface-mounted-door-closer-black/24521

fixed to the post would work too.

DVardysShadow

sillygoose wrote: »

Also wonder if one of these
http://www.screwfix.com/p/3272-surface-mounted-door-closer-black/24521

fixed to the post would work too.

It would work, but not be durable - these are indoor grade, I think.

sillygoose

DVardysShadow wrote: »

It would work, but not be durable - these are indoor grade, I think.

says "Suitable for outdoor use on doors or gates" but one reviewer did mention it freezing up!

Didn't they used to do hinges for metal gates that tapered against each other.. so the weight of the gate caused it to shut naturally.

Best bet is this...

B'stard

Thanks for the replies.
If this spring closure is not realy suitable for the can anyone recommend something which would force the gate to close after it has been opened, a link would be great:D

B'stard

sillygoose wrote: »

says "Suitable for outdoor use on doors or gates" but one reviewer did mention it freezing up!

Didn't they used to do hinges for metal gates that tapered against each other.. so the weight of the gate caused it to shut naturally.

Best bet is this...

It would be great if the junk mailers could read as I already have a sign on the door window saying no junk mail, advertising or charity callers.
But it seems people cannot understand English, or are ignorant.:mad:

heretohelp

Im not sure if this will work but if you unscrewed the hinge side gate post (just the bottom) and moved it towards your front door and refixed it it might make it want to close all the time . I dont know how much out of plumb you would have to make it to work if it was to much your gate would look rubbish.