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The posts can also be set the right height by
placing the bottom rails in the posts and using a
level to make sure the posts are set level. When
the level is placed on the rails you will know
whether to lower raise or lower a particular post.
Rails can be blocked up off the ground to hold
posts at the correct elevation.
Grade Note: Contact your fence supplier prior to
ordering your fence if your fence grade rises or
slopes more than 5%. The fabricator will adjust
for this condition by enlarging the routed holes
on the posts and rails or make special stepped
posts.
GATE POSTS:
Gate posts should be set at the same time the
other fence posts are being installed and using
the same methods.
The spacing between the two gate posts is
VERY IMPORTANT depending on the size of
gate you purchased and extra care should be
taken to make sure that gate posts are set at the
right distance between the gate posts.
Leveling and plumbing the post is essential to
the proper operation of the gate. If gate posts
are not level, you will notice it when the gates
have been installed. Un-level posts also prevent
the gates from operating properly.
The distance between the posts for a gate
should be the distance of the gate you
purchased. For example, a 4’ wide gate will be
4’ wide. Actual space between gate posts should
be 1½” to 2” wider than gate.
Make sure rebar is installed in the gate post(s)
while the concrete is still wet. See Fig 8.12
INSTALLING THE BOTTOM RAILS
Insert the bottom rail into the post, maintaining
an equal distance on both sides of the rail. If the
section you are installing is smaller than a
standard panel, you will need to cut the rail to
make it the right length for that section. To do
this, measure the distance between the posts
and add 4” for the desired rail length. The rail
must extend into the center of post on both
posts. The stiffener in the bottom rail will also
need to be cut to the same length as the rail.
See Figure 1.8
The rail stiffener needs to be cut with heavy duty
tin snips, hacksaw, or circular saw/sawzall with a
metal blade.
Be sure not to track the metal filings from the
saw onto a deck or other surface. The filings are
sharp and will cause rust marks overnight.
Note: When cutting a picket fence rail it is
important to make sure that the distance from
the first and last picket hole in the rail are equal
in distance to each post. This process involves
cutting both ends of the rail equally. See below
48.000”
”
51.000”
