Gate Alignment in Dripping Springs and the Hill Country
A different kind of bro.
A gate that drags is telling you the post moved. Sagging gate repair, hinge replacement, latch repair, post stabilization, and gate frame correction. The targeted service for the most common Hill Country fence call: a gate that no longer closes properly.
Why Gates Drag
Service overview
Gate alignment is the most common fence repair call across the Hill Country. Sagging gates, gates that no longer latch, gates that drag on the ground, and gates with broken hinges or latches are universal issues that show up on cedar fences after 5 to 10 years. The Handy Bro handles every alignment fix personally with diagnosis of the actual root cause before any hardware swap.
The common DIY mistake on gate alignment is replacing the latch or the hinges without diagnosing why the gate is sagging in the first place. Usually the root cause is the post supporting the gate. The post has shifted in clay soil, leaned by 5 to 10 degrees, and the entire gate is now hanging at an angle. Adding a new latch does not fix the lean. The post needs resetting.
When the post is sound and the gate frame itself has racked, repair includes pulling the gate frame square, adding diagonal bracing, and re mounting with the right hinges sized to the gate weight. Heavier wooden gates need heavy duty hinges that lighter store bought hinges cannot match.
Gates That Stick, Sag, or Will Not Latch
Real scenarios
Diagnosis Before Hardware Swap
Sagging gates are usually caused by a leaning post, not a failed latch or hinge. The Handy Bro diagnoses the root cause before any hardware swap. Replacing the latch when the post needs resetting wastes time and money.
Re Plumbing the Support Post
When the post supporting the gate has shifted, the fix is post resetting. Remove the post, expand the hole, plumb the post, re set with concrete or compacted gravel. The gate hangs straight again.
Weight Appropriate Hinge Upgrade
Heavier wooden gates need heavy duty hinges sized to the gate weight. Store bought lightweight hinges fail within months. The Handy Bro installs heavy duty hardware rated for the actual load.
Squaring a Twisted Gate Frame
When the gate frame itself has racked (the rectangular shape has twisted into a parallelogram), repair includes pulling the frame square, adding diagonal bracing, and re mounting.
What the Alignment Covers
Service scope
Gate Alignment Covers
- Gate sag diagnosis: post lean versus gate frame racking
- Post resetting where the supporting post has shifted
- Hinge replacement with weight appropriate hardware
- Latch repair and replacement
- Gate frame squaring and diagonal bracing
- Final alignment, latch test, and full open close verification
What Is Not Included
Full fence repair, post resetting on multiple posts, and significant board replacement go under the broader fence repair service. The gate alignment service is targeted to single gate repair scenarios.
Pricing
Quotes are written after seeing the actual conditions. See the care packages.
How the job runs
The process runs the same way on every visit. See the full process.
Gate Questions, Answered
FAQ
Why Does My Gate Sag?
The most common cause is the post supporting the gate has shifted in clay soil and leaned. Adding a new latch does not fix the lean. The post needs resetting. Less commonly, the gate frame itself has racked and needs squaring.
How Is Gate Alignment Priced?
Cost depends on whether the issue is hardware only, post resetting, or full gate frame work. Simple hinge or latch replacement is the lower end. Post resetting plus hinge replacement is more involved. The free property walk confirms scope.
How Long Does Gate Alignment Take?
A hardware only fix typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Post resetting plus hardware replacement runs 3 to 5 hours including post setting cure time.
Do You Replace the Gate?
Gate replacement (building a new gate) is part of the broader fence work scope, not standard gate alignment. The alignment service is focused on bringing the existing gate back to proper function.
Can You Handle Heavy Wooden Gates?
Yes. Heavy gates need heavy duty hinges sized to the gate weight. The Handy Bro stocks weight appropriate hardware for heavier residential gates.
Will You Check the Rest of the Fence Too?
Yes. While on site for gate alignment, The Handy Bro walks the fence line and notes any other issues that need attention. The free property walk covers the full fence assessment.
Does This Reach the Far End of the County?
Across all 13 Hill Country service areas. Gate alignment is the most common fence call in every area.
Gate Work Across the Hill Country
Service areas
Worked out of Dripping Springs, with standing coverage in Driftwood, Kyle, Oak Hill, Spicewood, and the rest of the 13 area service map.
Ready to Get the Gate Swinging Right?
One visit to look, one written scope, then the work. The Handy Bro personally handles every gate alignment project across Dripping Springs and the Hill Country.
Or call 254.371.3365
Thanks, Your Request Is In
Warren will reach out to set a time for your free property walk. Need him sooner? Call or text 254.371.3365.
One More Step
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