A-Z of Gate Terms
Understanding gate terminology can make choosing, installing, and maintaining gates much easier. Our A–Z guide explains common terms in plain language, helping you avoid confusion and make informed decisions. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or simply curious, this resource is designed to give you clear, practical definitions at a glance.
A
- Adjustable Hinges
- Gate hinges that allow fine adjustment after installation to correct sagging or alignment.
- Anti-Lift Brackets
- Metal brackets fitted to gates to prevent them from being lifted off their hinges or track.
- Automatic Gates
- Gates operated by powered systems such as hydraulic or underground motors.
- Automatic Latch
- A latch that engages automatically when the gate closes.
B
- Bi-Folding Gates
- Gates that fold in sections to reduce the space required for opening.
- Bottom Rail
- The lowest horizontal rail forming part of the gate frame.
- Bracing
- Structural components used to prevent gate movement or sagging.
- Brenton Bolt
- A traditional surface-mounted sliding bolt commonly used on timber gates.
C
- Cantilever Gates
- Sliding gates that operate without a ground track and are supported by rollers.
- Capping
- A protective timber or metal cover fitted to the top of gates to reduce weather damage.
- Chain Link Gates
- Mesh style metal gates typically used for security or industrial access.
- Double Leaf Gates
- Gates made of two leaves that meet in the centre of the opening.
D
- Diagonal Bracing
- Angled supports running across a gate to strengthen the structure.
- Door and Hardware Federation
- A UK trade association setting standards for doors, gates, and hardware.
- Drop Bolt
- A vertical bolt that drops into the ground to secure gate leaves.
- Driveway Gates
- Large gates designed to control vehicle access to residential or commercial driveways.
E
- Electric Gates
- Powered gates operated using electricity, often remotely controlled.
- Estate Gates
- Large decorative gates used on country estates and private roads.
- Eye Bolt Hinges
- Heavy-duty threaded hinges used on field and driveway gates.
F
- Five Bar Gates
- Traditional agricultural gates made with five horizontal bars.
- Fold Gate Spring Catch
- A spring-loaded catch used to secure folding gate sections.
G
- Gate Safe
- A UK organisation promoting safety standards for powered gates.
- Gate Posts
- Structural posts that support and carry the weight of a gate.
- Gravel Board Supported Gates
- Gates installed above gravel boards to protect timber from ground moisture.
H
- Hanging Post
- The main structural post that supports the gate hinges.
- Hanging Stile
- The vertical edge of the gate where hinges are attached.
- Heel of Gate
- The bottom corner of the gate nearest the hinge side.
- Hit and Miss Gates
- Gates constructed with alternating boards for airflow and privacy.
- Hook and Band Hinges
- Traditional hinges consisting of hooks on the post and bands fixed to the gate.
- Hook on Plate
- A hinge component where the hook is welded to a fixing plate.
- Hydraulic Ram Automatic Swing Gate Operator
- A powered ram system that opens and closes swing gates.
J
- J Locks
- Locking systems designed specifically for metal or security gates.
L
- LPS 1175 Gates
- Security rated gates tested to resist forced entry to recognised standards.
- Locks for Gates
- Mechanical or electronic devices used to secure gates.
- Loop Over Catch for Field Gates
- A simple catch used to secure agricultural gates closed.
M
- Magnetic Latch
- A gate latch that uses magnets to hold the gate shut.
- Monkey Tail Bolt
- A decorative sliding bolt with a curled handle.
- Mortice Locks
- Locks recessed into the gate stile for a clean and secure finish.
P
- Pedestrian Gate
- A single access gate designed for foot traffic.
- Playground Gates
- Safety compliant gates designed for schools and play areas.
- Posts for Gates
- Structural supports installed in the ground or onto walls to carry gates.
- Privacy Gates
- Solid or close-boarded gates designed to block visibility.
R
- Reversible Hinges
- Hinges that can be installed for left or right-hand opening.
- Ring Latch
- A traditional gate latch operated by lifting a ring handle.
S
- Safety Edges
- Pressure sensitive strips fitted to automated gates to prevent injury.
- Security Gates
- Heavy-duty gates designed to deter unauthorised access.
- Self-Closing Gates
- Gates fitted with mechanisms that close automatically after opening.
- Self-Locking Gate Catch
- A latch that locks automatically when the gate shuts.
- Single Leaf Gates
- Gates made from one single opening panel.
- Slam Post
- A closing post that gates shut against.
- Slam Stile
- The vertical closing edge of the gate that meets the slam post.
- Sliding Gates
- Gates that open sideways rather than swinging.
- Spring Catch for Fold Gates
- A sprung latch used on bi-folding or folding gate designs.
- Stile
- The vertical outer frame members of a gate.
T
- Telescopic Gates
- Sliding gates made of overlapping sections that retract as they open.
- Tee Hinges
- T-shaped hinges commonly used on timber garden gates.
- Thumb Gate Latch
- A latch operated by pressing a thumb plate on one side.
- Throw Lock
- A lock where the bolt is thrown manually to secure the gate.
- Top Rail
- The upper horizontal member of the gate frame.
- Trellis Gates
- Decorative gates featuring open lattice panels.
U
- Underground Automatic Gate Operator
- A concealed motor system installed below ground for swing gates.
W
- Wall Plate
- A fixing plate used to attach a gate to a wall instead of a post.
Z
- Z Braced Gates
- Timber gates reinforced with a Z-shaped brace for strength.
