Hanging double gates?

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What is the best method of hanging double gates when the ground is not level? In the past I tried welding a hinge on one side then using a string-line level to mark the other side. This got me close, but some times varies 1/4-3/8. Any better method?
Reply:you could use a transit, or laser level-NateMiller Trailblazer 302gMiller Spoolmatic 30aLN-25 x 2Idealarc SP200Hypertherm Powermax 600
Reply:Laser? My Topcon laser will get me with in 3/32" in 100'. The receiver will tell you audibly and visibly if you are close to the beam. It beeps rapidly in a high tone if you are about 2" high or less, and slowly in a lower tone if you are 2" low or less. You get a solid tone for level. It has a coarse and fine setting on the receiver. Coarse is about +/-2mm, fine is +/- 1mm. This isn't your Home Depot  homeowner variety laser however. Most good rental centers have medium quality lasers, and you can rent the good ones from survey suppliers.The cheap method is the old water level. A 5 gal bucket, a garden hose, a length of clear tube, water and food coloring. If you need instructions let me know.. Attached ImagesLast edited by DSW; 01-26-2010 at 07:49 PM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Can you pull your string tighter.  Is your level one configured for drainage, as in more than one mark, but only on one side?  I've found them to be harder to level with.
Reply:DSW, I've had a homemade water level for about 20 yrs and I've used it for just about everything. From leveling a mobile home to setting forms for concrete. And like the laser I don't need a rod man.                                 MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Originally Posted by mla2ofusDSW, I've had a homemade water level for about 20 yrs and I've used it for just about everything. From leveling a mobile home to setting forms for concrete. And like the laser I don't need a rod man.                                 Mike
Reply:A transit will work great for this. I have a dewalt transit i think it was 250.00.laterOrlie
Reply:Now a transit you need 2 people for..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:You're right about "down is up and up is down". I use my 4' Alum. yard stick and tape the clear tubing to it top and bottom and establish the low point and work from there. I just map out the area I'm working on paper and record all the readings or on stakes. I've built a 3 car carport, a 15' x 30' shed for my pontoon boat and am now building a 15' x 30' x 12' RV shed for my SIL. When I set up my batter boards for the anchors I set all the boards the stringline will be attached to and use the water level to set them all level for future reference regarding the 4" square tube posts. Works real good for setting everything exactly where I want it and getting the tops of the posts the right height for the roof slope before they are installed.                                  MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Originally Posted by PFD402What is the best method of hanging double gates when the ground is not level? In the past I tried welding a hinge on one side then using a string-line level to mark the other side. This got me close, but some times varies 1/4-3/8. Any better method?
Reply:Originally Posted by PFD402. . .In the past I tried welding a hinge on one side then using a string-line level to mark the other side. This got me close, but some times varies 1/4-3/8. Any better method?
Reply:I drive a couple of tee post and wire the gate to the post. Level with a hammer. Makes it easy to weld the hinges.
Reply:"I've had a homemade water level for about 20 yrs and I've used it for just about everything. "+1  For a gate, you can level it perfectly fine with a length of garden hose.Tim
Reply:Depending on the size ans style of the gates, clamp (or tack if they're not painted) them together with a length of box section across the bottom, put them up as one piece instead of 2, shim where needed to get them level, prop them up if they are likely to fall, weld or cement hinges...... You can also get adjustable weldable hinges which allow you to tweak a little after they're hung.    Not sure if it's the best method, but It's worked for me in the past.  Hope this helps, and if you do tack them make sure you dont leave the grinder on the other side  (not that this has ever happened to me