This video will show you how to make your chain link gate self-closing. To do this, you will need two things: an auto-hinge assembly and an extra frame collar.
Steps:
- Prepare the Auto-Hinge Assembly
- The auto-hinge assembly has three nuts on the hinge bolt. First, remove the last nut—this is what holds the retaining plate onto the hinge bolt.
- Next, remove the retaining plate and the second nut completely.
- Now, slide the retaining plate onto the hinge bolt, making sure it passes through the spring, which is what provides tension.
- Put the second nut back on to secure the retaining plate.
- Set aside the third nut—you’ll need it later for the post collar.
- Prepare the Gate for Installation
- Loosen the frame collar currently on the gate and slide it out of the way. It’s blocking the spot where the spring will be installed.
- Once the frame collar is out of the way, you’re ready to install the spring.
- Replace the Post Collar Hinge Bolt
- The hinge bolt on the existing post collar isn’t long enough, so you’ll need to replace it with the longer hinge bolt from the auto-hinge assembly.
- Preassemble the spring and ensure the top of the spring is positioned to go into the gate—this is where the tension comes from.
- Install the spring and the longer hinge bolt onto the post collar, and then put the nut back on and tighten it.
- Double-check that the top part of the spring is going into the gate as this is critical for proper function.
- Reinstall Frame Collars
- After tightening the post collar, it’s time to reinstall the frame collars.
- The top frame collar should go onto the spring.
- The third frame collar goes on the bottom of the spring.
- Tighten them carefully—tight enough that they don’t move but loose enough to allow the spring to slide.
- Final Adjustments
- Once everything is in place, tighten all nuts and collars securely. Make sure the post collar is tight, and check that the spring has room to move within the frame collars.
- Now, the gate should be fully operational and self-closing.
Once complete, you can test the gate by opening it—watch it close, all on its own!
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