Temporary fences and gates are needed for a number of purposes, from keeping off vehicles in parking lots to crowd control during events such as concerts. They also can be used for security reasons to keep people away from dangerous areas or to prevent unauthorized access to your site.
How to Make a Temporary Gate
One of the first things you should do when building a temporary fence is to determine what you will need. The size of your site and the purpose for which you will use it will help you choose what type of fence is best for your needs.
You will want to choose a fence that is strong enough to hold up to the elements, but not so heavy that it is difficult to move as you need to. This will help ensure that you get the most use from your fence.
Once you’ve made your decision, it’s time to begin putting your fence together. You will need base blocks to hold the fencing in place along your perimeter and fence clamps to connect the panels securely.
Start by laying out the base blocks and then inserting a panel into each block. Next, put a second block underneath that panel and repeat the process for the rest of your perimeter.
Then, using the fence clamps, attach each pair of panels together and then the entire perimeter. This should be done all the way around your site so that the fencing is secure and won’t move or swing out of place.
Depending on the style of your temporary fence, you can add a hinge to the gate. This can be a traditional gate hinge that screws into the gate frame and posts or it can be a latch that slides into a receiver on the gate frame.
Hinges and latches are an important part of a gate’s functionality, so be sure to select the strongest hinges that will fit on your gate and support its weight. You should be able to find butt hinges that are adequate for small gates, but you’ll want large strap hinges with bolts if you have a gate that will be in use for a long period of time.
Checking Your Gate for Square
Once the gate has been assembled, you should check it for square by measuring across the gate on an angle first, then the other way to see if the measurement matches up. If it is, the gate is square.
If the gate isn’t, you will need to adjust it or build a new one. Once you have the gate squared up, you can install the hinges and latches.
Consider Adding A Slide Latch
If you’re building a gate that’s meant to be used for children or pets, you may want to consider adding a slide latch. These latches are designed to slide open and close easily, making them much easier to use than a swing gate.
Alternatively, you can also add a flip latch. This latch is a bit more secure than the slide latch but can be difficult to use and may require some practice.