How to properly convert metal chain link poles to vinyl fence
Hope you are all well. Trying to use my old metal posts from a chain link fence to build a 6’ vinyl fence (picture attached). The poles are 6’ feet apart which would fit the 6’ vinyl kits. (Picture attached). I’m thinking of building a wood box around metal poles and then slipping the 4×4 vinyl post over it. They sell brackets that can screw through vinyl post and wood underneath. What would be the best way to build wood around pole? I’m thinking about simply building a box using 1x and maybe slipping on top of pole. Would I need to somehow screw wood into metal what would I use to attach wood to pole? I’m assuming this would also need to be pressure treated wood even if covered by vinyl.
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If this isn't anything structural, you can use two-hole galvanized pipe straps to make the pipe-to-wood connection, attach one piece of your box that way, then build the rest of the box out from that first piece. You can find these straps sold for water pipe and conduit. Note that this isn't the strongest way to go, but it works.
Another option is to cut some square pieces of wood that will fit inside your box, then use a holesaw to cut a hole in the center to clear the pipe. If you build this way, you can fabricate all the boxes elsewhere, then just slide them over the pipes to install them. If you are worried about uplift (someone lifting them, or maybe weather), drill a hole through the side of the box somewhere, ideally through one of the blocking pieces with the hole in the middle, and into one side of the pipe. Thread a faster through that hold to pin the pipe in place. Ideally you would use a 1/4-20 or so machine screw for this, and drill and tap (thread) the hole for it into the pipe. I would put the pin up somewhat high on the post to help protect it from water that could cause corrosion over time.
Bill
So no one is going to see the metal pipe behind the fence. I’m thinking of slipping the vinyl over a 4x4 then using the galvanized pipe straps to attach the wood with the vinyl to the pole. How big of a screw or bolt should I use for a secure connection? If this is a decent way to do it.
Whatever the largest size screw that will fit through the holes in the pipe strap is what I would use. That's probably a #12 screw. I would use stainless steel screws here. I also much prefer hex head screws so that I can use a nut driver on them if the screws won't be particularly easy to see.
Bill
Thanks Bill everything you said makes sense because they make this item just for this purpose with a recommended #10 screw and hex head. Popped up when I was looking for the items you mentioned. Thanks again.
So might be a little more expensive than just ripping some 4x4 wood posts, but I installed a fence with these donut adapter things and it was really helpful. They allow for precise leveling/truing, which I believe you will want with existing posts.
https://vinylfencefittings.com/store/lmt-4-adjustable-2-piece-post-socket-apsb5.html
Edit: Found the manufacturer website - I think they are distributed through various other resellers.
(https://straightnlevel.ca/information/)
So apparently now that I took the trees away I can see that the metal poles are not in a straight line. Can I just shim it with wood and build the vinyl fence in front of it or is vinyl somewhat flexible?
Ok sorry I will keep topic in original thread. I removed trees and found that my retaining wall bowed out, probably from tree roots. I want to rebuild this retaining wall while gaining some privacy. My main goal all along was to gain as much yard space as possible. What would be easier to rebuild the retaining wall with a privacy fence on top or rebuild the wall and plant trees? I’m thinking I would have to be pretty far from retaining wall to plant trees unless there is some type of tree that can be planted fairly close without root disruption. From what I’m reading it’s hard to build a fence on top of retaining wall because the amount of pressure wind and weather would cause on the fence and retaining wall.
thegiz,
I'm curious. Why do you want to build a fence when there is already one several feet away?
I’m elevated 2 feet from neighbor on side and commercial building in back. Their fence is 6 feet from ground level with lattice on upper panel meaning I don’t get much privacy from the elevation. The side neighbor doesn’t bother me as much as commercial property. I guess I could leave it be or maybe just build a 6 foot stone retaining wall. Maybe the stone wall would look better than 2 fences side by side
The vinyl fence can likely handle gentle variations between them in my experience as they don't fit all that snug together. If you put a string line from the first to last post you will be able to measure how far out the posts are. The "donut" adapter things I mentioned before in comment #3 might be able to account for that variation and make a perfectly straight fence depending on how far out the worst post is. All that being said, those posts will likely shift in the future as those trees decompose and the soil settles, so IDK that a perfectly straight fence will last in the long term. Also the more important measurement for vinyl fence panels is the post spacing as there is a maximum the panels can span (typically 8' o.c.) - you can always cut the panels down to shorter sections.
So if I were to build a new 2 foot retaining wall behind the old one and lined the inside of new wall with a root barrier, those poly click together pieces. Could I plant emerald green arb within a foot of wall? I believe arbs have shallow roots and emerald greens are small trees
So looking over this project I think the best solution is to build a new cinderblock retaining wall behind the old one. Areas of the wall that are broken and or bowed out I will remove and build a whole new wall in its place. The retaining wall will be about 2 feet tall. With that being said what is the best way and easiest way to build a vinyl fence with the wall that will stay.
A. I build a strong cinderblock wall and cap it then attach fence posts on top with metal connectors and sleeve vinyl over it.
B. I build a cinderblock wall and place a 8 foot fence post through both cinderblock holes and fill with cement.
C. I build the cinderblock wall and cap it but I attach the fence post behind the cinderblock wall by bolting it in behind the wall instead of placing on top.