Weight Driven Gate Closer

by 425michael in Workshop > Home Improvement

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Weight Driven Gate Closer

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I wanted a simple way to automatically close my backyard gate so
the dogs would not wander out if the gate was left unlatched.

Video in step 6 shows actual operation.

Weight Driven Gate Closer

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Sketch shows basic logic, gate opens outward, clothes line brings pulley 1 to the left and raise 8lb weight.

Weight Driven Gate Closer

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Parts came from Lowes Home Improvement store, clothes line and rope section in Vancouver, WA, USA. Window sash weight (~ 5$) from Northwest Salvage in Vancouver, WA.

Secure Clothes Line to Gate Hook.

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Above is the inside view of the gate, latch on left, and gates swings outward. Large hook screwed into 2x4" scrap that was secured to the gate with 4 screws.

Secure Sheave to Inside Gate Post

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Sheave mounted on inside gate post so line will not bind on post when gate is opened.

Clothes line pulley is tied to line.

Weight at Top

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Tie weight to length of clothes line, loop over top pulley 2, thru the center pulley 1 and tie it to hook at bottom of post.

I selected weight by using plastic bag filled with rocks until I found the right weight. 8 lb window sash weight worked for me.

May need to oil hinges so gate operates smoothly. That's it!

Video Demo of Gate Function

gate