Urgent, need security help

[sdkubota]

Couldn't they just drive around the gate...D'oh!

 

[UWAdventurer]

Can the gate be lifted off the hinge side? Can't tell from the photos. If so you need to weld stops above the hinges to prevent it.

 

[gcp]

sd I wish they would attempt to drive around, there's a 50 foot drop to the creek on the right, and I'm talking clif like drop, and hundreds of 50 year old trees on the left.... but I thoought we discussed that once before, were you not paying attention? :drink:

uw, the hinges are welded in place in such a manner where the gate can not be lifted, as you can see to remove it one would have to be cut. Actually I welded the cattle gate's hinges as well....

 

[stuckmotor]

I wouldn't set any booby traps. If someone is injured, they might sue you AND WIN.

 

[zzvyb6]

From a structural analysis standpoint, your gate is still weak in a few areas. A chain placed in the center, at the top or bottom will twist and fold the square tubing. This will put so much strain on the hinges that they will break their welds and/or tear the parent metal.

Helpng with this would be taller hinge posts with more hinges (4 ?) and wide flat thick steel plate decking on the top and bottom. Two 4" I-beams are what I'd add to his array, and a diagonal rod or cable. You need latches to match the hinge reinforcement, too. Otherwise the latch is the weak point.

Put some electrical boxes on the gate posts to imply that there some sort of alarm or gate movement sensor involved in its operation. Maybe even some "Danger 220v" stickers on the posts. Very small. Not to be seen by anyone but those working on the electrical boxes. The bandits won't be fooled by big/large signs, but will be by tiny ones where real danger could be had.

Chain makes the best resistance to penetration. Run some serious chain criss-crossed around the hinge post and use the ends to wrap around the other one with your lock or use a loop. Then bolt the loop into a box made out of steel plate whose cover is padlocked. Run your pretend 220v electric wire into this box. This sends a message that there is a puzzle to be solved to get this gate open, the gate is strong enough to withstand a strong tug, and its probably going to damage the vehicle when it pops open.

That leaves the gate posts as the weakest links. BIG I-beams for them....

 

[sdkubota]

or move to a safer area of the country. We still shoot thieves around my parts and you don't hear of much thievery going on here. We also don't have heavy woods which allows people the advantage of not being seen. That is really terrible that such measures need to be taken to protect one's property. Seriously though, there isn't that much thievery that occurs in SD.

 

[gcp]

Thank you for the costructive critisism. No doubt if someone wants in badly they can tear things up enough to gain entrance but the thieves around here don't seem to be vandals, they are oportunistic punks out for a quick fix. I hope the dual gate) will do, for the time, among the electronics I'm about the install next, it'll be a teared defense.

 

[aczlan]

Thank you for the costructive critisism. No doubt if someone wants in badly they can tear things up enough to gain entrance but the thieves around here don't seem to be vandals, they are oportunistic punks out for a quick fix. I hope this gate(s) will do, for the time, among the electronics I'm about the install next, it'll be a teared defense.

Does it bow if you pull on the bottom corner on the lock side? Might be worth adding a 2nd locking tab to the bottom.

Aaron Z

 

[pathunt]

gcp -
Sorry to hear about your break-in.
Will be using some of these suggestions today.
Someone set a fire on the 23rd that took out 50 acres of underbrush and some timber; and we live here.

 

[Hunchback]

If you are parking a camp truck near by make sure you use a hidden fuel shut off or they may use your vehicle to help themselves. Goes for your tractor too.