How to Set a Corner Brace on a Fence
- 1). Measure the length of the cross member. Dig a hole a minimum of 2-1/2 feet deep using a post hole digger at the location of the corner post. Dig another hole the same depth as the first at a distance equal to the length of the cross member.
- 2). Place 4 inches of gravel in the bottom of each hole for drainage. Place the corner post and other post into the holes in the ground.
- 3). True the posts with the carpenter's level and adjust the angle of the posts, as needed. Backfill the holes with dirt, tamping the soil down as you go.
- 4). Drill a 1/2-inch hole 6 inches deep into each end of the cross member. Drill a hole through the side of the corner post and the other post along the fence line about 12 inches from the top of each post.
- 5). Insert a 1/2-inch steel pin into the hole in the corner post so the pin is flush on the outside of the post and sticks out of the inside of the post.
- 6). Place the hole in the end of the cross member onto the steel pin in the corner post. Align the hole in the other end of the cross member with the hole in the other post. Insert the other steel pin into the hole in the other post and into the hole in the cross member. Tap the pin in place with the hammer. This forms an "H" with the posts and cross member.
- 7). Make a large loop of steel fence wire around both posts. Fasten one end of the loop to the outside bottom of the corner post near the ground with a couple of fencing staples and the hammer.
- 8). Fasten the wire, loosely, to the outside top of the other post above the hole with the steel pin. Take up the slack in the wire loop. Place a wire crimp onto the wire loop and crimp it in place. Trim any excess wire from the loop.
- 9). Set the fencing staples in the top of the other post with the hammer.
- 10
Insert one end of the 2-foot-long, 1-inch by 4-inch board between the wires in the loop about 3 feet from the other post. Twist the wires together with the board to place tension on the wires to hold the "H" brace together. Continue to turn the board until sufficient tension is on the wire loop. - 11
Hook the board up onto the cross member to hold tension in place. Nail the 1-by-4 to the cross member. - 12
String the wire fencing on the brace as desired.
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