Skill: Guide Posts to a Sliding Gate – Correct Height, Distance & Adjustment
Skill level: 3
Gate Mechanics
Learning Objective
Learn how to accurately install guide posts for a sliding gate system to provide proper lateral support and guide roller alignment, while ensuring a clean, professional appearance and future adjustability.
1. Overview
Guide posts carry the guide rollers that stabilise the top of a sliding gate. They must be upright, square, and aligned with the gate run to ensure smooth travel and reliable performance.
Poor installation can lead to:
Gate scraping, binding, or swaying
Misaligned rollers and racking issues
Unprofessional appearance
Difficulty with future servicing or adjustment
2. Tools & Materials Required
Steel guide posts (50×50 or 60×60 RHS typical)
Base plates (if not welded to post)
M12–M16 threaded bar/studding (min. 250 mm length)
Chemical resin fixings (chem fix)
Nuts, washers, spanners, wrenches
Drill with long SDS bits
Tape measure, marker, clamps
Spirit or digital level, square
Gate drawing (or accurate gate measurement)
PPE — gloves, safety boots, eye protection
3. Before You Start
Confirm guide post dimensions from gate drawings or measure existing gates.
Ensure ground or base pad is sound and suitable for resin anchoring.
Plan for clearance of both rack (inside face) and rollers (top guide).
Allow top of post to finish level with top of gate for a clean aesthetic.
Check end stop positions and confirm post placement won’t interfere.
4. Procedure (Main Process)
A. Mark and Prepare Fixing Points
Stand post in intended position, temporarily clamp or wedge in place.
Square against gate track line and ensure it is plumb in both directions.
Mark all fixing holes – every hole must be drilled and used.
Drill holes to 250 mm depth where possible (150 mm minimum if restricted).
Keep drill upright within ±2° tolerance.
B. Resin Fix and Set Studs
Blow out all holes thoroughly.
Inject chemical resin per manufacturer’s instructions.
Insert threaded bar/studding and allow full curing time.
C. Install and Align Post
Place guide post over studs.
Fit one nut below and one above base plate for vertical adjustment.
Adjust until post is perfectly upright and square to track line.
Align top of post flush with gate top.
Tighten nuts evenly, ensuring no movement.
5. Best Practices
Always log guide post type and fixing method in job notes.
Leave enough clearance for rollers to be changed later without cutting.
Use digital level for accuracy, especially on tall gates.
Apply thread lock or spring washers to resist vibration loosening.
Run the gate manually to confirm clearance before handing over.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Installing the post too short or low compared to gate top
🚫 Forgetting clearance for rack or rollers
🚫 No lower nuts under baseplate — removes adjustability
🚫 Failing to check post square in both planes
🚫 Skipping holes or using fewer studs than required
🚫 Assuming the concrete base is level without verifying
7. Safety Information
Wear gloves, boots, and eye protection when drilling and handling steel.
Secure post safely when marking or drilling — never balance it by hand alone.
Keep hands clear of rollers when gate is tested against guide post.
Use resin in well-ventilated areas and follow curing times strictly.
Refer to SSOW-01: General Gate Handling & Installation Safety for the full Safe System of Work.