How to Fix a Sagging Wooden Fence Gate That Won't Latch

Time required: 30-45 mins · Difficulty 1/5

Est. DIY Parts: $17 - $26 · Pro Service: $120 - $220 · Est. Savings: $95 - $200

* Estimates based on regional/national contractor rate benchmarks. Actual part prices vary by brand and retailer.

Parts & Tools You'll Need

Tighten all hinge hardware first Check every hinge screw and bolt — loose hinges are the most common cause of sag. Tighten with a drill/driver, and if a hole is stripped, pack it with wood glue and toothpicks before re-driving the screw.
Check the latch alignment With the gate closed, check whether the latch parts line up. If the gate has simply dropped, hinge tightening plus the cable kit below should raise it back into alignment.
Attach the corner brackets Screw one L-bracket to the top corner on the hinge side and the other L-bracket to the bottom corner on the latch side of the gate frame.
Run the cable and turnbuckle Thread the steel cable between the two brackets and attach the turnbuckle in the middle of the run per your kit's instructions.
Tighten the turnbuckle to lift the gate Turn the turnbuckle slowly to take up tension in the cable, which pulls the sagging corner back up square. Stop once the gate frame is square and the latch aligns.
Test the latch Open and close the gate several times to confirm it swings freely and the latch catches every time without lifting or forcing it.