Changing your Automatic Gate’s Chain

With every command that is sent to your gate—whether it is with a remote button, exiting loop, or an app on your smartphone—the gate operator motor is moving the drive chain inside the enclosure. That chain that is attached to the gate and drives the gate to open and close.  The drive chain is exposed to harsh winds, rain, and snow storms which may cause rusting, stretching, and clogged O-rings. This may result in your gate struggling to open or close, which will require you to change your chain.

Environmental factors, along with daily use, can cause limitations in opening and closing your gate. By keeping the drive chain lubed and tensioned correctly you can extend the chain and operator’s life.  Each operator manufacturer has its own specs on how to tension the drive chain; refer to the owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting tension. 

Liquid Wrench L711 Chain & Cable Lube - 11 oz.

A Tip From The Pros

“I recommend Liquid Wrench Chain and Cable Lube for drive chain lubrication.” Dustin Harrison, Lead Access Control Technician

When adjusting the drive chain to the recommended tension, it may be possible that you will need to remove chain links.  Removing a few chain links will need to be done when the tension bolts are out of threads due to the chain stretch over time.  The removal of chain links can be accomplished with a chain breaker tool.  Keep in mind that different gate operators have different chain sizes, but the most common sizes are #41, #40, and #50 (the size is often found on the link).

A chain link cantilever gate that has the chain from the slide driver dragging on the ground

While adjustments on your drive chain can be necessary, it can change how your gate moves:

  • If the chain is too loose it can get underneath the rollers or guides, or drag on the ground, causing the chain to wear out sooner. 
  • Too much adjusting can break the chain or bow the gate causing it to miss the receiver.
Close up of a slide gate operator chain that has seized up

Our advice is to check the operator’s manual for the correct tension, or call in a professional to ensure the integrity of your gate and system.

Having a professional maintaining your gate operator and its components bi-annually may be the best way to go.  So, when you find yourself asking “When do I replace the chain?” give us a call.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Seized links, rusting, and dirt-clogged O-rings