How to fix gate alignment?

[owen9427]

The standing post of my front gate was only secured on one side at the bottom (bolted to the ground with an angle bracket), causing it to tilt slightly. As a result, the gate no longer aligns properly with the post. The gate has pushed the post, along with my mailbox, to the other side, damaging the base of the letterbox.

I need suggestion in adjusting and reinforcing the post to its correct position so it properly fits the gate, as well as repairing the letterbox.

Any suggestions on the best way to achieve this? including the type of tools i need? I am a rookie ....

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @owen9427. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about fixing a post.

It’s hard to tell exactly how your post was installed from your images, but the first step is to assess its original installation. In some cases, posts are designed to slip over a base support that has been concreted into the ground. If that’s the case and the post has shifted, it likely means the concrete footer wasn’t substantial enough. Alternatively, if the post is only attached with an angle bracket to the concrete, it may have relied on the letterbox for extra support, which would explain the damage.

The best approach is to remove the post and inspect how it's connected. If the issue is a weak footing, you may need to expand the concrete base and resecure the post properly. If the post is only bolted with a bracket, consider reinforcing it by adding two more substantial brackets to the remaining sides. You’ll need a socket set or spanner to remove the bracket, a hammer drill and masonry bit if installing new brackets, and a level to ensure the post is straight before securing it again. If the concrete footing is inadequate, using a bag of quick-set concrete to create a stronger base may be necessary.

For the letterbox repair, Liquid Nails Landscape can be used to glue the damaged sections back together. Just be careful not to apply too much, as excess adhesive can stain the surface. If the damage is more severe, reinforcing it with a small metal bracket may be the best solution.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[owen9427]

Thanks for the suggestion Mitchell.

I think most likely I will need to create a better concrete base over the existing one. However it is a very small area, could you please provide some guidance on how to do it?

[EricL]

Hello @owen9427 

If the concrete base is thick enough and deep enough then adding an extra angle bracket on the other side should straighten the post. This will require you to remove your letterbox and attach the angle bracket to the concrete base. The side of the letterbox will need to be modified so that it can accept the angle bracket that has been placed in. However, if the concrete base is not deep enough and is only a shallow slab,I recommend removing the post and letterbox, then digging a square hole about 300mm wide on all sides and at least 450mm deep. Fill it with concrete to create a solid base, so you can securely anchor the post without depending on the letterbox for support.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric