There is nothing more satisfying than a garden gate that clicks shut with a solid, clean sound. And there is nothing more annoying than one that crunches against the concrete, requiring a two-handed lift just to get the latch to engage.
A dragging gate isn't just a nuisance; it’s a sign that something is moving. If you ignore it, the strain will eventually rip the hinges out or snap the timber joints.
Here at Joe's Fencing, we fix hundreds of dragging gates across Bristol every year. Here are the three most common culprits and how to tackle them.
Cause 1: The "Winter Swell" (Moisture)
If your gate worked perfectly in August but started sticking in November, the wood has likely swollen.
Softwood is a natural sponge. In the wet Bristol winter, timber absorbs moisture and physically expands. A 3ft wide gate can easily grow by 5-10mm in width. If your installer didn't leave enough "expansion gap" between the gate and the post, the wood swells until it jams against the frame.
The Fix: Do not move the hinges yet. First, check where it is sticking. If it's rubbing against the vertical post, mark the sticky spot with a pencil, take the gate off its hinges, and use a power sander or plane to shave off 5mm. Remember to re-seal the raw wood immediately to stop more water getting in\!
Cause 2: The "Bristol Lean" (Post Movement)
Look at the post the gate is hanging from. Is it perfectly vertical?
In clay soil areas like Filton or Bedminster, the ground moves. As the heavy gate pulls on the post year after year, the post can start to lean inward. Even a 1-degree lean at the top of the post can cause the bottom of the gate to drop by an inch, scraping the floor.
The Fix:
- Temporary: You can prop the post back up, but it usually moves again.
- Permanent: If the post is rotten at ground level, it needs replacing. If the post is sound but loose, we can dig out the footing and set a new concrete foundation or install a Concrete Repair Spur to lock it in place rigidly.
Cause 3: Hinge Droop (Wear & Tear)
Heavy gates place immense strain on screws. Over time, the top hinge takes the most punishment. The screws can work loose, pulling away from the post, causing the top of the gate to lean away and the bottom corner to drop.
The Quick Fix (The "Matchstick" Trick):
- Unscrew the top hinge from the post.
- Drill the holes out slightly deeper.
- Push a wooden matchstick or dowel coated in wood glue into the hole.
- Screw the hinge back in. The fresh wood gives the screw something to bite into, pulling the hinge tight and lifting the gate.
Bonus: The "Jockey Wheel" Solution
If you have a very wide, heavy driveway gate that constantly drops, gravity will always win eventually. The best solution is to stop fighting it.
We can install a Heavy Duty Gate Wheel on the latch end of the gate. This takes the weight off the hinges and supports the gate as it swings, preventing it from ever dragging again.
Can't lift it yourself?
Gate repairs can be heavy work. If your gate is scraping and you want a professional adjustment, give us a call.
Featured Image Image Close-up of a wooden garden gate dragging on a concrete path, showing the wear marks on the bottom of the timber. Image Alt Text Wooden garden gate dragging on the ground due to sagging hinges. Tags Select Tags Gate Repair DIY Tips Swollen Wood Gate Hinges Garden Maintenance SEO Settings Meta Title Why Your Gate Drags: Common Causes & Quick Fixes Meta Description Gate scraping the ground? We explain why gates sag (moisture, loose hinges, leaning posts) and give you 3 quick fixes to get it swinging smoothly again.