Securing fence beams

danrv

Hi

I'm just revising how to join the horizontal beams to the vertical ones on my DIY side fence. Three in total on the back.

I currently have long cross head screws going through at an angle from above. Problem is they're prone to corrosion and could be difficult to remove anytime. I was wondering if there's any other fasteners types that I could use. Maybe L brackets instead? Any ideas appreciated.

ButterCheese

You'd usually just screw in from either side, i.e. through the outer posts. If you use stainless or anodised screws which are more expensive, then they won't rust out quickly. Also don't whack them in below the wood line like many do. These are when it's hard to remove in 10 years time when they are embedded in a 1 inch hole and the wood has swelled and covered it up again.

Also that lower horizontal bit doesn't look treated to me. It's best to use treated timber, even if you are going to paint it. Untreated it will rot in 5 years

danrv

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82115462#Comment_82115462

Yes. I'll probably screw in from the side. I'll need 5" long ones for the wider upright. I think the lower horizontal bit is treated but will do again.

J63320

If you might want to remove the screws later, dip them in Vaseline before putting them in. I did this, on my OH’s advice, in 2002 when building a trellis screen. In 2020 I needed to remove a panel and the screws came out with no problem. Sadly he had passed away the previous year so I wasn’t able to thank him!

bjorn_toby_wilde

If you have a Screwfix nearby I’ve found the Turbo outdoor screws pretty good. Timco are also very good quality, possibly better.

If you’re going with the 5” do you have an impact driver? They take some welly to drive all the way in.

The only downside is the quantity of screws you need to buy in one go for these projects. I often find myself buying 200 screws when I only need 20. Perhaps I should bag the remainder in 20’s and flog them on eBay to others in the same situation 😁

danrv

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116285#Comment_82116285

Yes, I was looking for maybe a ten or twenty pack. My local building supplies might have them available individually.

No impact driver, only a cordless drill but will probably make a pilot hole first to make it easier.

FreeBear

If you don't want screws going rusty, use stainless steel ones. Not cheap, especially longer ones. Stainless steel L brackets and shorter s/s screws could well work out cheaper.

bjorn_toby_wilde

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116678#Comment_82116678

Stainless steel fasteners are very expensive and could be considered overkill unless you’re using them in high tannin woods like oak. They don’t have the same tensile strength but on the positive side they’ll probably outlast the rest of the fence 😁

danrv

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116678#Comment_82116678

I have a huge amount of slotted brass screws that I rarely find a use for. At least they won't rust.

stuart45

If you use the correctly sized clearance and pilot holes there should be no problem with screws, even by hand. These days with impact drivers most people have forgotten the basics.

bjorn_toby_wilde

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82117072#Comment_82117072

True of smaller screws but how many people have a 5” drill to pilot with, plus that length of screw normally comes with a hex head specifically designed to be driven.