ᐅ Fix fence posts to base plate?

Created on: 13 Sep 2016 13:55
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Hannah87
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Hannah87
13 Sep 2016 13:55
Hello everyone...

I urgently need some help.
In my garden, I want to install a wire mesh fence on top of an L-shaped concrete block wall. I bought angle base plates that are anchored to the wall with anchor bolts. The cut fence posts are then “slipped” over these base plates, and later the double wire mesh panels will be attached to the posts. So far, so good.

However, when I place the fence posts over the base plates, they don’t fit tightly and could be lifted off later once the fence is in place.

What is the best way to secure the posts to the base plates so they can no longer be pulled off and the fence is really secure? There are no pre-drilled holes or anything like that. Also, the metal is quite thick (at least in my opinion). The post metal is about 1–2 mm (0.04–0.08 inches) thick, and the base plate metal is around 4 mm (0.16 inches) thick.

Do you have any tips or know the best way to do this? I couldn’t find any information online. I would be grateful for any help.

Best regards

Hannah
Mycraft13 Sep 2016 21:14
simply with self-tapping sheet metal screws and a cordless drill
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Hannah87
13 Sep 2016 23:36
Hello mycraft...

Thanks for the tip. Do I need to drill smaller pilot holes for that?

Best regards

Hannah87
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Bieber0815
14 Sep 2016 07:07
There are self-drilling screws that can be used without pre-drilling. With sheet metal screws, pre-drilling may be necessary. For thin sheets, a center punch is used before screwing, while for thick sheets, a center punch and drilling are required before fastening. What counts as thin or thick depends on the screw. This information can usually be found in a reference table available at well-stocked specialist stores.

In my opinion, the 4 mm (0.16 inches) thickness of the base plate is not negligible.

As an alternative to the original question: welding or drilling through and connecting with a screw and nut.