Metal strapping?

[JackOfDiamonds]

I want to mount a temporary baby gate between two brick columns on my porch.

I don't want to drill the brick and use screws or anchors because it's only going to be needed a couple months.

My idea is to mount the gate to 2x4s as a temporary door jamb and strap to 2x4s to the column on each side. A few of those big tie-wraps would be strong enough but they would have to be like 6 feet long. Ratchet straps would work but be "too ugly". The perfect thing would be metal banding like they hold lumber to pallets with but I don't know where you get that or how you tighten it does anyone sell single use metal straps or cable?

 

[LXCam]

The metal banding takes special tools for tightening and crimping the stay. I’d suggest some 1/2 or 3/4” wide by 1/8” flat bar and bend it to wrap the column then screw to the 2x.

 

[yatg]

You can get HVAC zip ties 36" and 48" long on Amazon. Use two to get the length you need.

Wire rope and turnbuckles, but probably overkill for a baby gate.

Large side forces could be a problem, the 2x4 may slip sideways on the face of the column. If you pin the 2x4 to the column with a couple of 1/4" anchors that shouldn't happen and is easily repairable if you drill into the mortar joint.

 

[Tools4Me]

If it were me, I would probably think along the lines of a combination of 2x4's or plywood to make sort of a U shape for each side that would sit vertically on the column but also wrap an inch or two around both sides of the brick instead of it sitting entirely on one face of each column. That way, any attachment mechanism you use to wrap around the column doesn't have to be super tight for everything to stay in place and work correctly. It also prevents the gate from tilting on you or failing as easily if force is applied to it horizontally like would happen if a child or dog ran into it while closed.

 

[subroc]

Show some images of the posts with some dimensions and I am sure you will get far better options/suggestions than tie wraps.

 

[seber]

Why not use a pressure mount gate?

 

[jbfsr]

You can get rolls of metal strapping with holes in the plumbing dept. Used for hanging pipes.

 

[liliysdad]

The "too ugly" ratchet strap is about the best idea for a temporary fix with zero after effect. I sure can't see a few straps being any less aesthetically pleasing than some zip ties or metal banding.

As an aside, banding is sharp as hell...and so are zip ties.

 

[KenC]

Any place that sells to concrete contractors will have metal strapping with holes punched every inch or so. It's used a lot in forming concrete. Wrap it around the post, making tight 90bends at each corner, cut to length, make 90deg bends in both ends so that the resulting legs are a couple of inches apart. Now a long screw through a hole in each end leg to tighten.
The only issue is this stuff comes in long rolls. Know any concrete guys who may have some on the work truck??

 

[ttpete]

Look for strapping kits used to strap TV antennas to a chimney. If you fabricate brackets to fit over a corner, it will be more stable than flat against the face of the column.

 

[shawhite]

Like someone else mentioned a pressure lock gate won’t work?

Perma Child Safety 31 in. H Ultimate Baby Gate, Safe Step, Auto Close and Locking Indicator, Pressure Mounted 2745 - The Home Depot

Perma Child Safety - H Ultimate Baby Gate Safe Step Auto Close and Locking Indicator Pressure Mounted - with antimicrobial protection, you can rest assured that your child is being changed on a safe and

www.homedepot.com

If you want to go the band route I would recommend a product called Deltec. Its a plastic band that comes on a roll and can be cut to any length easily and tensioned by grabbing and rolling your pliers then you can tuck the end or cut it off clean. Steel band is doable but I wouldn’t use it on square columns as it tends to chew up the corners. Look at bolt-a-band

 

[steaks&anvils]

Just duct tape the baby to... oh never mind.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would think about wrapping the posts in wood and fasten the gate to that . once it's no longer needed, remove the gate. wood & voila!

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Hose clamp:

X-DREE 36"-43" Stainless Steel Hoop Ring Worm Drive Hose Clamp Adjustable (532532a1-a222-11e9-8d7c-4cedfbbbda4e) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z33KQ63/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[gearhead1]

This is what JBFSR is referring to:

If you prefer metal, use this:

Diversitech 1 in. x 100 ft. Galvanized Metal Duct Hanger Strap-710-001 - The Home Depot

Duct strapping is ideal for use in hanging hot air supply and cold air returns to framing members. Founded in 1971, Diversitech Corporation is North Americas largest manufacturer of equipment pads and

www.homedepot.com

Prefer a synthetic, use this:

Diversitech 1-3/4 in. x 100 yds. Polypropylene Duct Hanging Strap in Black-710-100 - The Home Depot

Webbed duct straps are used to hang insulated flexible duct, round pipe or rectangular duct and helps prevent the duct system from sagging over long runs. Founded in 1971, Diversitech Corporation is North

www.homedepot.com

 

[gearhead1]

These are the big zip ties:

Commercial Electric 48in Heavy Duty 175lb Tensile Strength UL 21S Rated Cable Zip Ties 15 Pack Natural (White) GT-1220HD(15) - The Home Depot

Provide maximum strength and adjustability while fastening wire bundles by using this affordably priced Commercial Electric Natural Heavy-Duty Cable Tie.

www.homedepot.com

I use these for the big red bows my wife has to have on our porch columns at Christmas. I also don’t want to put anything permanent on my porch columns.