Your driveway gates rely on many moving parts to function successfully. The motor allows the gate to move smoothly, the tracks keep the gate aligned, and even the ornaments add to your home’s curb appeal. Another important feature of your driveway gate is the hinges. Your gate hinges help support the gate frame, so it stays in position and can move easily. The vital function of this part means it must be well-maintained.

What Happens When You Neglect Gate Hinge Maintenance?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of gate hinge maintenance, it’s important to understand the consequences of neglecting this part of your gates. Failing to maintain your gate hinges can lead to them becoming corroded, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. This wear and tear will eventually lead to additional damages, sagging, increased friction, and other operational problems.

4 Gate Hinge Maintenance Tips

Now that you understand the importance of keeping your gate hinges in excellent condition, here are four vital gate hinge maintenance tips:

1. Always Inspect The Hinges

You always want to start your gate hinge maintenance routine with an inspection. This step will allow you to notice and clean off any dirt and debris that’s interfering with its functionality. You will also be able to spot any early signs of rust or wear and tear, so you can tackle them before they get worse.

2. Ensure Bolts And Screws Are Tight

Regarding inspections, you want to check that the bolts and screws surrounding the hinges are nice and tight. Securing these screws and bolts will keep your gate together and prevent debris buildup, wear and tear, and other issues with your gate’s operability. If you need replacement screws and bolts, make sure you find the correct ones for your gate.

3. Annual Lubrication

The most vital of all gate hinge maintenance tips is annual lubrication. There are two types of hinges found in most driveway gates: sealed bearing and barrel hinges. Sealed bearing gate hinges must be lubricated at the area between the pin and the bearings. The barrel hinges require lubrication between the pin and the housing. As explained earlier, this part of your hinges needs to be lubricated annually and any time the lubrication completely dries.

Now you’re wondering, “What kind of lubrication should I use for my gate hinges?” The first option you should consider is a standard silicone spray. The alternative is a heavy-duty grease lubricant with a grease gun. If you use the latter, you’ll need to remember to remove any excess grease. Whichever you pick, never use an oil-based lubricant, as that will trap lots of dust and debris.

4. Replace Corroded Or Severely Damaged Hinges

If you notice that your gate hinges are severely damaged or corroded, you won’t be able to restore them to working condition. In this situation, you will need to replace hinges with extensive corrosion and severe damage to prevent potential malfunctions. When this happens, you should reach out to a gate repair technician to help you find the appropriate replacement parts and install them correctly.

Our Duncanville Team Can Perform Gate Hinge Maintenance At Any Time!

This beginner’s guide to maintaining your gate hinges will hopefully be useful to you in the present and future. If you have not had the chance to do so, make time to check on your driveway gate hinges to see that they are in good working order. The four tips above should make a difference in your gate’s ability to work properly and efficiently. However, if you find yourself dealing with problematic hinges or other gate parts, contact us at Gates Repair Duncanville for our excellent maintenance and repair services.