How to Install a Chain Link Fence Double Gate

If you’re looking for information about how to install a chain link fence double gate, you’re in the right place.

We’re about to look at the process of installing a chain link fence double gate step by step and include a list of all the materials you will need to complete the job.

Step 1: Order the Gate, Gate Posts and Fittings

The first step in the process of how to install a chain link fence double gate is to order the materials you will need.

Many hardware stores and fence suppliers have standard-size gates available off the shelf, but if you have a non-standard opening size, you will probably need to have a gate made to suit your measurements. Measure the size of the opening you want to install the gate in, and remember that gates are usually measured by opening size – so your gate manufacturer is likely to deduct for the size of the gate posts, the hardware clearances and so on.

Once you have confirmed what size gate you are going to need, you will need to order the following:

The chain link fence double gate itself
Two metal gate posts with fence post caps
If you are connecting an adjacent fence to the gate posts, you will need tensioning hardware for your gate posts too
A set of four chain link gate hinges
A gate latch
A cane bolt assembly with a gatekeep
Bolts to attach all bolt-on gate hardware

Different size gates will require different gate post sizes and may require different gate hardware too. If you are buying your gate from a reputable supplier, they will be able to advise you on the best hardware and gate posts for the gate you are ordering.

Step 2: Install Your Gate Posts

The next step in the process of how to install a chain link fence double gate is to install the gate posts. Assuming you are installing your gate posts in concrete, you will need to allow a few days for the concrete to dry and harden enough to carry the weight of the gate. However, if you are installing your gate with base-plated posts, you should be able to proceed with the gate installation as soon as the posts are in place.

There is a little math that needs to be done to ensure that your gate posts are in the right place, and here’s what you will need to do:

Use a tape measure to double-check the width of each gate leaf from the outside edge to the outside edge
If your gate hardware comes with product information, check the clearance that is required
If your gate hardware did not come with product information, the standard clearance for chain link gate hardware is about two inches – so you would need to allow a total of six inches for your gate hardware
Add the width of one post – you will be measuring and marking the location of your gate posts from the center of one post to the center of the other, so you only need to add the width of one full gate post
Once you have a number for the center-to-center spacing of your gate posts, mark it on the surface you’re going to install your gate on – usually, a high visibility spray paint works well for this
Assuming you are installing your gate posts with concrete, you can now dig the holes for your posts – ensure that you dig them deep enough and that the diameter of your gate post holes is no less than three times the diameter of your gate posts
Mix your concrete – many hardware stores have ready-mixed concrete in bags, and all you need to do is add the right amount of water and mix it – it’s usually easier to mix and place your concrete using a wheelbarrow and a shovel
Insert your posts into the wet concrete so that it fills the post up from the bottom – this will prevent water from entering your gate posts from the bottom, which is a problem in areas where winter involves freezing!
Use a spirit level or plumb line to ensure that your posts are plumb (this means they are perfectly vertical)
Measure to make sure your gate posts are set to the right height and adjust as necessary
If your concrete mix is stiff enough, it should hold your gate posts in place properly, but if you have any concerns, you can use wood planks to brace your posts in place while they dry
Leave your gate posts and concrete bases set properly for a day or two

Getting your gate posts installed properly and in the right place is probably the most important part of the process of hanging a chain link double gate, so don’t rush this step. Take your time, double-check all your calculations, and as they say, measure twice, and cut once!

Step 3: Hanging the Chain Link Fence Double Swing Gate

Hanging a chain link fence double swing gate is usually a two-person job. Depending on their size, these gates can be heavy, and you will need someone to help you install the gate and hold it in place.

If your gate has open-ended tubing anywhere on the frame, that should be installed towards the bottom of the gate. This allows any water that might find its way into the gate frame to run through and out.

Start by installing the gate post part of the hinges. Most bolt-on chain link gate hinges are two parts – one that is attached to the post and one that is installed on the frame.

Next, attach the gate frame hinge, and then attach the top hinge parts to each other. This will carry most of the weight of the gate, so you can adjust the bottom hinge up and down as necessary.

Take a step back to make sure your gate is hanging level, and make any adjustments that are necessary to ensure your gate is installed at the right height and that it is hanging straight.

Repeat the process with the other side, and finally, install the gate latch once both sides are hung correctly.

Step 4: Installing a cane bolt

A cane bolt, or drop bolt as it’s sometimes known, is a long metal rod that is attached to the bottom of one or both gate leaves. It can be raised and locked in place when you are opening and closing your gate and dropped in place in the open or closed position to hold the gate securely in place.

Most cane bolts and drop bolts are bolted or screwed to your chain link gate frame, but there are some gates that come with this hardware already welded in place.

Regardless of how your cane bolt is installed, you will need to install the cane bolt and keep in the open and closed position. This is usually just a short section of pipe that is installed in a small amount of concrete. Once it’s set, the cane bolt can be dropped into the cane bolt gatekeep, and your gate will not move once in place.

Do this in the center of the gate opening after installing and marking the position of your cane bolt, and then in the open position, so you don’t have to hold your gates in place when you’re driving through or want to have your gates open for some time.

Possible to DIY, If You Are Handy

Now that you know how to install a chain link fence double gate, it’s important to be realistic about whether you have the DIY skills and equipment to get the job done right.

If you would need to buy shovels, levels, a wheelbarrow, tape measures and more just to complete this project, it could end up costing more than the labor a fence company would charge to get the job done for you.

If you’re not sure if it’s better to DIY your double chain link gate installation, contact a few local companies and get quotes. Get quotes on the materials and tools you need too, and then compare them. It’s always better to make any fence and gate decisions with all of the relevant information in front of you.