How To Make A Gate From A Profile Pipe With Your Own Hands - Step-by-step Instructions With Photos And Videos

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Profile pipe gates - DIY recommendations

The business card of the owner of a summer cottage or a country cottage is a gate that should look representative and aesthetically pleasing and, at the same time, reliably protect the entrance to a private territory. These indicators are fully met by swing or sliding types of structures made of a profile section pipe - an affordable, inexpensive and easily processed material. Adhering to the step-by-step instructions and the developed documentation, you can make and install swing gates with your own hands, and also decorate them with minimal costs.

Content

• 1 Profile pipe as material for the gate - pros and cons
• 2 Preparation for manufacturing: how to calculate the dimensions of the future structure
• 3 Recommendations for the choice of material
• 4 Calculation and required tools

• 5 Step-by-step instructions for making a gate from a profile pipe with your own hands

  • 5.1 Welded construction

    5.1.1 How to weld a gate frame from a professional pipe with your own hands: video

  • 5.2 Threaded version

• 6 Tips for finishing

  • 6.1 Decorating forging
  • 6.2 Application of profiled sheet
  • 6.3 Wood finishing
  • 6.4 Using the grid
  • 6.5 Sheathing with polycarbonate
  • 6.6 Covering with metal
• 7 Video: a gate from a profile pipe

Profile pipe as material for gates - pros and cons

The profile pipe, used as the main material for the manufacture of gate structures, is deservedly preferred due to its many advantages

Profile pipes are widely used for the manufacture of gates

The main advantages of using a profiled pipe for building gates:

• low costs of purchasing material;
• high structural strength;
• convenience of screwing in self-tapping screws for metal;
• aesthetic appearance of frames;
• low weight of the metal structure;
• ease of processing and welding of workpieces.

Along with a complex of positive aspects, the profile pipe also has weaknesses:

• tendency to corrosion caused by operation in conditions of high humidity and penetration of moisture into the profile pipe;
• the occurrence of frame deformations during operation due to the use of threaded fasteners during assembly;
• inconvenience of applying primer and paint on the surface of the profile pipe, which slightly increases the duration of work.

Compliance with the technology of manufacturing and installation of the gate minimizes the likelihood of negative factors and guarantees a long service life of the product.

Preparation for manufacturing: how to calculate the dimensions of the future structure

Despite the simplicity of manufacturing the metal structure of the gate, at the design stage it is important to responsibly approach the implementation of the preparatory measures, carefully think over all the nuances. A serious approach will allow you to avoid mistakes and correctly carry out calculations of the dimensions of the future structure.

To calculate the size of the product at the design stage, it is necessary to consider the following points:

• to decide on the design of the gate and the need to equip the leaves with an automatic control system. The canvas can have one or two doors and open on hinges or be retractable;

  

  For swing gates equipped with automation, it is necessary to provide for fastening elements of the drive

• make a decision on the finishing and sheathing of the door frame from a profile pipe. You can use profile sheets, wood, polycarbonate, mesh or metal, as well as make a lattice, forged or openwork structure;

  

  The use of a profile sheet for covering sliding gates is a budget solution

• take the necessary measurements. The dimensions of the entrance to the territory or to the storage room of the vehicle must ensure the unhindered entry of a vehicle of a certain size. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the area that will be involved when opening the swing doors;

  

  It is necessary to provide free space for opening the sash

• develop a drawing or sketch indicating all the required dimensions and design features (wickets, stiffeners, reinforcement elements, suspension loops, fixation points and automatic connections).

  

  The drawing indicates the main dimensions

  Carefully developed documentation allows you to accurately calculate the material requirements.

When designing a structure, the following points should be considered:

• for the unhindered entry of a car, it is enough to make a gate with a total length of the shutters of 3 m;

  

  A passenger car can easily enter a gate with such dimensions

• the size of the wicket, if it is provided for by the gate design, must be 75–100 centimeters;
• the height of the door leaf and wicket should be combined with the height of the existing fence and not differ by more than 20 cm, the optimal height is 1.5 m;
• it is advisable to first install it in the existing opening and securely concreted in the ground or attached to the fence posts for fastening the gate, it is advisable to pre-install the posts made of a wooden beam or a square pipe 50x50 mm;
• for the swivel type, it is important to take into account the distance from the web to the hinge attachment point. It should provide a free turn. It is recommended to keep the optimum size - 10 mm.

The typical drawing of a door with a wicket shows specific dimensions

To determine the distance between the support pillars, it is necessary to sum up the dimensions of the gate leaves, the gaps for attaching the hinges and turning the leaves. The distance between the supports for the given variant will be 2 + 2 + 0.01 + 0.01 = 4.02 meters.

Recommendations for the choice of material

Having made the decision to use a profile section pipe for manufacturing, you should decide on the range, type and size of rolled pipes. When choosing, consider the following points:

• profile section configuration. For manufacturing, it is preferable to use profiled pipes having a square or rectangular shape. Oval-section rolled products are practically not used;

  

  It is convenient to use a square tube for making gates

• the material from which the pipe is made. For budget options, use carbon steel. The use of galvanized pipes, which are distinguished by a higher price, additionally protects the metal structure from corrosion;

  

  The zinc coated pipe is easy to distinguish by its appearance - it is lighter

• production method. We produce welded and seamless pipes produced by hot or cold rolling. Considering the increased costs of purchasing seamless pipes, the optimal solution is to use welded cold-rolled sections with stable dimensions;
• the wall thickness of the profile products. With the same size of the pipe section, the wall thickness may differ by more than 2 times. To ensure strength and weldability, it is necessary to use materials with a wall thickness of at least 1.5–2 mm. The use of thicker pipes will increase costs and increase the weight of the structure, which is impractical.

After analyzing the selection criteria, you can confidently give preference to welded cold-rolled pipes with a wall thickness of 2 mm, square (25x25 or 30x30) or rectangular (20x40) section. Having selected the profile pipes, proceed with the calculations.

Calculation and required tools

Having decided on the standard size of the profile pipe and having correctly developed the drawing, you can begin to determine the need for materials, purchase purchased components, prepare tools and equipment for construction

The generalized list of materials for the manufacture of gates includes:

• profile pipes corresponding to the drawing dimensions;
• sheathing material that will be attached to the canvases, for example, profile sheet, polycarbonate, wood or metal;
• hanging hinges for connecting canvases with supporting posts or roller mechanism for sliding gates;
• lock and elements for fixing the canvases (staples, latches, latches);
• fastening elements designed to fix the finishing material;
• decorative details (for example, forged elements), if provided by the drawing;
• primer for corrosion protection and preliminary painting of metal structures;
• enamel for outdoor use, intended for final finishing and ensuring the presentation of the product.

Using the example of a swing gate with two leaves, we will calculate the need for materials.

Determination of the need for materials is made according to the sketch with dimensions

For the gate shown in the sketch you will need:

• a pipe with a profile section of 40x60 mm for the manufacture of support posts, which are not concreted, but are attached to the pillars available at the entrance. The total need for a 40x60 mm pipe is four meters (two stands of 2 meters each);
• professional pipe 40x40 for the manufacture of two frames. Knowing the dimensions of one sash 1.5x2 meters, it is easy to calculate the perimeter and add to it one horizontal lintel located in the middle of the sash equal to 1.5 meters: 1.5 + 2 + 1.5 + 2 + 1.5 = 8.5 meters … For two canvases, 8.5x2 = 17 meters of pipe will be required;
• a square pipe with a section of 20x20 mm for the manufacture of braces that give rigidity to the canvases. Using the Pythagorean theorem, it is easy to calculate the length of the hypotenuse of a triangle with legs of 1 and 1.5 meters. The square root of the sum of the squares of the legs is 1.8 meters. For four braces, 1.8x4 + 7.2 meters of profile pipe will be required;
• corner scarves, which is a rectangular triangle made of steel with a thickness of 2–2.5 mm with sides of 10 cm. Each sash will need 4 scarves to ensure the rigidity of the corner zones;

• professional flooring for sewing the gate frame. You will need 2 sheets of 1.5x2 meters;

  

  The color of the corrugated board can be chosen to taste

• self-tapping screws for fixing the profiled sheet. Dividing the length of the supporting surface of the professional pipe, equal to 17 m, by the step of fastening the screws (0.3–0.4 meters), we get 42–56 screws. You need to have a couple of spare, so 60 will be enough;

  

  The color of the screws corresponds to the color of the profiled sheet

• loops with a diameter of 25 mm in the amount of 4 pieces;
• two locking clamps and a latch;
• primer for metal and paint for finishing.

A typical set of tools for making gates, installing and concreting support pillars is slightly different.

To carry out the work, it is necessary to prepare equipment and tools

For the gates we are considering, the following equipment and tools are required:

• welding machine with electrodes 3 mm in diameter;
• grinder with a circle for cutting metal;
• electric drill with drills;
• a hammer;
• tools for taking measurements, controlling the accuracy of manufacturing and assembly (tape measure, level, corner);
• grinding wheel for sealing welded seams;
• file for deburring;
• brush for applying a protective coating.

Step-by-step instructions for making a gate from a profile pipe with your own hands

When manufacturing the gate, follow the previously developed documentation and follow the technological sequence of operations

Let's consider both options.

Welded construction

When welding swing gates from shaped pipes, perform the work according to the order:

1. Cut the blanks to the appropriate sizes.

   

   A grinder is used for cutting blanks

2. Clean cut areas, remove rust and burrs.

3. Lay out the received door parts according to their sizes. This will facilitate further manufacturing and control the correct dimensions.

   

   By combining the blanks into a single package, it is easier to match the dimensions

4. Fasten the gate pillars, which can be welded to the embedded elements or embedded in concrete.

5. Lay out the sash blanks on a flat surface into a common structure. It is important to ensure right angles between the frame elements and to assemble the door without distortions.

   

   Before welding, the conformity of the product dimensions is checked

6. Place a gusset on the corner joint of the profile pipes, ensuring that the extreme edges coincide. Tack the frame elements by welding, fixing the workpieces.

   

   The use of a fixture ensures that angles are respected

7. Finally weld the steel structure using a set of blanks.

   

   When welding, use electrodes with a diameter of 3 mm

8. Weld the pivot hinges to the support posts and gate leaves, ensuring a distance of 15–20 cm from the upper and lower levels.

   

   Correctly welded hinge will ensure easy opening

9. Treat weld seams to ensure presentation and safe operation.

   

   During processing, all irregularities and burrs are removed

10. Hang the door leaves onto the hinges and make sure that there is no jamming when opening.

    

    When the hinges are properly welded, the sashes should open easily

11. Treat the metal structure with a primer. After the primer has dried, apply the enamel.

12. Fasten the profiled sheet with self-tapping screws.

    

    It is important to observe the tightening torque when screwing in self-tapping screws

13. Install locks, locking elements and latches.

    

    The latch fixes the gate leaves

The welded structure of the door is highly durable.

How to weld a gate frame from a professional pipe with your own hands: video

The video shows in detail the sequence of welding the gate frame.

Threaded version

If there is no welding machine or no skills in handling it, you can assemble the gate from a profile pipe without welding. To do this, you must use bolts, nuts with M8 threads and washers, as well as connecting elements.

Use of unified connectors simplifies assembly

To complete the assembly, you will need a drill with drills corresponding to the diameter of the hardware used, as well as wrenches.

The algorithm for manufacturing a structure without welding is completely similar to the previously given sequence for a welded product, with the exception of the following points:

• use connecting elements to fasten the profile pipes;

  

  Such pipe fastening is strong enough

• connect the corner gussets to the frame elements through pre-drilled holes;

  

  Corner trim conforms to pipe dimensions

• use threaded fasteners at the joints of the profile elements. Alternatively, you can run

  

  A special overlay allows you to securely fix the door lintels

  end fastening of frame elements;

  

  Option for end fastening of profile pipes

• fasten the pivot hinges with bolts and nuts installed in the pre-drilled holes.

  

  Bolts М8-М10 will ensure reliable fastening of the hinges that carry the mass of the gate leaves

After assembling the frame, you can start trimming with finishing material.

Tips for finishing

The metal structure of the gate must be reliably protected from the effects of natural factors. For this, a primer for metal and enamel is used, which, after the soil has dried, is applied with a brush, roller or spray gun. You can use a canned aerosol available on the market.

It doesn't matter when to paint - before hanging the sashes or after installation. It is important to provide a high-quality enamel coating of all parts of the metal structure. It is possible to improve the appearance of the gate using various materials and decorative elements.

Forging decoration

You can decorate the gates from a profile pipe in an original way with forged parts

Forged elements are used for decoration

It is problematic to make forged elements on your own. They can be purchased from specialized stores or ordered from the forge.

The combination of forged elements and bent rods creates an original pattern

The finished decor is easy to weld on your own to the finished product in the necessary places, creating an original pattern.

Application of a profiled sheet

The use of profile sheets for sewing the gate frame allows to reduce manufacturing costs

Budget finishing option

The wide range of colors offered in the commercial network of profiled sheets allows you to harmoniously fit the structure into the interior of the site.

The color of the profile sheet enhances the finish of the building

The low weight helps to reduce the load on the suspension loops.

Wood finishing

The wood, which can be used to decorate the gate, has an original texture and gives the product a presentable look

Textured wood makes the gate presentable

The material requires additional processing to protect it from moisture and cracking.

Varnished wood, moisture resistant

Using the grid

Metal mesh is a budget solution for decoration. Using the mesh, you can easily sheathe the metal structure of the frame and provide a free view of the surrounding area.

Such gates provide visibility

The mesh made of galvanized wire is less susceptible to corrosion and is durable.

Wire mesh gate option

Polycarbonate sheathing

Polycarbonate is a modern material used in the manufacture of structures

The combination of polycarbonate with forging improves the presentation

The lightness of the material and the ease of fastening make it popular.

Colored polycarbonate door finish option

The use of polycarbonate in various colors allows for a creative approach to the design.

Metal lining

Metal sheets are a simple and quick solution for frame sewing

The doors, sewn with metal, look aesthetically pleasing thanks to the use of decorative elements

Possessing increased strength, the material has a significant mass. This increases the weight of the sashes and requires additional structural reinforcement.

Video: profile pipe gates

The video contains useful information about the design features of swing gates.

Step-by-step instructions for installing swing gates are presented in the video.

The use of a profile pipe in the independent manufacture of gates allows you to save money and create a reliable structure with your own hands, the strength of which is beyond doubt. It is important to think carefully about the device, take a responsible approach to the development of documentation, use quality materials and follow the technology. The simplicity of the design and the possibility of using various types of finishes create a wide field for creativity. In addition, self-made gates are a serious reason for pride.