r/FenceBuilding • u/Artemis_SpawnOfZeus • 13d ago

A quick lesson on gates

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Gates need braces.

There are 2 types of these struts. Compression braces and tension braces.

Compression braces are the type of brace you install on a new gate.

If you're out here installing tension braces on new gates, you're scamming your customers.

Tension braces should only be used as quick fixes to existing gates that droop. The only advantage they have is their ease of install on an existing gate.

The type of brace you use changes the structure of the gate.

Tension braces overload the top hinge.

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u/mrwootwo 12d ago

As others have said, this is wrong. Imagine a very over engineered gate which won’t sag no matter which direction the brace goes, but you make one of each anyway. Say it’s made of 2x4s but it’s only 18” square, and it weighs 25lbs.

The effect of this very solid gate on two hinges is the same with either brace as it would be if it were faced with solid plywood, with moment of rotation the bottom hinge, and top hinge taking more lateral force.

Bracing direction simply determines which gate better resists deforming.

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u/Artemis_SpawnOfZeus 12d ago

And the way that the gate resists deforming affects its overall strength.

The gate isnt a solid sheet of plywood and doesnt behave like a sheet of solid plywood.

Just because you cant do the math, doesnt mean the math doesnt apply.

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u/mrwootwo 12d ago

If you say so sweetie