What a Drop Rod Does (And Why Your Double Gate Needs One)

💡 Key Takeaway: A drop rod is the simple piece of hardware that keeps one side of your double gate anchored—without it, both gates swing unpredictably in the wind.

If you have a double gate—the kind that opens from the middle for driveways, boats, or wide equipment—you've probably noticed that one side usually stays put while the other swings open. That's not magic. That's a drop rod.

A drop rod is a simple vertical bolt that slides down from the stationary gate panel into a hole in the ground (or a receiver plate). When engaged, it locks that gate in place. When you need full width access, you lift the rod, and both panels swing free.

It sounds basic, but we've seen plenty of double gates installed without them. The result? Both gates flapping in the wind, banging into each other, wearing out hinges prematurely, and looking sloppy. Along the Wilmington coast, where afternoon breezes are a given, an unsecured gate panel becomes a liability.

For pool enclosures with extra-wide openings, drop rods are especially critical—an unsecured gate panel can swing into the pool area and defeat the purpose of the barrier.

We install drop rods on every double gate we build—wood, vinyl, and aluminum. The hardware itself costs a few dollars. The stability it provides is priceless.

When we install, we either set a PVC sleeve in concrete for the rod to drop into, or mount a surface receiver if the ground can't be excavated. Both methods keep the rod securely seated and easy to operate.

📍 Port City Fence Tip: Check your drop rod monthly. Sand and debris can fill the ground sleeve over time. A quick rinse with a hose keeps it operating smoothly.

Questions about double gates or hardware? Call us at 910-232-5453 or request a free consultation.