Pipe fence gate

[pdquine]

Hello,
I am building a 2 rail pipe fence out of 2 3/8 sc40 pipe and I am looking for ideas for a 16 foot gate design. I plan to make my own hinge using 2 7/8 pipe. anayone have any advise?

[aametalmaster]

Just find a pipe that will fit in another pipe for the hinge. Weld one side to the gate and the other side to a plate if you want to bolt it to a post...Bob

[Bistineau]

Not sure, but the 2 3/8" pipe may slide right into the 2 7/8". If that's the case it should be no problem, or just get some that does have a snug fit as aametalmaster said. You also might want to consider making 2 8' gates instead of one 16' gate. This would reduce to leverage and load on the hinges, making them last longer and less likely to fail.

[Andy]

I'd make the gate out of thinner wall pipe. 2-3/8 or 2-7/8 sounds like you might be using drill stem. That's going to get really heavy when suspended 16 feet out.

I have seen gates that heavy. The problem usually isn't with the hinge. It's with the support of the hinge post. With that much weight hung out, you'll need good support behind the post (in both the open and closed positions) to keep the post from leaning over.

I also like to add a grease fitting to all my hinges. Tight tolerances and good alignment on the hinge makes it operate smoothly, but any rust in a tight tolerance gap is asking for it to seize. Make it so rain can't get into the hinge and keep it full of grease and you'll have no problems.

[aametalmaster]

I worked on a farm for 10 years and all the big gates had post problems. The gates and hinges were fine but over time the posts would move...Bob

[Bistineau]

I'd make the gate out of thinner wall pipe. 2-3/8 or 2-7/8 sounds like you might be using drill stem. That's going to get really heavy when suspended 16 feet out.

I have seen gates that heavy. The problem usually isn't with the hinge. It's with the support of the hinge post. With that much weight hung out, you'll need good support behind the post (in both the open and closed positions) to keep the post from leaning over.

I also like to add a grease fitting to all my hinges. Tight tolerances and good alignment on the hinge makes it operate smoothly, but any rust in a tight tolerance gap is asking for it to seize. Make it so rain can't get into the hinge and keep it full of grease and you'll have no problems.

The weight is what I was thinking when I suggested making two 8' gates instead of one 16' gate. Easier on the gate posts as well as hinges.

[Burnt hands]

Here are some dimensions for IPS pipe.

I have used the 3/4" sch 40 and 1" sch 40 combo for a garden gate hinge but for your application, the 3 1/2" sch 40 pipe inside 4" sch 40 pipe may work better even though it is a tight fit.

I was lucky in that I found stainless steel 3/4" and 1" pipe pieces which fit together even though the "theoretical" dimensions say it wouldn't work.


Size Sch ID OD

3/4" IPS 40 0.824 1.05
3/4" IPS 80 0.742 1.05
3/4" IPS 160 0.614 1.05

1" IPS 40 1.049 1.315
1" IPS 80 0.957 1.315
1" IPS 160 0.815 1.315

3" IPS 40 3.068 3.50
3" IPS 80 2.9 3.50
3" IPS 160 2.624 3.50

3 1/2" IPS 40 3.548 4.00
3 1/2" IPS 80 3.364 4.00

4" IPS 40 4.026 4.50
4" IPS 80 3.826 4.50
4" IPS 120 3.624 4.50
4" IPS 160 3.438 4.50

[2tay530]

Find some 1" rod inside the 1" sch 40. Cap the sch 40 first then drop a 1" ball bearing in it then put a greasert in it. Polish up the rod with a flap wheel then insert it in the pipe. Weld it on and grease it up. No binding and no squeaking either and it opens like a dream.

[kevhead63]

Sounds like a great idea.