What to look for
Match the gate material
Wood gates take strap or T-hinges; metal gates take weld-on or bolt-on barrel hinges.
Size to the weight
Heavier gates need longer straps or barrel hinges and often three hinges instead of two.
Grade for exposure
316 near the coast; 304 or hot-dip galvanized inland. Pool gates should be 316 and self-closing.
Self-closing where required
Pool and safety gates need self-closing, self-latching hardware by code.
Gate hinge by gate build
| Gate | Hinge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood gate, light | Strap or T-hinge | Long leaf spreads load across pickets. |
| Wood gate, heavy | Ball-bearing or adjustable | Resists sag over time. |
| Metal gate | Weld-on barrel | Weld to the frame; grease-able. |
| Self-closing needed | Spring or hydraulic hinge | Pools and safety codes. |
| Sagging gate | Adjustable / tension hinge | Re-square without rehanging. |
Our picks by use case
316 Stainless Heavy-Duty Marine-Grade T-Strap Hinge, 8″ x 4″ (pair)
Cast 316 stainless T-strap for wood gates. The long strap spreads load across the gate frame and 316 handles coastal salt. Sold in pairs; use three on tall or heavy gates.
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.D&D Technologies TruClose Heavy-Duty Self-Closing Gate Hinge
The standard self-closing hinge for pool and child-safety gates — adjustable closing tension, polymer body with stainless internal spring, won't rust, sag, or stain. Pair with a self-latching latch and confirm your local pool-barrier code.
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.Common mistakes to avoid
- Under-hinging a heavy gate so it sags and drags within a season.
- Using interior-grade or plated hinges outdoors — 304 inland, 316 near salt.
- Screwing strap hinges into end grain or thin pickets; hit the frame or rail instead.
- Forgetting self-closing and self-latching where pool codes require it.
- Mixing carbon-steel bolts with stainless hinges (rust streaks and galvanic corrosion).
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop a gate from sagging?
Use enough hinges for the weight, add an anti-sag turnbuckle cable corner to corner, and consider adjustable hinges. Fasten hardware to the frame, not the pickets.
Weld-on or bolt-on gate hinges?
Weld-on are strongest for metal gates; bolt- or lag-on suit wood and let you adjust later. Match the grade to your climate either way.
How many hinges does a gate need?
Light gates: two. Tall or heavy gates: three, to stop sag and twist.
Do pool gates have special rules?
Yes — most codes require self-closing and self-latching hardware with the latch at a set height. Check your local code.