"ianjones" wrote in message
oups.com...
This is a duplicate from alt.home.lawn.garden - I did not know the best
place to post it.

I am replacing the panels on my fence because of rot and lack of
integrity (1 x 3 cross pieces). It is currently 4' tall and I am
installing 6' panels. The posts are cemented in and in good shape - I
would like to keep them. They are on 8' centers. What would be the best
method for adding 2'+ to the posts? I was thinking I could toe nail
(least desirable) but I could also use some square metal brackets on 2
sides (not bad) or several wood dowels (time consuming - there are 45
posts). I think the best and cleanest install would be to use (if it
exists) a screw that is threaded on both ends. With a couple pilot
holes I could screw into the extension and then twist the whole unit
onto the existing post. The panels have 3 cross pieces and since 1
would fall on the extended piece it should keep it from ever twisting.

My question is what would be the best option as far as stability, ease
of installation and aesthetics (in that order I think). If my screw
option is the best - do those exist and what would they be called? Does
anyone have a online resource for that stuff? Are they made big enough?

Check local metal supply house for square-section steel tube (like apartment
carports are framed with) the correct size to fit tightly over the post, and
go up another 2 feet. 30" ought to work. You will need a rain cap (stock
item at fence or deck aisle), and you'll have to paint them the same general
color as the wood, but they won't look funny. A couple of through bolts with
a 6" overlap will be plenty strong. For just 2 feet, the square plastic
tubular fence posts would likely be strong enough, as long as the panels
were securely bolted lower down onto the real post.

aem sends....