Fastener Guide

How to Fix a Sagging Fence Gate (Anti-Sag Kit & Brace)

  1. Diagnose first: lift the latch corner — if the whole post moves, brace the post; if the frame racks, fix the gate.

  2. Tighten or replace hinge screws with 3 in structural screws driven into the post, not just the rail — most sag starts here.

    Save Step 2: Tighten or replace hinge screws with 3 in structural screws driven into the post, not just the rail — most sag starts here.

  3. Mount an anti-sag kit: brackets at the top-hinge and bottom-latch corners, cable between, and tension the turnbuckle a quarter-turn at a time.

    Save Step 3: Mount an anti-sag kit: brackets at the top-hinge and bottom-latch corners, cable between, and tension the turnbuckle a quarter-turn at a time.

  4. For a permanent fix add a wood diagonal brace from the bottom-hinge corner to the top-latch corner so it works in compression.

    Save Step 4: For a permanent fix add a wood diagonal brace from the bottom-hinge corner to the top-latch corner so it works in compression.

  5. Screw the brace to every rail and stile with exterior structural screws — the triangle it forms is what stops future racking.

    Save Step 5: Screw the brace to every rail and stile with exterior structural screws — the triangle it forms is what stops future racking.

  6. Rehang, check the latch meets the strike, and re-tension the cable after the first rainy month as the wood settles.

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