The Pros and Cons of Bolt on Gate Hardware

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Depending on where you are in the world, there’s a good chance the gate hardware that is used in your area is not the same as everywhere else. There are also different types of gate hardware for different fence types.

One of the big choices when it comes to gate hardware, though, is whether you want bolt-on gate hardware or something else. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Gate Hardware?

Gate hardware is a collective term for the fittings that are used to hang or operate all types of gates. Gate hardware might include:

• Gate hinges
• Gate latches
• Panic gate hardware
• Gate wheels or gate rollers
• Drop bolts
• Gate auto closers

As you can imagine, every different type of fence and gate will require a slightly different kind of gate hardware, so there are nearly endless combinations!

What Is Bolt On Gate Hardware?

There are several ways that gate hardware, like hinges and latches, can be attached to gates.

In some cases, usually high-security fencing, gate hardware is welded to the gate frame. This makes the hardware part of the gate and is a more secure option.

However, sometimes, welding is not an option, or the fence system might not be as high security. In this case, various gate fittings and hardware might be bolted to the gate frame and gate post as necessary. Sometimes, this is done through holes drilled in the fence or gate component, but sometimes, it’s simply done by tightening a bolt on the fitting itself.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bolt On Gate Hardware?

Like everything in fencing and in life, there are pros and cons to bolt-on gate hardware. These include:

Pros of Bolt on Gate Hardware

• Can be installed on premanufactured gate frames
• Quicker and easier to install
• Usually less costly
• Easy to adjust on site
• Comes in various sizes
• Can be combined in various configurations
• Easy to replace if damaged
• Pre galvanizeded and finished, so no additional coating is required

Cons of Bolt On Gate Hardware

• Less secure – bolts and nuts are a weak point
• May require on-site drilling
• Finish and color could be different if purchased from different manufacturers
• Limited design and configuration options, unlike custom gate hardware components
• May have a different warranty to the fence and or gate, if purchased from a different manufacturer
• May not be adequate for the weight and usage of the gate unless recommended and installed by a fence contractor

Choosing the Right Gate Hardware

Choosing the right gate hardware is a key part of good gate design. Fence and gate fittings and hardware are often the weakest part of any fence line, and if you choose the wrong options, they might not get the job done effectively.

However, while bolt-on gate fittings might not be ideal for high-security gates and fences, they are perfect for lower-security fences and gates, including residential fences and gates. They’re easy to use, many are readily available, and they are usually forgiving and adjustable.

As usual, it’s a good idea to speak to a fence pro if you’re not sure what’s best for your gates. They’ll be able to recommend options that will work for your site.

How to Make Bolt On Gate Hardware More Secure

If you do choose to use bolt-on gate hardware and you find that it’s not as secure as you would like, there may be things you can do to improve the situation.

Tack welding metal gate hardware to gate frames on site makes it harder for your bolt-on gate hardware to be easily removed. You could also damage the thread on the bolt so that it can’t be removed easily or apply an epoxy adhesive to the thread, which will have the same effect.

Welding a cover strip onto a gate frame or post that limits access to the gate hardware to one side only is another option that might make bolt-on gate hardware a little more secure.

Types of Bolt-On Gate Hardware

There are many different types of fittings that fall under the umbrella of bolt-on gate hardware, so let’s look at some of the bolt-on gate hardware fittings on the market and what they are usually used for.