How to fix gate latch coming off the metal post?

[hayunit]

Hi,

I have a gate latch that is screwed into metal posts for a colorbond gate. The tek screws holding the plate against the gate are both loose. Which could be due to high winds when the gate slams or they are just loose when installed.

What are my best options for fixing this? As I can see that in a few weeks these screws may come out of the gate.

I would prefer not to have holes showing on the gate and gate post.

See how it is loose Again showing it is loose

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @hayunit,

I have three options that would work.

The first and simplest would be to use screws with a larger diameter in the same holes. If you remove one of the screws and head in-store, assuming the screws that were used initially are not the largest diameter available, then you should be able to find a screw to use. As an example, if they are 12-gauge screws, you could use these 14g x 25mm Buildex Metal Shed Tek C3 Hex Head No Seal Screws.

The second option, assuming the post has a cap that can be popped off, is to put a piece of timber inside the post so the screws have something to bite into. This will essentially sandwich the timber and latch together around the post.

The third option is to remove the latch, attach a piece of aluminium flat bar to the post with some tek screws then reattach the latch to the flat bar.

Any option will work with varying degrees of difficulty.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[hayunit]

Thank you. I like the idea of timber inside the post. Will look into this option.