Fix a loose fence board or sagging gate
A gate that drags or won't latch is often out of square or held back by loose fasteners. Loose fence boards can have the same fastener problem. Start by checking what's moved; exterior screws or an inexpensive anti-sag kit may be all you need. A gate that sags is usually pulling on its top hinge, so start there and check that the post isn't leaning too.
Why gates sag
A gate hangs all its weight off one side, so over time gravity pulls the far corner down until it drags or won't latch. Loose fence boards are usually just nails that have worked out with the weather. An anti-sag kit, a cable and a turnbuckle run corner to corner, pulls a sagging gate back into square.
What loosens a fence
Weather loosens nails over time.
Gravity pulls the latch side down.
Hinge screws loosen or strip.
A post that tilts makes the whole gate misalign.
| What you see | Why | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Latch side drags on the ground | The gate has sagged out of square | Anti-sag cable kit with a turnbuckle. |
| Hinges pulling out of the post | Stripped screws | Longer exterior screws, or move the hinge slightly. |
| Whole gate leans, post tilts | The hinge post is leaning | Reset or brace the post. |
| Latch doesn't line up but the gate isn't sagging | The latch moved | Reposition the catch. |
Square it up
- Reattach loose boardsDrive exterior screws through the board into each rail, about an inch from the edges.
- Check the gate hingesTighten hinge screws. If they spin, use longer screws or move the hinge slightly.
- Check the gate postPush on the hinge-side post. If it leans or moves, the gate will keep sagging no matter what you adjust. Brace the post or reset it in concrete before you fix the gate.
- Install an anti-sag kitAttach the cable from the top corner on the hinge side to the bottom corner on the latch side.
- Tighten the turnbuckleTurn it until the gate lifts back into square and clears the ground.
- Adjust the latchCheck that the latch lines up with the catch. Move the catch if needed.
Watch it done
- Loose boards are tight to the rails
- The gate clears the ground as it swings
- The latch lines up with the catch and closes easily
- The hinge-side post doesn't move when pushed
Gate still sagging? Check the post with a level; it may need resetting.
If the gate still drags
If the gate still sags, the post may be leaning. Check it with a level. A leaning post needs to be reset.
For a board that keeps warping, replace it with a new board of the same size.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): A fence repair pro typically charges $150–$400 for small repairs; post replacement can be more.
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