The heavy, load-bearing post to which a gate hinges are mounted. It must resist both the downward shear force and the lateral pulling force exerted by the swinging gate. In heavy timber framing and fencing, the heelpost is often sunk deeper than other posts and braced underground to prevent it from leaning under the cantilevered weight.
Heard on the job
Dig the hole for the heelpost at least three feet down and pack it with gravel so the gate doesn't drag.
Also heard as
- hinge post
- hanging post