How to Fix a Sagging or Binding Fence Gate

Gravity is the relentless enemy of every wooden gate. Over time, the constant downward pull causes the joints to loosen and the frame to rack, resulting in a gate that drags across the driveway or refuses to latch because it no longer lines up with the strike plate. A sagging gate isn't just an eyesore; it's a structural failure that puts immense stress on your posts and hinges. Repairing a gate is about restoring the rigidity of the frame. Done well, the fix involves resetting the square of the gate and reinforcing the hardware so it can support the weight of the wood without drifting again. Once you've corrected the geometry, the gate should swing freely and latch with a satisfying, clean click every single time.

  1. Tighten Every Fastener First. Check every screw on your hinges and latch plate for looseness. If the screw holes are stripped, remove the screws and drive in wood golf tees or toothpick slivers coated in wood glue before re-securing the screws.
  2. Measure the Sag Precisely. Close the gate and measure diagonally from the top hinge corner to the bottom latch corner, then repeat in the opposite direction. The difference between these two measurements tells you exactly how much the gate has racked out of square.
  3. Thread the Cable Kit. Attach the anchor brackets of the anti-sag kit to the top corner of the hinge side and the bottom corner of the latch side. Thread the steel cable through the turnbuckle and tighten it until the cable is taut and the gate edge clears the ground.
  4. Shim for Perfect Clearance. If the gate still binds, remove the hinge screws from the post side and install a shim behind the hinge leaf. Use weather-treated cedar or plastic shims to shift the gate position slightly until the latch aligns perfectly.
  5. Lubricate for Smooth Swing. Apply a high-quality silicone-based lubricant to the pins of the hinges. Work the gate back and forth several times to ensure the lubricant reaches the internal friction points.
  6. Lock in the Final Alignment. With the gate square and swinging freely, adjust the position of the latch strike plate. Move it up or down to align perfectly with the latch pin, ensuring a firm, secure closure.