What we repair on fences and gates
- Wood gates that have dropped, rehung square with bracing or a cable kit
- Strap hinges, T-hinges, latches, cane bolts and gate closers replaced
- Picket, board and lattice repairs matched to the existing style
- Rails that have split or pulled off their posts refastened or replaced
- Posts that lean but are sound below ground straightened and braced
- Iron gate latches and hinges freed and realigned, rust spots primed and painted
Old yards, old gates
The City’s historic resources survey describes San Gabriel as mostly detached single-family houses in Period Revival, Minimal Traditional and Ranch styles from the 1920s to the 1950s. Lots of that era often have a picket fence or low wall in front, a wood driveway or side gate, and back fences that have been patched by more than one owner.
The City’s Housing Element preliminary report found that 52.3 percent of housing units are more than 60 years old. Gates on those properties often carry heavy strap hinges and old thumb latches that are worth keeping; we free them up and re-fasten them to solid wood instead of swapping them for cheaper hardware.
How we bring a gate back
Start at the post
We check the hinge post for movement and rot at the soil line. A gate cannot stay square on a loose post, so a post that rocks gets braced or reset first.
Pull it square and lock it there
With the gate lifted into square, we fasten a diagonal brace from the bottom hinge corner to the top latch corner, or fit a turnbuckle cable kit on lighter gates. That is the part that keeps it from dropping again.
Rehang and set the latch
Hinges are moved to sound wood or through-bolted, and the latch and strike are reset to catch cleanly. We test the swing many times, with a closer if you want the gate to shut on its own.
Work we pass along
We repair existing fences and gates. A new fence line, block or brick walls, retaining walls, gate motors and openers, and any welding go to a fence, masonry or welding contractor. For a fence on a shared line, talk with your neighbor before work starts.
Photos that help
A full photo of the gate closed, one of the hinge side and one of the latch, plus a note on what is wrong: drags, swings open, will not latch, or a section is leaning.
Questions about fences and gates
Why does my gate keep dropping after it is fixed?
Usually the brace was set the wrong direction or the hinges went back into the same tired screw holes. A brace must push from the low hinge corner up toward the latch side, and hinges need solid wood.
Can you keep my old strap hinges?
Often, yes. We clean and lubricate them, replace worn pins or bolts, and remount them with new fasteners so the original look stays.
Can one rotten board or rail be replaced?
Yes. We swap the damaged pieces and match the size and style. The new wood will look brighter at first and blends in as it weathers or once it is stained.
Do you fix wrought iron gates?
We fix hardware and alignment: hinge pins, latches, drop rods, loose bolts, rust touch-up. Broken welds and new iron go to a welder.
Can you add a lock to a side gate?
Yes. We fit a lockable latch or a hasp for a padlock, and set it so it can still be opened from inside without a key if you need a quick way out.
Will you haul away the old wood?
We take small amounts of old boards and hardware from a repair. Large amounts of fence debris need a haul-away service.
Related guides for San Gabriel homes
- Heavy plank doors that sag, drag or will not latchHow we fix heavy plank and arched doors with iron strap hinges in San Gabriel's Mission Revival homes: sagging, dragging and latches that miss.
- Getting a thick-walled house ready for winter rainA fall checklist for older San Gabriel homes with thick walls and deep windows: sills, doors, drains, caulking and outdoor outlets.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our doors, cabinets and hardware group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.