How to make beautiful metal gates with your own hands. How to make a gate with your own hands: we make sliding gates using a rail mechanism Do-it-yourself metal gates

Swing. In this article we will tell you how to make swing gates with your own hands, look at the example of making metal and automatic gates, and provide explanatory photos, diagrams and drawings.

Regardless of the chosen design, you reserve the right to choose the method of opening them - into the yard or out. Making swing gates is not difficult at all. The classic form of swing gates has a number of distinctive features:

• Functionality.
• Ease of use.
• Compactness.
• No beams or guide rollers.
• There are no size restrictions.
• Possibility to use different materials for manufacturing.
• Possibility to use all kinds of details for decoration.

Types of metal structures

Before you start making gates, it is important to decide on their design. The choice depends on the frequency of their use. Several types of gates can be made from metal; we will consider each separately.

This type of design is not as popular. They are one continuous fabric. In order for them to function well, the support column must be reliably strengthened, which will require a lot of money. If such gates are installed on a garage, then it is necessary to build a powerful metal frame and reinforced hinges. Moreover, the disadvantage is that it is necessary to provide sufficient space to open single-leaf swing gates.

The most common and convenient type of swing gate. Without any effort, they can be made at home. Moreover, their design includes two identical canvases. Therefore, a frame is made of two frames and sheathed with sheet material. Unlike the previous design, less free space is required to open.

For daily use, these gates are very convenient. Moreover, they are made according to the same principle as ordinary double-leaf gates. The only difference is that you attach an additional beam and support to install the gate in the right place on one of the leaves. If a gate of this type is mounted on a garage, then a mortise type of gate is used. In this case, the required hole is cut out in one of the gate leaves and the door is installed.

Forged swing gates are made more for aesthetic effect. If the structure is made in the form of closed elements, then decorative forging is used, but an open type of gate is often used.

As for the garage, a predominantly closed type of gate with individual forging elements is used for their construction.

Regardless of the type of construction, garage doors can be insulated. Due to this, heat will be retained in the garage. And your car will not be subject to corrosion due to sudden temperature changes.

By following the guide below, you will be able to make metal swing gates with your own hands. But for this it is important to closely adhere to the drawing/diagram of the design you have chosen. If it is difficult for you to design your own drawing of swing gates, then at the end of the article you will find many diagrams that you can use as a basis. The basis of the gate will be a metal frame, the fastening of which is carried out in the entrance opening. If you decide to make a gate in your yard, then you can immediately design a gate with a built-in wicket. But to do this, you will need to install strong poles that will support the weight of additional sashes. You also need to install supports, for this you will need:

• building level and tape measure;
• metal pipe 3 pcs. Ø 100 mm;
• shovel;
• facing brick (in case the supports will be covered);
• cement, sand, crushed stone and water;
• plumb line

Installation of supports

The work on making supports looks like this:

1. Measure the entrance opening between the edges of the fence.
2. Place marks for installing pillars.
3. In the chosen location, dig a hole to install a support post.
4. The thickness of the support pipes is selected based on the weight of the swing gates.
5. After installing the pillars in the hole, adjust them to the level. But first fill the bottom of the hole with crushed stone.
6. The installed pillars should be filled with prepared concrete.
7. In order for the pillars to initially stand securely, they should be lined with bricks in the hole itself, and at the same time adjust the vertical level.
8. So, the installation and concreting of the support pillars has been completed.

If the gate is 2 m high, then the depth of the pit should be about 1 m, and the diameter should be 100 mm wider than the diameter of the pipe.

Now is the time to start making the gate frame. To do this you will need:

• metal sheet, 2–3 mm thick;
• metal profile, angle and pipe;
• measuring instruments (level, tape measure);
• metal loops;
• welding machine.

If you are making swing gates for a garage, then first of all you need to make a frame and install it in the opening. It is made from a metal corner of a rectangular or square shape, depending on the garage opening.

As for making a frame for a garage, it is better to make them in duplicate. Secure one on the outside of the opening, and the second on the inside. They are connected to each other by metal strips and welding.

The manufacturing process for gate leaves is as follows:

1. Lay out the corners or profile pipe on a flat surface and weld the shape of the sash according to the drawing.
2. To increase the strength of the structure, strengthen the resulting sashes with diagonal beams.
3. When the frame is ready, you can sheathe it.
4. To cover the gate, use a sheet of metal 2 mm thick. It is not recommended to take sheets that are too thick, because in this case it will be necessary to strengthen the support posts.
5. Next you need to install the hinges. Weld one half of the hinge in the right place on the gate frame, and the other on the support post.
6. Finally, all that remains is to install a mortise lock and a gate, made according to the same principle as the main frame.
7. Painting of swing gates is carried out on the ground or already in a suspended position. There isn't much difference. The only thing worth considering is that painting in a suspended state can cause the formation of drips and sagging. Therefore, be careful when performing this work process.

Every person has a desire for comfort. And this even applies to the use of gates. Modern technologies have made it possible to automate the process of opening swing gates. And there are many advantages to this. For example, when you are in a hurry, you should not waste time getting out of the car to open/close the shutters. If it's raining outside, you can avoid getting wet by going outside again. Reflecting on these positive aspects, we invite you to consider the manufacturing technology and some features of automatic gates.

First, let's highlight some of the features of such a structure:

• Strength.
• Versatility.
• Long service life.
• The mechanism is unpretentious and simple.
• The opening/closing speed is around 15 s.

For the sake of objectivity, consider the disadvantages:

• If there is an obstacle in the way while opening/closing the gate leaves, this will disable the automation and the leaves will jam.
• It is necessary to regularly check the gate opening path, otherwise breakdown is inevitable.

In addition, it is worth highlighting the frequent breakdowns of automation. Although manufacturers claim that this or that mechanism is extremely reliable, nothing lasts forever. However, by carrying out preventive maintenance, any troubles can be avoided.

If during operation the automation stops working, then you should not forcefully close the gate. It may be necessary to reverse the process from opening to closing. When pressed again, the mechanism can start working.

Although this does not solve the problem in all cases. Often you have to turn to specialists to repair automation. Considering all this, do not be afraid of this design. As they say: “If you are afraid of the wolf, do not go into the forest.” You shouldn't give up the benefits of comfort.

It’s worth noting right away that the installation procedure for automatic gates is quite labor-intensive. This requires some qualifications, accuracy and precision. Therefore, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to choose a company that will do everything efficiently and quickly. If you have experience in such work, then following the guide, you will be able to achieve your goal.

The manufacturing process of swing gates was described above. Therefore, we will pay special attention to automation, which is equipped in accordance with certain standards.

So, when installing automation, it is necessary to take into account the following indicators:

• the position of the valves relative to the support column;
• if automation is used without the use of limit switches, then a sash stop is used.

Without taking these important factors into account, the automation will fail, which will lead to rupture of the bracket, breakdown of the electric motor and other unpleasant consequences.

If you really want to, you can make an automatic gate opener yourself. Especially for amateurs, this business will become a real hobby. This is especially true for those people who want to save money.

In any case, the basis of such a drive will be the mechanism that is installed on the gate from the satellite dish. It, in turn, is equipped with a worm gear. As a result, this will completely replace the conventional electric drive.

The satellite television system in its design has a rotating mechanism (this applies to old-type systems). This mechanism is an electric motor that can be used for installation on swing gates. As for the worm gear, its operating principle is similar to the drive. But as for the first option (worm gear), it is more profitable, since a voltage of 36V is sufficient for its operation; conventional magazine drives require a voltage of 220V.

Speaking from the safety point of view, the use of such a step-down transformer plan is more profitable. Moreover, if the voltage increases, then the opening/closing of the gate leaves increases. However, with prolonged increased voltage, the mechanism may fail.

So, to assemble homemade automation, take 2 drives from a satellite dish in working condition. Give preference to those that have long stems.

This mechanism can be purchased at a relatively low price from a specialized company. Plus, you will need to buy a remote control and a transformer with a power of 36–40V.

The remote control will act as a signal to the electric drive to open/close the gate through the leaf. This system can also be installed on garage doors. The remote control range can reach up to 50 m. The entire drive is assembled within 6 hours. To ensure that all automation works properly, supplement it with a current relay. It will prevent possible damage in case a stone or other object gets under the gate leaf. Automation will return the doors back. If the relay is missing, then after several times the motor may burn out and the door leaf may become unusable.

This is how you can make your own automation for swing gates. If you do not have the opportunity and desire to do all this, then you can buy a ready-made mechanism.

First of all, you should consider the method of opening swing gates. For example, the doors can open inward or outward. Based on this, you should select the appropriate automation. Immediately before installation, prepare the following material and tools:

• hammer;
• insulating tape;
• roulette;
• screwdriver;
• pliers;
• drill.

An appropriate electric drive is also selected. It comes in two types:

1. Linear.
2. Lever.

How to determine which one you need? If the internal distance between the support pillars is up to 1.5 m, then a linear one is required. In this case, the automation will not have levers and, accordingly, will take up less space on the gate. If the distance is more than 1.5 m and reaches up to 3 m, then you should purchase a lever mechanism. This drive is also unpretentious and is simply designed for heavy loads. Among other things, you should select the necessary components. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the wind load.

During installation, make sure that the doors open freely. It is very important to monitor this, since after installing the electric drive it may be too late to configure anything.

If you find that the movement of the valves is difficult, then identify the problem and fix it immediately. One of the possible problems is the movement of the shutters out of level. The reason for this is the tilted support column. As a result, this negatively affects automation. When all the shortcomings have been eliminated, you can begin installing automation on the gate.

If you bought the gate automation in a store, then closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing it. In this case, it will work properly for a long time.

It is believed that opening the gate into the yard is a standard scheme. Therefore, any drive will be suitable for this project. So, if the support pillars are made of steel, then it is preferable to use a linear drive. It’s a completely different matter if you have brick supports and swing gates are located in the center of the column. In this case, a linear actuator is not suitable. You will have to install and buy a lever electric drive. The automation itself is mounted on poles, and the levers will allow you to open swing gates, even if the distance from the pole to the gate is 200 mm.

If we compare them with each other, then both linear and lever ones are suitable for externally opening gates. But based on the price, preference, of course, falls on a linear electric drive. The only thing to consider is the method of attaching the drive to the pole when opening from the outside.

In most cases, the drive is attached to a brick, which can quickly crumble. It’s worse if the drive is mounted to an almost destroyed pole. Under such conditions, the automation will disappear along with part of the pole.

Taking this into account, such a pillar requires additional reinforcement. For example, you can weld a metal frame around it. Next, the outward opening drive is set to manual mode, and the mounting brackets are attached to the gate by welding. If you are using a linear drive, then after welding, open the gate completely and leave free movement up to 1 m. After this, check the movement of the leaf and the correct operation of the drive. If everything works properly, then you can connect the automation and connect the engine.

All automation and remote control are configured according to the attached instructions. If one of the doors opens in the wrong direction, then just move the wire in the connection. But if you follow the connection diagram, then no problems should arise.

So, it is important to make the right choice of the necessary automation, taking into account which direction the swing gates will open. From this article you learned that it is possible to make automation yourself. An easier option is to purchase a ready-made kit. But one thing is certain, regardless of the choice you make, having automatic gates will make your life easier. Therefore, when building a gate in a country house, think about what method of opening it will be - automatic or manual. If you have your own experience in installing automatic gates, then write comments on this article.

Video

The video provided tells in more detail about the manufacture of swing gates:

Photo

The photographs show possible options for swing gates:

Schemes and drawings

The diagrams will help you design your own model of swing gates:

Swing gates are one of the most common, as their cost is much lower compared to sliding, sliding or lifting ones. They are quite easy to install and can be metal or wood. You can make them yourself if you strictly follow the directions, drawings and instructions, and also have the necessary materials and tools.

Swing gates: types and design features

Based on their design features, there are two-leaf and single-leaf gates. Often in garages, hangars and warehouses they use a combined version - with two doors and a gate. This significantly saves space and materials for creating a separate entrance.

Garages usually have gates with two leaves and a wicket.

In most cases, we find structures made of metal sheets or wooden picket fences, and only in some public places (hospitals, government organizations and institutions, schools, kindergartens, etc.) - forged, tubular or lattice. They can also be mechanical and automatic.

1. Metal gates can be made of corrugated sheets, aluminum (cheaper, but have a shorter service life) or steel sheets with a thickness of 1 to 5 mm. The latter are resistant to various damages, but are very heavy, so they require stronger support posts. Swing gates made of corrugated sheets are an excellent example of a reliable, durable and aesthetically attractive design that can be made in almost a few days from a minimal amount of material. The disadvantage of metal gates is their susceptibility to corrosion if not properly maintained.

   Metal swing gates are durable and reliable, but are susceptible to corrosion

2. Wooden products are durable and reliable, and have a beautiful appearance. Their advantages are reasonable price and long service life, and disadvantages are a low degree of fire resistance and susceptibility to rotting.

   Wooden swing gates look beautiful, but have a low degree of fire resistance

3. Very often you can find a combined option - steel supports with metal doors, covered with wooden boards, which also serve as an additional element of strength.
4. Automatic swing gates with an electric drive simplify the process of opening and closing them, since this does not have to be done manually. The principle of operation of the electric drive is the operation of a gearbox, which drives the lever that controls the swing gate. Typically, the automatic installation includes a signal light, an electrical unit, photocells and the lock itself.

   Automatic swing gates are often made from corrugated sheets

Electric drives in automatic designs are divided into three types:

1. Lever. They are equipped with a curved lever that sets the doors in motion. This is a simple and inexpensive drive that meets all the requirements for strength and reliability. It allows you to open gates weighing about 1 ton.
2. Underground. They are quite difficult to install and subsequently maintain, so they are rarely used.
3. Linear. They give swing gates an aesthetic appearance due to the fact that the lever is tightly mounted to a metal or wooden leaf. They have a large power reserve, so they are more expensive than lever ones.

Swing gate device

The structure consists of a frame made of a round or square pipe of a certain diameter and cross-section and valves, each of which may contain:

The optimal gate width is 3 meters. This distance is sufficient for entry of any type of passenger car and even a truck. The height of the gate without taking into account the rise above the ground usually reaches 2 m.

Preparing for the construction of swing gates: drawings and sketches

You must first select a location for the swing gates and carry out some preparatory work:

• clear the area;
• remove trash;
• if necessary, level the surface.

You will also need an accurate design drawing.

An accurate drawing of swing gates will help you calculate the required amount of material

What you will need for work: materials and tools

To build the frame of a double-leaf swing gate you will need:

• metal profile with a cross section of 8x10 or 10x10 cm with a wall thickness of about 0.7 cm;
• profile pipe 6x3x0.2 cm;
• channel beam with walls 14–16 cm thick.

Corrugated sheets - light metal sheets coated with special compounds that can significantly extend the service life of the material and do not require additional processing or painting - are most often used to cover the frame of swing gate structures. There are several brands:

• C is a durable and lightweight sheet, which is made of galvanized steel and has a small rib height;
• NS - has a greater corrugation height and sheet height;
• H - a heavy sheet that has a high level of strength and reliability, is used for cladding large structures.

Usually people buy profiled sheets of the C8 or C10 brand, since they are considered the lightest and most durable. The number here indicates the depth of the wave. Craftsmen recommend using a sheet with a thickness of 0.4 mm: this way the gate will weigh approximately 50 kilograms, and installation will not require large lifting devices and mechanisms.

The optimal type of profiled sheets for cladding swing gates is material grade C8 or C10

The work also requires roofing felt or other waterproofing material, concrete mortar and metal corners.

Material calculation

To determine the total length of the frame, perform the following steps:

• multiply the width of one sash by 4;
• multiply the height of the frame by 6;
• find the sum of the obtained numbers.

We calculate the amount of metal profile as follows:

• find the area of ​​one sash (multiply its width by height);
• multiply the resulting value by 2.

If you choose the standard width and height of the sash (2 m), then you will need 8 m 2: two sheets of 4 m 2 each to install two leaves.

The height of the support pillars should correspond to the height of the corrugated sheet, taking into account burial in the ground, and this is another plus of 50–70 centimeters.

Tools

To build swing gates you will need:

• drill, bayonet and shovel;
• drill;
• electric screwdriver;
• metal scissors;
• square and level.

Step-by-step instructions for the manufacture and installation of gates

After clearing the space for installing the structure and preparing materials and tools, the main work can begin.

1. Mark the place for burying the support pillars, and then use a drill to make holes for their installation with a depth of approximately 1.2 m and a diameter of 0.5 m. If you don’t have a drill, you can use a shovel. The pillars must stand very firmly, since the reliability of future gates depends on this.
2. Clean the pipes, removing rust from them, treat them with an anti-corrosion agent and wrap the lower edge with roofing material. This is necessary to protect parts from corrosion.
3. Place a layer of crushed stone about 15 cm thick at the bottom of each hole, install pipes and fill with concrete. Close the upper parts of each rack with special plugs to prevent water from getting inside.
4. Check the verticality of the supports using a level. To prevent the pillars from sagging, they can be supported with special beams. Wait until the concrete dries (3–5 days).
5. Assemble the frame on a special flat area.
6. Weld it and further strengthen it with steel corners.
7. Visually divide the long sides of the frame into 3 parts and weld jumpers - stiffening ribs - to conventional points. You can also weld the strips diagonally.
8. Weld the hinges to the places where the jumpers are attached.
9. Cover the frame with corrugated sheets, having previously cut out rectangular recesses for the hinges with a metal knife.

   Recesses for loops on the corrugated sheet are cut with a metal knife

10. For fastening, use hex head screws, matched to the color of the base material.
    

    Hex head screws are used to fasten the corrugated sheets.

11. It is better to weld the hinges when the frame is still on the site. To prevent the gate from being removed, weld additional mounting angles above the top.
12. Hang the gate on its hinges and place a wooden stand under the middle of the structure.

Electric drive for swing gates

You can also make this part yourself if you are knowledgeable about electricity. Its main part is a mechanism from a parabolic antenna with a worm gear. Old-style satellite TV has a rotating mechanism that can be installed on swing gates. The worm gear operates like a rotary mechanism, but can be operated on a low voltage of 36 volts. Factory drives only operate on 220 volt power.

For assembly you will need:

The device can be assembled in one day.

Installation of factory electric drive

If you prefer a more reliable system, it is better to use automatic factory units. But first you need to decide where the doors will open - inward or outward.

Drive Installation Tools:

• electric drill;
• pliers;
• screwdriver;
• roulette;
• insulating tape;
• hammer.

To select the type of device, you will need to measure the distance between the hinges and the inside of the support:

Next, we determine the width of the sash and also take into account the required wind load. The gate leaves must move easily so that the electric drive can open and close them smoothly. If the structure opens inward, any electric drives can be installed. For steel pillars it is best to take a linear or lever model, and for brick pillars - only the second. If the gate leaves open outward, then any system that is mounted inside the opening will do. It will take up about 15 centimeters of space on each side of the structure.

Operating procedure:

1. Weld metal reinforcements around the column when installing the electric drive on a brick pillar.
2. Set the hydraulic drive to manual mode and connect the fastening elements to the gate by welding.
3. If a linear model is selected, then after welding, leave at least 1 cm after the gate is fully opened for smooth and free movement. Check the movement of the valves and the clarity of the movement of the electric drive, and then install the stops and motors.
4. Install the strips, attach the remote controls and turn on the system. Then equip the automation with switches.
5. Install a warning light and a photographic device that cannot be equipped until all other systems have been adjusted.

After welding, all seams must be sanded well to remove scale and excess metal. It is better to treat the pillars and frame with a special anti-corrosion agent and paint them.

Bolts for swing gates

If you plan to install automatic gates, then complex locks and deadbolts will not be needed. But if you wish, you can install them. Vertical models are one of the most common, as they are easy to make with your own hands from ordinary fittings:

An overhead horizontal bolt is usually installed on swing gates made of corrugated sheets on the transverse strips of the frame.

Video: how to make an electric gate

You can build electric swing gates yourself. By following the instructions for mounting and covering the frame, installing an automatic system, the home owner will be able to install a reliable and durable structure on his site.

Classic swing gates can have symmetrical or asymmetrical leaves, as well as an additional entrance gate. Regardless of the type of structure, their manufacture follows the same principle.

Installation of supports

When the soil heaves in winter, the load on the gate support posts can reach up to 10 tons per 1 square meter. m. In addition, they also experience a significant dynamic load of several hundred kilograms during their opening and closing. Therefore, to increase the service life of such a structure, reliable support is required, deepened into the ground to a sufficient depth.

The procedure for installing gate posts:
1. Pipes or 2.5 mm profiles with a diameter of 60 mm and above can be used as supporting structures. The use of a corner is not recommended: it is not capable of providing the structure with the necessary rigidity. For crossbars, the profile can be slightly narrower: up to 30 mm.

Advice. A frame that is too massive will create too much load on the supporting pillars, so when choosing a thick-walled profile, they are strengthened accordingly.

Support pillars

1. To install them, a pit is prepared to the depth of soil freezing (and its depth cannot be less than 1 m). For example, in the Moscow region it will be equal to 1.4 m. You can dig a pit using an earth drill or manually. In this case, its diameter must be at least twice the cross-section of the pipe.

Pit for pouring support pillars

2. Before pouring concrete, a sand and crushed stone cushion 20 cm high is placed at the bottom of the pit.
3. The pillars are fixed in the pit, leveled using a level and filled with sand-cement mixture. The installation of the gate is carried out no less than a week after it has completely set.

Advice. To prevent concrete from cracking, the ground around it should be spilled with water and compacted before pouring. To prevent premature drying, the top of the foundation should be covered with film and periodically moistened with water.

The main stages of manufacturing gate leaves

2. The metal profile is cut to the specified dimensions.
3. From each edge of the strip, lines are drawn at an angle of 45° using a square, and then a cut is made along them using a grinder. To improve the strength of welds, the cut points are carefully cleaned to bare metal.

Marking profile joints

4. The collar profiles are laid out on a flat surface and tightly joined at the corners. To secure the structure, you can use corner clamps (clamps for fixation). To ensure that the collar does not “lead”, you should check before welding square correct placement of profiles inside the structure and then outside. The horizontalness of the surface is verified using level.

Checking horizontal and angles

5. Using a tape measure The height and width of the collar are also controlled. In case of an error, the correctness of cutting the corners and the location of each of the parts is checked.

Advice. If the channel or profile is slightly bent, it can be leveled with a hammer after preheating the metal over a gas burner.

Checking the height and width of the structure

6. After adjusting all the nodes, the seams in the corners are first tacked and then welded with a continuous seam. All welding points are cleaned with a grinder with a flap attachment. In the future, before painting, small cavities (voids) formed at the seams can be treated with automotive putty.
7. Next they dock transverse crossbars at an angle of 90°. To prevent the gates from “twisting”, in addition to the transverse ones, at least one door must be installed in them to increase rigidity. diagonal jumper. The angle of its connection with the profile of the gate can only be determined experimentally: it depends only on the design of the gate.

Crossbars running across the collar and diagonally

8. To hang the gate, one of the sides must be reinforced with a small piece of metal angle.

Reinforcement of metal strip for welding hinges

Welding gate hinges

The simplest device is a pin on which a cap is placed. To weld the hinges, the collar should be aligned in the same plane with the post with a gap not less than 5 mm. 20 or 25 cm are removed from the top and bottom of the collar and a mark is made with a pencil or chalk. Then the lower part of the hinge is welded to the frame (gate leaf), and the lower part is welded to the base.

Tack loops

Usually the hinges are welded through plates (ears): Small strips of metal are attached to both parts of the hinge, and then these plates are welded to the gate and frame. This method allows you to weld both the hinge and the plate on both sides, and then attach it to the top, side and bottom using three seams.

To ensure that the hinges do not sinter together during welding, all moving parts should be thoroughly coated with grease before starting work. The welding seam is laid from bottom to top.

Since the supports will always shift at the slightest movement of the ground, it is also necessary to leave a small gap of several millimeters between the doors.

Frame covering

The gate covering can be of any kind: wooden, made of corrugated sheets or metal sheets, etc. It is attached to the gate using self-tapping screws. If you plan to weld sheet iron, you should choose a more even cold-rolled metal.

Wood paneling

Below are several drawings of swing gates, from which you can choose the most suitable ones. You can develop your own scheme yourself. The optimal gate width for entry of both cars and trucks is 3 m, height is 2 m and above. To save materials, you can combine the gate with a wicket entrance.

Important! When creating your own drawing, you should take into account the gaps of several millimeters between the doors and posts, as well as between the gate and the ground.

If further automation of swing gates is planned, it should be noted that it should be installed only after the shutter travel has been perfectly adjusted. If you have to put in some effort when opening them, the reasons are identified and eliminated.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Reliable, easy to use and easy to manufacture, metal gates are perfect for installation in suburban areas, summer cottages and any other objects. The assembly and installation of the structure in question can be done with your own hands. It’s quite simple and much more profitable than entrusting the same work to professionals. Most often, swing metal gates are installed on individual plots. This is the easiest system to assemble, the device of which can be handled with your own hands without any problems.

Before starting work on installing metal gates, it is necessary to prepare a detailed, competent design of the structure being built. The most important thing is to determine the optimal dimensions.

So, if trucks will pass through the gate, the width of the structure should be 350-400 cm. For passenger cars, a width of 250 cm will be sufficient.

As for the height, for gates in private areas, 200-250 cm is usually sufficient. Everything, again, depends on the size of the car.

Additionally, provide in the design some gap between the ground surface and the gate frame. This gap will allow you to open the gate in snowy weather.

Gate design features

The design of metal gates is based on a frame. To assemble the frame, an ordinary pipe with a diameter of 2-4 cm is usually used. The frame can also be made from a profile with a square cross-section.

Each gate leaf must be equipped with 1-2 horizontal veins, thanks to which a higher rigidity of the system will be ensured. Instead of a horizontal arrangement of veins, you can choose other options, for example, placing one transverse horizontal vein and two diagonal ones.

To assemble the gate yourself, you need to have skills in handling an angle grinder, basic measuring instruments, a welding machine, a screwdriver, and a drill. If you do not have the proper skills, you will have to spend some time learning.

You can use self-tapping screws to secure the sashes, but it is best to use standard fastening using hinges. For one sash, a pair of hinges with a diameter of 2 or 3 cm is enough.

Support posts are made of profiled pipe 2x4 cm or round pipe with a diameter of 7-7.6 cm.

The supports can be erected directly from pipes dug into the ground and secured with concrete mortar. There is also an option according to which the pipes are installed in brick pillars. There must be a couple of embedded parts in the brickwork. Hinged posts of homemade gates will be welded to them.

The locking mechanism of metal gates is usually shaped like the letter “L” and is made of an iron pin. Elements of the mechanism are installed at the bottom of each gate leaf.

In the place where the shutters are fixed, special mounting holes are created in the ground. It is convenient to use metal pipes for their installation. Select pipes such that their internal diameter is approximately 1 cm greater than the thickness of the locking mechanism. It is advisable that the length of these pipes does not exceed 500 mm.

For covering a metal frame, it is most convenient to use profiled sheets. Modern corrugated board fits perfectly into the design of any site. Choose a material that matches well with the fence. The corrugated sheet is usually fixed at a height of about 50-70 mm from the base.

What you need for work: list of tools and materials

Prepare in advance everything you will need in the process of performing the work in question.

Kit for self-assembly of metal gates

1. Pipes of the previously mentioned sizes.

2. Brick.

3. Cement grade not lower than M400.

5. Metal profile.

7. Hammer.

8. Rivets.

9. Self-tapping screws.

10. Pencil.

11. Measuring tools (protractor, tape measure).

12. Emery.

13. Bulgarian.

14. Brush and paint (if you plan to paint the gate after installation).

Step-by-step instructions for assembling and installing the gate

The first stage is the manufacture of supports

Prepare materials for assembling gate supports and assemble them into a single structure. You can use pipes and metal profiles as a base. You will also need a channel. It is important that the width of the channel shelf is at least 10 cm. The stronger the support, the longer the entire structure will last.

Stage two – installation of supports

Gate support pillars will be subject to increased load, especially when closing and opening the structure. Therefore, at the stage of installing supports, you will be required to take much more responsibility than when installing an adjacent fence.

The supports are dug into the ground and filled with concrete mortar or covered with a brick base. There is also the option of installing supports directly on brick foundations, but for a beginner it is very difficult to perform such installation correctly.

Make canopies from garage hinges. Select the number of hinges in accordance with the size and weight of the sashes. In most cases, two hinges per sash are sufficient. If the sashes are very massive, increase the total number of hinges to six.

Weld steel plates about 5 mm thick to both sides of each hinge. The plates should be welded over the entire contact area.

The third stage is the installation of support pillars

Make these racks from square metal profiles. Cut a couple of pieces the same length. The immediate length of these parts should be approximately 20-30 cm less than the height of the gate leaves.

Weld the hinge plates to the finished posts. You should end up with two structures that are identical in size and spatial orientation.

Secure the finished structures to the installed supports. Carry out the fastening in such a way that there is a gap of no more than 3-4 mm wide between the supporting pillar and the supporting structure.

Cut the upper part of the metal profile to a suitable length and secure the cut to the top points of the support posts.

Completely fasten all structural elements using a welding machine. Perform spot welding.

The fourth stage is the final one

Install two central posts in the center of the metal gate. Carry out the installation so that there is a gap of about 1 cm between the mentioned elements. The central pillars must be “grooved” by welding. The steel plates are thoroughly welded to the support posts.

To strengthen a homemade gate, take a sheet of steel about 50 mm thick and cut it into 8 parts. Secure the resulting parts to the corners of the gate leaves. Finally, you need to divide the structure into 2 parts using an ordinary grinder to get two identical sashes.

If possible, make gaps of a couple of millimeters in the hinges. These gaps will prevent the gate leaves from moving in the future.

Finally, you can finish the finished gate with your preferred material, for example, paint it.

There are many tools and devices available on the modern market that allow you to automate homemade metal gates. If you are already tired of moving the shutters manually, buy an ordinary linear electric drive, and the problem will be solved!

The automation tool under consideration consists of two linear electric drives and a control unit. The design also includes an electromagnetic lock, a special antenna and a signal lamp.

An ordinary household power supply of 200 W is suitable for powering the automation equipment.

Gate automation can be performed according to three different methods. The specific method is selected taking into account the direction in which the gate leaves open. They can open inward, outward, or inward with modifications to the support pillars. For beginners, it is best to give preference to the option with the doors opening outward.

The control unit can be installed on the right or left. Specific installation recommendations are provided in the accompanying instructions. The instructions also indicate the requirements for wire cross-section. Check all these points before starting automation work.

The installation process itself varies for different models of automation systems. Consider a specific scheme on an individual basis. You will find it in the instructions for your device.

It is important to know one common installation feature for all systems - the drive must be placed at a certain distance from the support pole. You can also find information about the optimal distance in the instructions for your device.

After installing the control unit, using the gate will become much more convenient. You can control the position of the shutters from a special stationary remote control or a portable device in the form of a miniature key fob. There are also designs that automatically open when a car approaches them, but this option is more suitable for sliding gates.

Thus, there is absolutely nothing complicated in building metal gates yourself. You only need to determine the optimal dimensions of the structure, assemble the base, secure all the necessary elements, and finally, if such a desire arises, perform simple work to automate the system. Follow the instructions and everything will definitely work out.

Good luck!

Video - DIY metal gates

In order to choose one of the gate options, you need to learn about each type separately. The most popular among the population are swing and sliding structures. Each of these types has its own positive and negative aspects during construction and further use.

Swing design

Swing gates (book) are the most common type of fencing, which can be seen mainly on the territory of private houses and country houses. It is popular because for the construction of this structure you can choose the most affordable materials, and even beginners can install it with their own hands.

The flip gate design is a simple frame in the form of two or three pillars onto which the doors are secured using hinges. Depending on which side of the supports they are attached to, it is determined whether the gate will open inward or outward of the yard.

The doors, as a rule, are made from a profile pipe and externally look like a frame structure, which can be sheathed with various materials, such as wood or metal sheets. When making the frame and installing the casing, it is important to take into account that their total weight should not be too large, since the support pillars may bend and the gate itself will not function properly.

The main disadvantage of using a swing structure is the availability of free space for opening the doors. It is especially inconvenient to use it during the winter period, when it becomes necessary to clear snow in order for vehicles to enter or leave the yard.

Types of sliding structures

Sliding gates, which you can make yourself, are divided into several subtypes: cantilever, sliding and hanging. The last of these are rarely used as part of a fence, since their design has an important distinctive feature - the doors are hung from above, which significantly limits the height of cars that can drive into the yard.

Any new type of construction should be taken seriously and with special care, and the same applies to the construction of the simplest type of gate - swing gates.

To manufacture such gates, you will first need to decide on their design, and then prepare a drawing with exact dimensions, thanks to which you can calculate the amount of material required. Basically, beams or metal profiles are used for supports, and boards and corrugated sheets are used as cladding.

Regardless of the material chosen for construction, it must be carefully inspected for flaws and processed before use. If it is wood, it is impregnated with several layers of an antiseptic solution, and in the case of metal, all corrosive formations are cleaned with sandpaper. The material is then cut into pieces according to the dimensions indicated on the drawing. After which you can proceed directly to the construction of the structure.

Installation of pillars

The installation of swing gates should begin with the construction of support pillars. To do this, you need to put markings in accordance with the distances in the drawing and dig 2 or 3 holes, depending on the presence of a gate in the structure. Their depth, as a rule, is no more than 1 meter.

For reference! In some projects, a wicket is provided in one of the gate leaves, so a separate post is not required for it. However, this design is not entirely successful, since the additional weight can affect the level of the frame and its possible deflection.

The bottom of the wells is filled with sand or crushed stone to a thickness of about 0.1 m and carefully compacted. After that, supports are installed in them in a strictly vertical position, the bottom of which is sometimes tied with a metal frame to ensure a more reliable fixation.

Then the supports are filled with a concrete mixture to the edges of the holes and wait until it hardens completely. Typically, the cement hardening process takes several weeks.

Fabrication of the frame and construction of the structure

While the foundation under the supports hardens, you can start making the gate frame. To do this, they take pre-prepared blanks, which are most often made from a steel profile, and weld them together to form a frame. Also, certain crossbars are attached to the frame, onto which the gate trim will be fixed.

The sheathing can be fixed before hanging the frame or after it is installed. The material is attached to the sashes using self-tapping screws or rivets, and the frame itself is attached to powerful hinges pre-welded to the support posts.

After the structure is installed, they begin to decorate it externally. If it is made of metal, it must be degreased, primed and painted. Then, after the paint has dried, closing devices and decorative elements are hung on the gate.

By performing all the above steps in order, it will be quite simple to make swinging iron gates even with your own hands. In addition, the construction of this type of structure is considered the least expensive, since the materials for this can be used not only the cheapest, but also not new.

Features of installing sliding gates

Sliding gates are most common in areas that are not subject to heavy snowfalls and a strong decrease in air temperature in winter. Their design is carried out in such a way that the sash, when opening and closing, moves along a channel built into the concrete foundation.

For reference! This type of gate is controlled mainly by an automatic mechanism, which allows you to control it remotely.

As in the case of swing gates, the construction of sliding gates should begin by developing a sketch and drawing up a design drawing indicating all dimensions. The width of the opening in this case is usually no more than 4 meters, and the height should be equal to the main fence.

In addition, it is necessary to prepare components, materials and tools for work in advance. The most optimal sheets for this are considered to be metal profiles and corrugated sheets, however, some owners of personal plots use wooden beams or forged cast iron elements as cladding for the structure.

Laying the foundation

To install the sliding structure, it is necessary to dig a trench according to the dimensions previously indicated in the drawing. It digs from the side of the gate where the main load falls, that is, where the leaf will be fixed.

Next, the bottom of the trench is covered with layers of crushed stone and sand, which must be compacted. After that, formwork is installed in it, on top of which waterproofing material and a frame of reinforcing steel rods are laid.

Then the trench is filled with a concrete mixture, and the channel is placed in it with the shelves down until they are completely immersed. It will be possible to continue the process of installing the gate only a few weeks after laying the foundation, until the cement has completely dried.

The supports for sliding gates are usually brick or concrete pillars, which are installed in the usual way after the foundation has hardened.

Connecting the frame structure and fastening the sheathing

The frame of sliding gates is most often made from a profile pipe with a cross-section of 60x40 or 60x30 mm. To install jumpers, you will need steel rods with a smaller cross-section. All material should be pre-treated with a solvent, cut using a grinder into pieces of the required size and painted.

Parts of a professional pipe with a large cross-section are welded together along the perimeter, forming a frame structure. After that, jumpers are installed on its inner part in the middle and diagonally, and a supporting beam is welded to the lower part.

Attention! All welding areas should be sanded to avoid rough deposits and coated with anti-corrosion primer and paint.

Installation of the sheathing can be done immediately, before the frame is secured to the poles. To do this, the corrugated sheets are cut into sheets and secured to the frame with self-tapping screws or special rivets so that the second and subsequent sheets slightly overlap the previous one.

At the same time, the distance between the fastening points should not be too large; there are 6 clamps per 1 m2 of canvas.

Gate installation

To install the finished structure, you will first need to assemble the sliding mechanism. To do this, the carriages are mounted on the mounting plate and welded to the channel along the marked distance. Rollers and catchers are installed on them and on the sash using bolts and welding, the operation of which must be immediately checked.

To make an entrance gate with automatic control, you should select a suitable automation kit in advance, taking into account the size and weight of the entire structure. It is best not to install it yourself, but to entrust the installation to specialists.

No matter how difficult the installation of metal or various structures may seem at first glance, it is still possible to do all the work for this yourself. At the same time, fencing made by yourself will not only save on hiring specialists, but will also bring invaluable experience that can be useful in the future, and will also bring pleasure from the process itself.

2018-04-25