Fittings for wrought iron gate

[papayagirl]

I found a wrought iron gate on Blocket that I plan to make my winter project for restoration. Before I get started, I would like to finalize the complementary parts for both hanging and closing functions.

I tested placing it between the posts and this is how it looks:





I would gladly accept tips on where to buy hanging hooks in cast iron and also suggestions for the closing mechanism.

Here are some measurements:

• Width between the posts: Varies depending on uneven stone surface. 110 cm at the narrowest point.
• Gate width: 98 cm frame + 6 cm for the hanging plate.
• Diameter of hanging hole: 18 mm
• Thickness of the frame: 20 mm.

Thankful for tips!

 

[heimlaga]

It can't be both wrought iron and cast iron. They are completely different materials and techniques.

In my view, it looks like an early partially forged, partially welded construction. No cast iron!

Spåran (I don't know what they are called in standard Swedish, but that's what they're called here in the village) that the gate is supposed to hang on should be forged or welded at an angle from an iron rod that goes into a hole in the stone post.
Traditionally, spåran should be mounted when the stone is horizontal. The spåran is usually slit at the end, and you insert a wedge into the slit and drive the spåran to the bottom of the hole. Then it grips firmly. After that, you cast it in place with molten sulfur. Only after that do you erect the gatepost.
Nowadays, there are cement-based mixtures that can be used in the absence of sulfur, but otherwise, the procedure is as before.

I am almost certain that you can't buy spårar in any store. If they happen to be available, they probably won't fit. Find a blacksmith or a small mechanical workshop and ask them to custom-make some, and you'll get parts that fit.
Spårar should naturally be made of ordinary wrought iron (some people call it steel these days) and not cast iron.

 

[papayagirl]

It cannot be both wrought iron and cast iron. They are completely different materials and techniques.

In my eyes, it looks like an early partly wrought, partly welded construction. No cast iron!

The spåran (I don't know what they are called in standard Swedish, but that's what they're called here in the village) on which the gate is to hang should be forged or welded at an angle with an iron rod that goes into a hole in the stone post.
Traditionally, the spåran should be mounted while the stone is lying down. The spåran is usually slitted at the end, and then you put a wedge in the slit and drive the spåran to the bottom of the hole. Then it bites into place. Then you fasten it in the hole with molten sulfur. Only after that do you raise the gate post.
Nowadays, there are cement-based compounds that you can use in the absence of sulfur, but otherwise, the procedure is the same as before.

I am as good as certain that you cannot buy spårar for money in any store. If they exist against all odds, they hardly fit. Find a blacksmith or smaller mechanical workshop and ask them to custom-make, so you get parts that fit.
Spårar should naturally be made of regular mild steel (some call it steel these days) and not of cast iron.

Thanks for the response! I believe it is cast iron since that was stated in the ad. It is very heavy.

Thought wrought iron was the same, so nice to learn something new

The gate is from the 60s according to the seller. I have started sanding off the old paint, and a silvery surface is revealed:



Regarding "spåran," I had thought of drilling deep straight into the stone and mounting some form of hook with filling material around it. The posts are where they are, so laying them down is too much work. I assume it's to apply the cement more easily?

For the lock, the idea is to possibly fasten a handle or alternatively a bracket that folds down over the top of the gate.

Got the tip to visit Nacka Byggnadsvård and ask for advice. They have spare parts for old houses. But happy to keep discussing here too!

 

[heimlaga]

It is welded from ordinary rolled square iron. This is quite clear in the latest picture. The design would match the 1960s.

Casting such a gate in one piece requires a large and rather complicated sand mold that would likely need to be filled through multiple inlets with several ladles to avoid casting defects. It was feasible in the 1890s when even highly skilled casters worked for starvation wages and there weren't yet functional electric welds, but even then cast iron gates cast in one piece were extremely rare. After the war, welding became widespread, and that was definitely the end of such practices.

The cast iron exists only in the seller's imagination. A large solid lump with no cavity for a brain

Surely it is possible to wedge and cast the rail in place even if the post stands exactly as you describe. It just becomes a bit more complicated to get the hole fully filled.

 

[papayagirl]

What do you think about this solution?

https://www.specialbeslag.se/grindbeslag/grindklinka
https://www.specialbeslag.se/grindbeslag/hakgangjarn-for-genomgaend-mont

Regarding the hakgångjärnet, you need to drill through the stone and fasten it with a nut.

 

[papayagirl]

Had to be a special order at the local blacksmith!