Lesson 1Digging and under-base prep: breaking slab, making holes, packing under-base, and temp formsThis part covers breaking current slabs, digging post holes to right depth and width, prepping and packing the under-base, and putting temp forms to shape concrete and guard nearby finishes.
Identify underground services before diggingBreak out slabs and cut neat edgesExcavate post holes to depth and diameterInstall and compact granular sub-baseFit temporary shuttering and spoil controlLesson 2Fitting catch, stops, and locks: setting strike plate line, drop bolts and anti-lift bitsThis part shows how to fit catches, stops, and locking bits, line strike plates, set drop bolts, and add anti-lift bits so the gate shuts safe, fights meddling, and meets safety and security needs.
Select latch, stop, and lock componentsAlign latch keepers and striking platesInstall ground and intermediate drop boltsFit gate stops to limit travel arcsAdd anti-lift brackets or security pinsLesson 3Fitting hinges and prep checks: hinge line tools, setting hinge heights, and test fitThis part details how to fit hinges exactly using tools, set hinge heights and shifts, check building fixings, and do test fit so gate panels can be hung later with little tweak and good long work.
Select hinge type and load ratingUse alignment jigs or templatesSet hinge heights and horizontal offsetsVerify fixings, welds, and substratesTest fit dummy leaf or alignment barLesson 4Last tweaks for smooth swing: hinge pre-load, gap tweaks, checking shut force and self-centre if neededThis part focuses on fine-tuning the fitted gate for smooth, controlled move by tweaking hinge pre-load, setting even gaps, checking shut forces, and checking self-centre or hold-open where design needs.
Set hinge preload and remove playAdjust vertical and lateral gate gapsMeasure closing force and resistanceVerify self-centering or hold-open actionCheck clearance at ground and obstaclesLesson 5Records and handover list: as-built notes, measures, and client showHere you will make clear as-built records, note key measures and fitting settings, finish a handover list, and show safe gate work, care points, and warranty to the client.
Record post positions and gate dimensionsNote hinge, latch, and stop settingsComplete safety and function checklistProvide maintenance and inspection guidanceConduct client demonstration and sign-offLesson 6Concrete pouring, packing, and setting: placing posts, support steps, and checking allowance during setYou will learn how to place posts exactly in concrete, step supports to hold line, pack and shake the mix, and watch straight, flat, and space allowances while concrete sets for steady, lasting base.
Select mix, slump, and reinforcement needsPosition posts with spacers and templatesBrace posts for plumb, level, and spacingPlace, compact, and finish concreteProtect and cure concrete to specificationLesson 7Hanging gate panels: lift ways, shims for flat, and balance for even swingHere you will learn safe ways for lifting and holding gate panels, using shims for flat and straight, and tweaking fittings so each panel has even, no-rub swing that lines with design gaps and catch spots.
Select lifting gear and safe handling methodsPosition hinges and support gate weightShim leaves for level, plumb, and alignmentSet equal gaps at posts and meeting edgesTest for neutral swing and adjust hardwareLesson 8Post supports, grout and last trim: taking off forms, filling gaps, and finishing concrete around postsHere you will take off forms safe, grout around posts or baseplates, fill gaps, and finish concrete sides and trims so the fit looks pro, runs water right, and guards steel from rust and shift.
Confirm concrete strength before unbracingRemove shuttering without damaging edgesGrout baseplates and fill remaining voidsFinish concrete falls and surface textureSeal joints and touch up coatingsLesson 9Prep and site marking: setting centre line, gate swing curves, and finding post holes or tie spotsThis part shows how to check the site, mark gate centre line, set swing curves, and exactly find post holes or tie points so the fitted gate works safe, clears blocks, and matches design layout.
Review drawings and verify property boundariesCheck ground levels, slopes, and drainage pathsMark gate centerline and hinge reference pointsPlot full gate swing arcs and clearance zonesLocate post holes and anchor bolt positionsLesson 10Setup for automation upgrade: marking and fitting pipes, operator fix plates and power accessYou will learn how to make the fit ready for later automation by running pipes, placing operator fix plates, and planning power access so motors, controls, and safety bits can be added without big redo.
Review automation layout and clearancesInstall conduits for power and controlsPosition operator mounting platesProvide cable access at posts and leavesSeal penetrations and label conduits
