Wood shrinks, joints open and fasteners loosen. What to do? An adjustable turnbuckle brace, available in rod or cable form, will square up the gate and permit future adjustments. Kits that include all necessary hardware and instructions are widely available but you can also make your own setup from standard hardware. Use steel cable for heavier gates. Support the gate in the proper position with a block of wood under the latch stile before you attach the hardware.

If the gate binds because the gatepost is leaning, use a similar turnbuckle arrangement. Connect the top of the gatepost to the bottom of the adjacent fence post.

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