Fences are one of those garden elements that are so universal, so familiar, that it’s easy to forget exactly how many useful roles it serves around your outdoor space. It keeps your garden secure, marks its boundaries, and just generally enhances the overall atmosphere and appearance of it. Now, whether you’re installing a brand-new fence or you’re fixing up an existing one, the right tools and fasteners can make all the difference – and save you a lot of time and effort along the way.
And of course, that’s exactly where we can help here at RC Screws. As the UK’s number one supplier of top-quality fasteners and fixings, you can count on us to have everything you need to fix up your garden fencing. Here are our top tips to do so!
Make sure to choose the right screws and fasteners
Using the right screws and fixings plays a huge part in determining how strong and durable your fence ends up being. Standard wood screws aren’t enough for outdoor fencing – it’s all about strength and weather resistance, so you need something a little more specialised. Here’s what we’d suggest considering.
- Exterior-grade wood screws are a great all-purpose option, designed to resist corrosion and hold timber securely.
- Coach screws provide extra grip and strength, especially when fixing posts to supports.
- Decking screws work well for fencing, as they have a weatherproof coating and self-drilling tips to make installation easier.
- Post bolts and brackets are the best option when securing fence posts to concrete or metal surfaces, giving additional reinforcement where needed.
Ultimately though, exactly what you’ll need obviously depends in large part on your own personal situation, including the type of fence you’re working with, and what sort of condition it’s in. You may need all of them, or you may only need one type. It’s all up to you!
What kind of hand tools or power tools will I need?
You probably don’t need us to tell you that fitting and repairing a fence is much easier when you have the right tools. You may well have a reliable toolkit already at your disposal, or you may be starting from scratch. Either way, we’d generally recommend having the following on hand:
- Cordless drill or impact driver. A cordless drill is essential for driving screws quickly, while an impact driver provides extra power for tougher jobs.
- Post hole digger. This makes setting fence posts far easier than using a spade, saving both time and effort.
- Saw. You can take your pick from a handsaw or circular saw (whatever gets the job done better – you’ll need it if fence panels need trimming.
- Adjustable spanner. Useful for tightening nuts and bolts on brackets and post supports.
- Clamps. This one doesn’t take a massive amount of DIY expertise – it helps to hold panels in place while securing them to posts.
- Spirit level. This is vital to keep everything aligned and straight, preventing issues down the line.
Make the fence posts secure
Fence posts are the backbone of any fencing project – if they’re not properly secured, the entire structure will be unstable. The first step is digging deep enough to provide stability – holes should be at least a third of the post height. Position each post carefully and check alignment before setting them in place.
For maximum strength, the best approach is to use postcrete or a standard concrete mix. Pour it into the hole around the post and check everything is level before it sets. Wooden posts should be treated with a preservative at ground level to minimise rot. Once the posts are secured and the concrete has cured, they will provide a solid foundation for attaching fence panels.
Check for common fencing problems
Even with the best materials, fencing can develop issues over time. Loose panels, shifting posts, and rot are all common problems, which thankfully enough can make them easy enough to deal with – and spotting them early makes repairs much easier.
Regularly inspect the fence for movement, especially after storms or heavy winds. If posts are leaning, check whether the base is still solid – if not, it may be useful to put in additional support or reset them in fresh concrete. Don’t forget to look for signs of rot at the base of wooden posts, which is one of the first areas to deteriorate. For panels, watch for warping or splitting, which can weaken the overall structure.
When fastenings begin to loosen, tightening or replacing screws can often fix the problem before it worsens. If sections of the fence are beyond repair, you can sometimes save yourself time and money by replacing only the damaged parts rather than the entire structure.
Secure the panels and supports
Once the posts are in place, all that’s left is to fix the panels securely. Start by positioning each panel correctly between the posts, making sure they’re level before fastening them. Using exterior-grade screws instead of nails will provide a more secure hold and prevent panels from loosening over time.
For extra stability, reinforcing panels with additional brackets or horizontal supports is a good idea, especially in areas exposed to strong winds. Always check that fixings are tight and regularly inspect for any movement that could indicate loosening. A properly secured fence will not only look better but also stand up to the elements – and with minimal maintenance, too.
That’s all the essentials covered! And of course, if you’re missing any fasteners and fixings or hand tools like saws or spanners, that’s exactly where we can help here at RC Screws. And of course, if you’d ever like to double-check with a member of our friendly team to make sure you’re choosing the correct tools or components for your project, just give us a call at 01254 917744 – and we’ll be happy to help!