What size gate spring should I use?

• <div><p>Generally, the standard 10- to 12-inch-long and 1- to 1.5-inch-diameter gate springs will work. However, if you have an especially wide, thick, or heavy garden gate, you may need to opt for a longer, broader—and pricier—model to ensure secure closure and good longevity. These typically range between 12 and 16 inches long and are over 1.5 inches in diameter.</p></div>

Is a security door worth it?

• <div><p>Depending on your needs and wants, investing in a security door can be well worth the cost. Now that you know the pros and cons, you can decide if it’s a purchase that makes sense for your family. If you’re ready to have one installed in your home, look into security door installers in your area.</p></div>

Best driveway gate pros near Shell Rock, IA

Q: Can thieves open electric gates?

• <div><p>Thieves can open almost anything with enough time and the right tools, but they also prefer easy targets that are unlikely to get them caught. Forcing open gates is loud and difficult, and to be able to open one electronically requires extensive knowledge of the system, which most thieves don't have. Electric and other <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-security-gates.htm">security gates</a> are great deterrents because the thief will move to an easier target. If the thief is determined to enter your property, they will most likely find a different entrance point.</p></div>

Q: Can you convert manual gates to electric?

• <div><p>Yes, you can convert manual gates to electric operation. Installing a motor and an opening device from a kit allows you to convert any gate so it can open and close automatically. Be sure to buy the correct type of opener for your gate style. For example, some openers are specific to swinging gates, while others are for sliding gates. Get familiar with your swinging or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/parts-of-sliding-gate.htm">sliding gate parts</a> before you go shopping to avoid having to return to the store for the correct opener.</p></div>

Q: How deep should a wooden gate post be?

• <div><p>Your wooden gate post hole should be a third to a half of the height of the post. Also, note that the diameter of the post hole should be three times the diameter of the post. You should set the post in concrete to ensure a long-lasting and durable post that will withstand the test of time.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Driveway Gate Service pros in Shell Rock, IA

*The Angi rating for Driveway Gate Service companies in Shell Rock, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Driveway Gate Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Driveway Gate Service companies in Shell Rock, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Driveway Gate Service needs.

Last update on June 26, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Mosi Lawn Service is awesome, They are thorough, hardworking and very efficient. We hope to hire them again.
Mosi Lawn Service
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Reviewed in May 2025
Rory did a great job of cleaning out our gutters. They did not charge us anything as we had a free warranty on plugged up gutters, when they installed them. We have 13 old tall pine trees around our house and this is the first time they plugged partially up since installed in 2009, probably...
Waddle Exteriors
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Reviewed in October 2024
They did a very good job on installing our egress window. They were very careful and cleaned up the mess.
Cedar Valley Excavating, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Did a great job leveling out my patio and sidewalk. Very cost effective
Mid America Basement Systems
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Reviewed in November 2019
Rating is for politeness and price--They have not done any work yet due to not enough snow. I am hoping it is understood that I want them to do sidewalk and driveway when snow is 2 inches or more deep.
DeLong Snow and Lawn Care
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Reviewed in August 2017
Magee was the lowest of 3 bids. Magee crew was amazing! Workers brought all supplies on the morning of the job. In less than 6 hours, they had stripped the old roof and replaced with the new. They used tarps to catch the debris and when the job was done, gleaned the ground around perimeter of...
Magee Construction Co
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Reviewed in June 2017
DeLong Pressure washing did an amazing job at our house today. I simply can't believe the difference that they were able to make on our house, gutters, patio, driveway and landscaping blocks. Their attention to detail and customer service was top notch. I am going to highly recommend them...
Delong Pressure Washing
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Reviewed in July 2014
Called for an estimate and they came out the next day. Work was done within two weeks. Since the backyard was inaccessible to the large stump grinder, they used their grinder that fits through a 3-foot gate. They did a wonderful job, cleaned up everything very well. Very pleased with their work...
Schaefer Tree & Stump
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Reviewed in May 2014
From the bid process, the roofing and the followup, all interactions were professional. The roofers were neat, too. No flat tires in our driveway because of sloppy cleanup! Freed also was great in communicating the necessary information to our insurance company. Truly, the process was...
Freed Construction Inc
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Reviewed in February 2013
They did a great job. They kept us updated on the time frame and always showed up on time. They answered all of our questions and charged a very reasonable price. Overall they did a nice job with the quality of the driveway.
Martinson Construction Co
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Top-Rated Driveway gate pros in Shell Rock - Updated Nov 2026

Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Gate for Driveway or Security - Install or ReplaceGate for Driveway or Security - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Rhyno Pressure Washing

4.0(

)

Gate for Driveway or Security - Install or ReplaceGate for Driveway or Security - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Great job. Even got stubborn algae off my skirting!! Thanks!!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Easy Living Store

New to Angi

Gate for Driveway or Security - Install or ReplaceGate for Driveway or Security - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

A Tech Inc., The Easy Living Store is central Iowa's choice for quality security alarm systems and home theater consultation and installation for home or business.

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Driveway Gates FAQs, answered by experts

Thieves can open almost anything with enough time and the right tools, but they also prefer easy targets that are unlikely to get them caught. Forcing open gates is loud and difficult, and to be able to open one electronically requires extensive knowledge of the system, which most thieves don't have. Electric and other security gates are great deterrents because the thief will move to an easier target. If the thief is determined to enter your property, they will most likely find a different entrance point.

Generally, the standard 10- to 12-inch-long and 1- to 1.5-inch-diameter gate springs will work. However, if you have an especially wide, thick, or heavy garden gate, you may need to opt for a longer, broader—and pricier—model to ensure secure closure and good longevity. These typically range between 12 and 16 inches long and are over 1.5 inches in diameter.

Yes, you can convert manual gates to electric operation. Installing a motor and an opening device from a kit allows you to convert any gate so it can open and close automatically. Be sure to buy the correct type of opener for your gate style. For example, some openers are specific to swinging gates, while others are for sliding gates. Get familiar with your swinging or sliding gate parts before you go shopping to avoid having to return to the store for the correct opener.

Your wooden gate post hole should be a third to a half of the height of the post. Also, note that the diameter of the post hole should be three times the diameter of the post. You should set the post in concrete to ensure a long-lasting and durable post that will withstand the test of time.

Depending on your needs and wants, investing in a security door can be well worth the cost. Now that you know the pros and cons, you can decide if it’s a purchase that makes sense for your family. If you’re ready to have one installed in your home, look into security door installers in your area.

The Shell Rock, IA homeowners’ guide to driveway gate services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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