Custom Fence Posts & Installation Fixings

Define the post before choosing its loose accessories

Overall post length is different from fence height. Embedded and base-plated posts use different ground references, while line, corner and gate positions can carry different assemblies. Keep the project’s approved support requirements attached to each post reference instead of applying one length allowance to the entire order.

For custom steel posts, show hole positions from a named end or plate datum and identify the connection face. A rectangular section can be fabricated to the correct length yet face the wrong direction. Include bracket orientation and any handed versions. This information makes the fabrication schedule usable and gives the receiving team something specific to inspect.

Section references for an initial quotation

The Stratco manufacturer catalogue publishes square steel post examples of 50 × 50 mm and 65 × 65 mm, each with 2400 mm overall length. They are industry quote references, not a verified FencingWise stock range or a design recommendation. The wall thickness, material requirement and attachment details must accompany any selected section.

The cap example explains a fit relationship; it is not a cap-size recommendation. The post-cap detail distinguishes calculated openings from the real finished post. Available component combinations and supplied dimensions are established in the quotation and accepted drawings.

Compare clips, bars and fasteners as complete connections

A clip retains the mesh at defined locations. A clamp bar extends along a specified length of the panel edge. Their contact shapes, spacers and bolt patterns can differ, particularly where adjacent panels overlap or meet at different levels. Neither the length of a bar nor the number of clips alone establishes equivalent performance.

Show the full stack through the connection: fitting, captured mesh, spacers, post or backing part, washers and receiving thread or nut. That stack determines the fastener enquiry. Installation access also matters at corners and wall returns. The clip-versus-bar comparison explains how the choice affects component counts and later panel replacement.

Choose security fasteners with the maintenance method in mind. A removable drive needs its matching tool; a shear-type fixing requires its specified installation and removal approach. A matching nominal thread does not settle head clearance, length or engagement.

Coordinate the plate drawing with the supporting structure

A base-plate enquiry needs a plan and section: plate outline and thickness, hole centres, slots where required, post position and attachment detail. Keep the fence-line direction visible so an asymmetric pattern is not rotated or mirrored during fabrication.

For an existing slab or retained anchor pattern, the project designer establishes structural suitability. Our fabrication review then follows that approved detail. A matching hole pattern proves geometry, not anchor capacity. List anchors, washers and covers separately so the plate price is not mistaken for a complete anchorage package.

Tie material and finish to each component group

Specify the required steel and surface treatment for posts and plates, then identify the material and finish of clamps, fasteners and caps separately. A common colour does not make their substrates or manufacturing routes identical. Fabrication before galvanising differs from work on pre-coated material; welds, cut ends and later holes need an identified finishing route.

ISO 1461 addresses hot-dip coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles. Its scope does not automatically cover every continuously coated wire, tube or separately standardised fastener, and it does not specify an added powder layer. Apply the relevant requirement to the actual component instead of writing one coating label across the entire parts list.

For chain-link accessories specifically, ASTM F626 covers fitting materials, coatings and inspection. Where cited by a purchaser, carry that requirement into the relevant accessory schedule. For colour matching, name which visible parts must match and retain the agreed appearance reference.

Compare fabrication cost and the contents of each set

Steel section and wall thickness affect material quantity. Cutting, hole patterns, welded attachments, plate geometry, finish and the number of distinct part references affect the fabrication scope. For small fittings, tooling or forming requirements and pack quantities may matter more than the size of one loose piece. Compare the same drawing revision and supplied condition when evaluating alternatives.

Define whether a “set” means one fixing point, one post joint or one panel package. List the fitting, bolt, nut, washers, spacer and backing part where applicable. Count corner, end and stepped joints separately from regular bays. Separate installed caps from loose caps and spares so a total post count does not become a duplicated accessory order.

Approve fit, inspect the agreed features and label the packs

A representative trial should use the finished mating panel, post and fitting. Check seating, hole alignment, fastener access and the specified cap retention or base-plate orientation. Record the sample identities and drawing revision. For batches, the inspection plan determines which dimensions and quantities are checked and how the results are recorded.

Bundle posts by function and handed detail. Pack small parts under the same references used in the connection schedule, with set contents and quantities visible. Protect plates and projecting brackets during transport. For distributor replenishment, retain the approved drawing and component relationship so a later order preserves fit rather than only colour and nominal size.