Gate to keep my neighbor out

[eddie]

OK...it's old-man grumpy time...but I can't help it.

Every day, my next-door-neighbor uses my driveway for his turn-around; he pulls into my driveway, backs out and parks in front of his house. It's more convenient to use my driveway even though his is usually empty. No...I haven't asked him to stop...if he didn't, then I might have to get physical .

Now, I know,...no real harm...it just bugs me. I'm looking to do a fence around the front yard also so I thought I might go for a driveway gate.

So, question is, if I string a double gate (complying with city easements), will 2/2 square tubing be strong enough? Each side will probably be about 10 feet.

I gave you all the background so maybe one of you guys might know of some ordinance I could lay on him...probably just a civil matter.

[9erhater]

I would post a little sign, something like driveway not for turnarounds. or something, maybe he will get the hint. and when he stops doing it. take it down. maybe he just doesn't know it bothers you. if that dont work. then you just need to start using his driveway for turn arounds... even if it doesnt make sence. then when he asks you why you are doing that, you can reply with "thats the same question I would like to ask you"
but remenber not to have your HIGH BEAMS ON AT NIGHT that may bother him....
you dont want to start a feud with the guy

[Vipernut]

I would just politely ask him to stop doing it. If he doesn't, then the next time he tries it, run outside and throw a box of roofing nails on your driveway (ever notice those nails always land head down???) If you are polite about it, I don't see why he wouldn't stop. If he's a jerk about it, nails it is!!!

Kevin

[Smith Brother]

In no way shape or form do I wish to OFFEND YOU, I don't know you, BUT you should have the STRENGTH to talk to him. He probably does not have a CLUE that this bothers you. If he was killing your grass then you should point this out to him. I wonder if there isn't more to this, DO YOU NOT LIKE THIS PERSON? I have a neighbor that is a car broker, and he started bringing home a different car each weekend and parking at the end of his drive with a large For Sale sign, well it caused people to stop in the street and was a health hazard. I discussed it with him and he said NO PROBLEM. Personally you need to speak directly with him. How can he FIX the problem if he doesn't know of such?

No a 2 X 2 post is not large enough unless the gate is VERY VERY light weight. Look around at the chain link fence gates and I believe you will find that is the size they use for a 36" walk-thru.

I wish you well.

Dale

[DUMB_HUNTER]

or you can pull into his drive to change your oil, work on your car,etc. if he ask why, just say you dont want to block his turn around place or leave oil to where he might get it on HIS car by doing it in YOUR drive. i think he might get the hint

[partagas]

Just put in those tire spikes they have at the malls. This way when he pulls in, push a button and have the spikes pop out and flat tire. Oooh wait, that is what I want to do to my neighber. And I have talked to him. About this car, his music and his friends hanging out and getting drunk at 3 in the morning in the front. But hey I am sure it would work for you too.

[trashcan]

Any combination of the following (pics 1&2) plus full battle dress cammies along with a screetching "You Commie Bastid!!!" every time you see him (maybe some drool and a half eaten slim jim stuck in your ear) will surely put the fear of eddie in his heart!! I recomend the killer BBgun cause trust me that sucka sure does sting!!! I hope it all works out bro, remember, if it's yours and you've paid for it don't let it go without a **** of a fight and if nothing else get yer licks in!!!! Thump On Eddie!!!!!!!

[welding king jr]

that good old shotgun will help

[trashcan]

**** tequilla...

[It's a dry heat]

Originally Posted by trashcan

**** tequilla...

Missing one thing! A Baseball Bat!

[TOMWELDS]

Scratch that idea about the anti tank gun in the front yard.....

[david_r]

Originally Posted by eddie

will 2/2 square tubing be strong enough?

For what? The posts or the gate? If you look at an installed gate, they usually try to frame a pair of posts together to add strength or attach a single post to the building. Most of the ones I see are bigger than 2x2 posts. But these are six foot tall, all steel gates.

Since you are home everyday to see this happen and want to take a passive-aggressive approach to avoid confrontation, why not park your car at the end of the driveway? Or if you just need an excuse to feel justified in confronting him, string your hose across the driveway. When he runs over it, you can go over and politely ask him not to do that.

As to the ordinances, just what we need, another ordinance. It's sure easier than communicating with your neighbors.

Maybe I'm just lucky or maybe my belief that your neighbors are what you make them has paid off. I identified the nosy ones the first week we were here. I've cultured them to the point that I've got the guy taking care of all the plants between our houses and he never says a word when I'm outside on Sunday, grinding away in the backyard. He's real proud of his garden and likes to drink wine but has no idea what good wine is. Asking for the garden tour, giving him a $5 bottle of wine a couple of times a year and keeping him in wood scrap for his chiminea has allowed me to do whatever I want.

[Mike W]

I have a twenty foot gate made out of 2" square tubing with 2 by 4's bolted on for the fence boards. At the 15' point there is a double wheel supported by a truck coil spring. It swings from a 6" pipe with hinges using a couple of Ford clutch thrust bearings. I made the spring adjustable to level out the gate.

[Roger]

2 X 2 gate posts will work if gate is light enough. That is about what is used for chain link fence gates. Guy wires or bracing to sister posts will help. Support to keep open gate from sagging is also good idea. Bigger gate posts are better. 12” and larger diameter would be larger than needed but would be real solid looking design which could incude a mailbox. Soft sand needs bigger cement anchor.

Tell your next-door-neighbor, Your driveway is for your use not his and you consider his excessive use trespassing. When that doesn't work have local police give him notice that he is trespassing. When that doesn't work you can have local police charge him with trespassing and take him to court. Much easier to build fence and gate.

[Blacksmith]

A little off topic, but I enjoy responsible firearm use, shooting clays at the skeet and 5-stand fields and a few paper targets with rifle or handgun. I have no problem shooting an intruder that has forcibly entered my house. However, brandishing, or advocating brandishing firearms just fuels the anti-gun nuts and is flat irresponsible in my view.

In the general tack of the responses, whatever happemed to talking to your neighbor. Sure there are jerks out there, but very few people change their actions if they don't know they're bothering someone.