How to Install a Sliding Gate Rail on Concrete
In order to prevent a gate from jamming when it opens can closes it needs a track for the wheels to slide on. The gate rail is a piece of steel to help the wheels run on, and without this the gate would not be able to slide accurately. Here's how to install a sliding gate rail on concrete.
Things you'll need:
- Drill
- Steel drill bit
- Marker
- Concrete anchor
- Concrete drill bit
- Hammer drill
- Socket wrench
- Compressed air
- Put the sliding gate rail in place, and double check to make sure that it is positioned correctly. Mark on the concrete the correct gate rail location.
- Find a drill bit that is sized correctly for your concrete anchors. Drill through the flat steel plate of the gate rail about 16 inches apart along the length of the rail.
- Position the steel gate rail back onto the concrete. Mark the location of the concrete where each hole will be anchored. A permanent marker works well to mark the concrete.
- Get a concrete drill bit to fit the size anchor your will be using with the hammer drill. Indicate the depth needed to secure the anchor by using a piece of painter's tape on the drill bit. This depth should include the length of the concrete anchor, the steel plate thinness, plus an additional 3/8-inch.
- Use the hammer drill to drill the holes marked for the concrete anchor. Make sure to keep the drill bit straight as you drill. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the dust from the holes in the concrete after you have drilled them.
- Make sure the anchors are facing the right direction. Tap the concrete anchors into the holes that you've just drilled.
- Use a socket wrench to secure the gate to the rail. Tighten the bolt and lock washers all the way down to the bottom of the concrete anchors.