How Gates Work

Here's something that new gate owners often get wrong........gates open downhill. I've seen lots of new people, hubby included, that tried to open a gate to the uphill side. That doesn't work. The gate gets stuck on the ground. The only way it can swing freely is to the downhill side. 

Here's a typical gate.......

This is the only way to get it open so that a car can pass through.....

Knowing this is important when you install a gate. You need to make sure there is enough room to fully swing it open on the downhill side. 

This particular gate is homemade. Bent tubular piping with 1/4" bars welded to it. All galvanized metal. Gate posts are reinforced cement pillars. Simple clamp style hinges. 

Simple chain & hook, and welded "latch". 

It works quite nicely and is close to 20 years old and still functioning just fine. Just don't forget to open it downhill. Otherwise you could damage the gate and its hinges.