Types of Gate Closers and How to Choose the Right One

Types of Gate Closers and How to Choose the Right One

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If you have a gate that needs to stay closed, it’s probably not enough to have a sign on it. Most people will make sure it’s closed, but there are always some who won’t, for whatever reason.

Fortunately, in the gate world, there are equipment options to do things like this. Here’s what you need to know about gate closers.

What Is the Typical Size of a Garden Gate?

What Is the Typical Size of a Garden Gate?

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Whether you have an existing fence that you want to install a new pedestrian gate in or you’re planning a new fence project, you might be wondering what the typical size of a garden gate is.

As you might have already discovered, there isn’t much in the fence world that’s “typical,” but we’ve got some basic information for you.

What Is the Difference Between Gate Size and Gate Opening Size?

What Is the Difference Between Gate Size and Gate Opening Size?

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If you’re shopping for gates, there’s a good chance at least one person has asked you whether you’re talking about gate size or gate opening size.

If you’re not in the fence business, this might seem like the same thing. However, it’s actually not! Let’s take a closer look at the difference between gate size and gate opening size.

How Does an Exit Loop for Gates Work?

How Does an Exit Loop for Gates Work?

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If you’ve been investigating an automated gate system, there’s a good chance you’ve been offered an exit loop for your gate. This is a very common motorized gate accessory and very useful if you want to have easy egress from your site.

However, while most people have heard of an exit loop for gates, most also don’t know how they work or how they are made. Let’s take a closer look.

How Do Gate Safety Beams Work?

How Do Gate Safety Beams Work?

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If you’re planning to install an automated gate or you want to add a gate motor to your existing gate, you will discover that most gates require safety equipment.

In fact, according to UL325, which is the latest standard for automatic gate safety in North America, you need to have a minimum of two safety features installed on your gate. Compliant gate operators won’t even work if you don’t. If you think you might want to use electric gate safety beams, read this.

What Does Keyed Alike Mean?

What Does Keyed Alike Mean?

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The fence industry tends to overlap a little with a few other industries, including the lock and latch industry.

During your searches for gates and other access-related equipment, you might have run into the term “keyed alike.” If you’re wondering what does keyed alike mean and does it matter to you, you’re in the right place! Here is what you need to know.

How to Install a J Bolt Gate Hinge

How to Install a J Bolt Gate Hinge

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If you’re installing a chain link gate in North America, and it’s a fairly heavy gate or one that will be used on a commercial or industrial chain link fence, there’s a good chance you’ll be using J bolt gate hinges to get the job done.

Let’s take a closer look at how J bolt gate hinges work and how to install a J bolt gate hinge.

What Are Bi-Fold Gates, and Why Might They Be Right for Your Site

What Are Bi-Fold Gates, and Why Might They Be Right for Your Site

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Whether you got here by searching for bi-fold driveway gates or you’re just looking for a gate solution that will work for your project, you’re in the right place.

Let’s take a closer look at what bi-fold gates are, how they are made, and why they might be the type of gate you need.

What Footings Are Needed to Support an Electric Sliding Gate?

What Footings Are Needed to Support an Electric Sliding Gate?

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If you’re thinking about installing an electric sliding gate, you might be wondering what size concrete footings you will need to support the gate properly.

Unfortunately, this is not a one size fits all answer, but we do have some tips to help you ensure that you get the right footings for your gate. Here’s what you need to consider.

How to Hang a Wooden Gate on a Metal Post

How to Hang a Wooden Gate on a Metal Post

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Many people like the look of wooden gates, and they love the privacy they offer over other types of gates like chain link. However, you might already have a metal post alongside your gate opening, or you might be intending to install your wood fence on steel posts.

If you’re wondering if you can hang a wooden gate on a metal post, the answer is usually yes. Now let’s look at how you can do that.

What Is a Gate Mag Lock?

What Is a Gate Mag Lock?

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If you’re looking for a higher security locking option for a gate, you might want to consider a gate mag lock.

Let’s take a closer look at how gate mag locks work, what your access accessory options are, and what the pros and cons of this type of lock are.

Common Types of Gates and Gate Designs

Common Types of Gates and Gate Designs

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Every site and fence is slightly different, and one of the biggest variants is the type of gates that are required for the site.

Gate types differ by size, material and operation (manual or automated); however, there are some common types of gates and gate designs that can be used to create gates for many different fence types and site requirements. Let’s take a closer look at those gate types, how and where they are commonly used, and other general information to help you choose the right gates for your project.

How to Open Electric Gates Manually

How to Open Electric Gates Manually

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Electric gates (or automated gates and motorized gates as they are also known) certainly are convenient! However, there are certain times – like when the power goes out – that they’re a little less useful.

Most good electric gate operators have a backup battery that will give you a few opens and closes, but you might still need to know how to open electric gates manually. Here’s what you need to know.

Can Electric Gates Be Forced Open?

Can Electric Gates Be Forced Open?

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Very often, electric gates (also known as motorized gates or automated gates) are installed for security. However, as we’ve said before, there is no fence or wall that is completely impervious, and that applies to gates too.

Can electric gates be forced open? If so, what can you do to protect yourself and your property?

How to Install a Chain Link Fence Double Gate

How to Install a Chain Link Fence Double Gate

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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.

What Does Your Gate Weigh and Why Does It Matter?

What Does Your Gate Weigh and Why Does It Matter?

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If you’re installing a gate, there are a few things you need to know, and one of those is how much your gate weighs.

Whether you are going to have a wooden gate, an ornamental cantilever gate or a chain link gate installed, the weight of your gate will affect certain things. Here’s why you always need to know what your gates weigh.

How Do Automatic Gates Work When the Power Goes Out?

How Do Automatic Gates Work When the Power Goes Out?

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There’s no denying that automatic gates are convenient and that they offer improved security and add value to a property. However, automated gates need power, and sometimes, during power failures or similar events, they don’t get any.

Here’s how your automatic gates work when the power goes out and what you need to know to make sure you can get in and out without trouble.

Can You Convert a Manual Sliding Gate to Automated Later?

Can You Convert a Manual Sliding Gate to Automated Later?

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Many people find the price of gate automation a little high, and they find they need to save or budget for it. But they still need their gate opening closed, so it’s fairly common for customers to consider installing a manual sliding gate at first and then adding gate automation later. Here’s what you need to know.

The Pros and Cons of Wooden Gates

The Pros and Cons of Wooden Gates

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Wooden gates are a popular choice in many parts of the world, and there are many design options out there. They’re often used to match a wood fence, but they can also be used as estate gates or ornate entrance gates.

However, like everything in the world of fencing and gates, there are pros and cons to choosing wooden gates for your home or property.

What Should You Consider When Buying a Gate Motor?
What Should You Consider When Buying a Gate Motor?

What Should You Consider When Buying a Gate Motor?

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Whether you want to buy a gate motor to install as a DIY project (and you have the skills!) or you plan to hire a pro to do the installation for you, if you are shopping for gate motors, there are a few things you should know.

This is our quick guide to choosing the right gate motor for your automated gate.

How Do Gate Remotes Work?

How Do Gate Remotes Work?

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When you install an automatic gate, you need to have certain peripherals that allow access through that gate. While you might decide to add keypads or card readers, the most common way to do this is using a gate remote.

If you’ve ever wondered how gate remotes work, you’re in the right place! Here’s what you need to know.