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Using fence post supports

• Choose the type of metal post support that suits your site:
  

• There is a spiked support for driving into soft ground
  
• When erecting a fence across a hard surface, such as a patio or drive, select a post support made with bolt holes.
  
• If you plan to lay a new path or drive, use the type of post support that is deigned to be buried in concrete.
  

• When using metal post supports, use each fence panel in turn as a guide to the position of the next support.
  
• Unless large areas of the garden are paved, you will need spiked supports for the majority of posts. These supports are driven into the ground with a sledgehammer. To avoid damaging the rim of the support, buy a special driving tool or 'dolly' that fits into the socket.
  
• Drive in the spike until the base of the socket is level with the ground. Check regularly that the support is going in straight. If it begins to twist out of line, use the handles on the driving tool to realign the support. If you fail to set the support accurately, lever it out and start again.
  
• You can cut the fence post to length before you drive it into the socket. Alternatively, cut all the posts down to size after you have erected the panels.
  
• If you are planning to use bolt-down post supports across a driveway or patio, you need to drill holes in the paving to receive anchor bolts.
  
• Using your string line as a guide, position the first post support and drill through the holes in the baseplate.
  
• Bolt the post support to the paving. If the surface is uneven, you may need to pack pieces of old roofing slate under the baseplate to make sure the socket is upright.
  
• Fit a sharp masonry drill and switch on the hammer action when using an electric drill to bore holes in concrete.
  
• If you are installing post supports in a new concrete base, position and level them first before the concrete is poured.