No idea Do I have a poltergeist?

[old.user4556]

I moved into a new house at the end of last year. We got a fence fitted with a gate at the side when one day my missus said "the screws on the latch have all 'fallen out' ". So I took a look at it and it made no sense, it looked like someone had unscrewed the screws from the latch with one of the screws snapped in half lying on the ground. We'd had some serious gale force winds, so figured it must be that. I got some good wood screws and repaired it, but it's happening again!!



Those black screws are the ones I fitted. I made sure they were tight and gave the latch a good "pull" to make sure that the screws didn't simply pull out. The gate is not used very often, maybe once a week to put the bin out? It's taken three weeks for that screw to "unscrew".

I'm starting to think someone' having a laugh and unscrewing it on purpose, or i've got a ghost. Any ideas?

 

[Raven]

From the pic the latch fixture isnt flush to the gate because the lats arent straight. If the wind blows even a little the latch will wobble tugging at the latch guide, enough for a screw to worm free over time.

A small spacer made of wood under the guide on the lower lat, a couple of mm would stop most of the movement.

Also, paint the wood with a preserve to avoid further warping.

 

[Tom]

Also, the latch is too close to the end of the wood - the screws may eventually force the wood grain apart. You need to remove and refit slightly to the right and lower down. You'll also have to refit the exterior handle to accommodate the change in position.

 

[old.Tohtori]

It's taken three weeks for that screw to "unscrew".

Pfft, come back when it's done over night

 

[DaGaffer]

You've probably got Neds.

 

[Trem]

Ignore the previous comments, it is definitely a poltergeist or a midget.

 

[Zarjazz]

If I was a Poltergeist with the power to move objects after my death that's exactly where I'd start, with the screws in someones back gate. It'll drive people mad I tell yer ..

 

[Tom]

Also, they look like plasterboard screws.

 

[Trem]

Also, they look like plasterboard screws.

Poltergeists don't care.

 

[Raven]

Or maybe they do and they are gradually pulling them out in preparation to replace them with the correct screw?!

 

[old.user4556]

I know it needs work - it was just a surprise when three of four screws "unscrewed", one of which was snapped, only to be replaced and one of them has wormed out already.

Poltergeists. Or neds. Or ned poltergeists. I'll check my screws.

 

[old.Tohtori]

One way to be sure; videocamera that sh*t

Though i guess ignorance is bliss, wouldn't want to see anything really.

 

[Billargh]

No, but you do have a vagina.

 

[Edmond]

I also like the fact that they drew a red arrow pointing to said screw, as if to taunt you even more

"Ha ha, look what I've done...look...LOOK!!!"

 

[Trem]

I also like the fact that they drew a red arrow pointing to said screw, as if to taunt you even more

"Ha ha, look what I've done...look...LOOK!!!"

...and then kept it because they are Scottish poltergeists after all.

The safest option is to move @Big G, move and never return that or sacrifice your woman to the jock rag n bone polterpikey.

 

[Edmond]

Is your new house built on an ancient burial ground by any chance?

 

[Scouse]

You've probably got Neds.

Que?

 

[old.user4556]

Is your new house built on an ancient burial ground by any chance?

It's built on the Scottish Labour HQ, yes.

 

[Scouse]

It's built on the Scottish Labour HQ, yes.

Topical AND funny.

If I were you I'd retire m8 - your life is all downhill from here...

 

[old.user4556]

I can't better that comedy.

 

[DaGaffer]

Que?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ned_(Scottish)

 

[Job]

Did you buy the missus a cordless screwdriver for Christmas.