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Are you trying to make your property more secure? One way of doing this is by installing gate drop rods. Drop rods are an excellent means of restricting entry into your driveway or any outside space by anchoring your gate in a specific position.
Also known as a gate anchor or cane bolt, a drop rod is widely used to open and close exterior gates. Think of them as a more robust and larger version of barrel bolts. These specialty rods are not-handed, meaning they work on both right-handed and left-handed gates.
With a wide variety of options and materials, you might feel intimated when selecting a drop rod for your property. But don't worry.
This guide will discuss everything about this gate security solution, from its working mechanism and benefits to its standout feature.
So, let’s dive in.
How Does a Gate Drop Rod Work?
Drop rods are used on double swing gates to secure both or one side of the swing gate in either the closed or open position. A couple of holders are nailed onto the door, and the metal rod slides through them down into a hole bored into the surface to stop the gate from swinging freely.
The hole is usually larger than the rod's diameter. It is placed at two spots: the first is right below where the gate aligns in its closed position, while the other hole is placed at some distance from the entrance, up until where the gate's wings reach in their open position.
The working of drop rods in an open or closed position is simple. To allow the gate to swing, lift the rod out of the hole and turn it to keep it from fouling into the ground and enable your gate to move freely. Similarly, lower the rod and put it in the hole when locking the gate in a particular position.
What Are the Advantages of Installing a Gate Drop Rod?
Drop rods have expanded from being gate fasteners to being an essential security component for businesses and homes.
The primary benefit of gate rods is the provision of added security level. They are often mounted to the inside of exterior double gates to keep them upheld and sturdy for easy and trouble-free access.
This sturdiness comes from the bolt lock into the hole, giving the rods superior strength and ensuring that the gate movement is only controlled by those inside. Another advantage of drop rods over standard gate latches is their ability to secure the bottom of the gate and manage the entranceway.
This is particularly helpful with wider gates that tend to open wide enough at the bottom for children or pets to escape. Therefore, installing drop rods ultimately leads to better safety for the residents.
Lastly, these rods are incredibly flexible and can be used in horizontal and vertical alignment, as well as on any type of gate, including iron, aluminium, and all types of wood.
Choosing the Right Gate Drop Rod
When selecting a drop rod for your swing gate, it is important to consider its size, material, and design. Here is a quick overview of these factors.
Material
The first and foremost factor you should consider when looking for the best drop rod is its construction material. Make sure that the drop rod you purchase is made from high-quality material because the last thing you want for your gate is to fall apart because of a cheaply-made drop rod.
Drop rods are made from many different materials. You can choose from aluminum, stainless steel, or brass. Each metal is strong enough to provide a sturdy mounting system and withstand repeated use.
The most popular choice, however, are stainless steel drop rods since they can be powder-coated and electro-polished to augment their strength and property. This extends their durability and lifespan.
Size
Once you have chosen your desired drop rod construction material, the next step is to select the right size. The most common size of these rods is ½ inch, but ¾ inch and 1-inch sizes are also available to suit larger gates. A good rule of thumb is to choose a rod at least 4 inches longer than the thickness of the gate. So, take the appropriate measurements of the gate in question and decide accordingly.
Weight Capacity
It is recommended to use drop rods with a weight capacity of at least twice the weight of the gates. This ascertains the drop rods' capability to effectively hold the gate in its place without getting loose or detached.
Ease of Installation
Gate drop rods are a convenient way to secure your facility, but sometimes their complicated installation process may take away this element of convenience. Therefore, choosing an option that provides swift and easy installation is best.
Also, try to choose drop rods with mounting instructions, fasteners, and screws to simplify the installation process further.
Security Features
A few additional security features can go a long way in enhancing the functionality of your gate drop rod. For example, since certain situations require you to lock the gate, some drop rods offer the option of padlock security along with a lock storage facility for when the padlock is not in use.
In contrast, other models include a bolt retention feature that keeps the rod from dragging or dropping on the driveway and prevents the rod from getting pulled out of the holder during the mounting process.
To Wrap Up
Gate drop rods are an essential item for any property owner that aims to secure their premises. They are straightforward to use and can be placed in many different locations, acting as an effective deterrent to criminals and intruders.
And if you are on the lookout for some reliable, durable, and easy-to-install drop rods, contact us to get the best drop rods on the market. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you.
