What to use for gate posts

freewookie · Dec 6, 2014

Any recommendations for a chain and lock. At least something to combat a common bolt cutter. It's temporary until I can get a solar opener on it in the spring.

s219 · Dec 6, 2014

Get a cable -- it's a little harder to cut than chain (and very difficult with bolt cutters). Lowes sells 3/8" coated Schlage lock cables -- I think the 7 footer is about $8. I used to loop that around gate and post a few times. Shorter cable might be fine.

freewookie · Dec 6, 2014

s219 said:
Get a cable -- it's a little harder to cut than chain (and very difficult with bolt cutters). Lowes sells 3/8" coated Schlage lock cables -- I think the 7 footer is about $8. I used to loop that around gate and post a few times. Shorter cable might be fine.

Ah yeah hadn't even thought of cable. Thx!

aczlan · Dec 6, 2014

freewookie said:
Any recommendations for a chain and lock. At least something to combat a common bolt cutter. It's temporary until I can get a solar opener on it in the spring.

Grade 100 chain: Campbell Chain 040541205 3/8" X 5 FT Grade 100 Alloy Chain Bright: Coil Chains: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific and a 7/16" high security lock (such as: Schlage 994831 Solid Steel Round Padlock, 63.5mm, 2.5-Inch Shackle, 2-Count Keyed Alike - - Amazon.com )

Aaron Z

jhays · Nov 29, 2016

Great thread, found more information here than searching Google for an hour. I'm probably just going to go with a couple of galvanized steel pipes, maybe some treated lumber, however, if I decided to build a couple of rock pillars, what would be the best way to attach the gate to the stone?

beowulf · Nov 29, 2016

I used 4 and a half inch steel pipe sunk in holes about 4 feet deep with added concrete for a somewhat heavy 14 foot swinging and decorative gate. That was years ago and I know I overbuilt it - but it has not budged and gate closes perfectly - level and plumb. I am an advocate of building it right once. I bought a 20 foot pipe and cut it down - it was threaded at both ends so I also added a cap.

That was for a main entry gate to our drive way at the highway. For other gates - farm and cattle gates - I have used wood, or other metal posts I already had around. I have braced the posts at the hinged side with other posts and wiring.