Posted on November 23, 2007 in Carpentry
It’s easy to put up a new fence panel or repair an old one in a day. What you need are a few simple tools and the right fencing products, and you will soon have a perfect boundary for your garden.
The tools you need:
- Fence panels
- Pliers
- Screws
- Drill
- Posts
- Post sockets
- Post caps
- Saw<
- Spirit level
- Metal clips and fastenings
- Screwdriver
- Sledgehammer
- Spanners
- Socket dolly
Things to Remember:
Standard fence posts are generally 4×4 square. Select the correct length of post. Make sure the top of it sits proud on the fence. This can be topped with a cap or finial.
Posts should be positioned rightly and anchored firmly. They can be buried deeply with concrete footings. But any parts that are buried under soil may rot. Metal post sockets are better to use. They’re hammered vertically into the soil. They can make posts easy to remove and replace when the need arises. Longer sockets are good for taller fences to ensure better stability.
Remember to work in a proper sequence while erecting a fence. Start by attaching the first panel to a wall or building, or putting in the first post. Attach one panel at a time, following the line of your boundary.
Steps for garden fencing :
- When attaching the first panel to a wall, mark the position of screw holes for the bracket that holds it in place. Make sure one bracket sits just below the top of the panel and the other just above the base.
- With the help of an electric drill fitted with a masonry bit, drill holes in the wall in these positions. Push a plastic wall plug into each hole.
- Screw each U-shaped metal bracket firmly into place. With the help of a spirit level make sure they’re both square. Check again that they line up with each other.
- Push the fence panel into position, slotting it tightly into metal brackets. When you’re happy with the fit, fix both sides of the panel properly with screws.
- Carefully select the position for your first post. Place the metal post socket tightly up against the adjoining fixed fence panel in a vertical position, checking it with a spirit level.
- Fit the socket dolly into the top of the socket to protect the metal. Knock the socket into the ground with a sledgehammer. Check regularly that the socket is still straight. If it is leaning to one side, tap the socket’s sides to reposition it.
- Continue tapping in the socket until the top sits just above soil level. Remove the socket dolly and push in the fence post. Tighten the bolts so they grip the base of the post tightly.
- Using the drill, make guide holes at the top and bottom of the fence post into which the L-shaped, metal fencing clips can be fixed. Don’t make the holes too large. They are just a guide.
- Using the drill, make guide holes at the top and bottom of the fence post into which the L-shaped, metal fencing clips can be fixed. Don’t make the holes too large. They are just a guide.
- Screw the L-shaped fencing clips into each hole. This is best done with a pair of pliers. Position the clips so they’ll be visible from either the front or rear of the panel.
- Fix the next panel in place against the post. Stand it on spacers, such as a brick or piece of wood, so it isn’t resting directly on the soil as this can cause the panels to rot at the base.
- Screw through the L-shaped fencing clips at the top and bottom into the frame of the panel to hold it securely in place. Repeat for further posts and panels until your fence is finished.
Important Tips
- Fences should only be erected on your own land. They shouldn’t cross any boundaries. Discuss any projects with your neighbors and if either of you have any doubts, seek legal advice.
- Local by-laws and covenants may prevent fences being put up in some areas. Check property deeds or consult a solicitor.
- Never rest fences directly on the soil or pile soil against them, as this will encourage rotting. Leave a space between the bottom of the fence and the soil. Alternatively, place a gravel board along the base of the fence, which is easy to replace if necessary.
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