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Imagine that I need to drill through boards that will be set horizontally and they will need to be attached to a post like below. For simplicity I will say that the boards will sit on top of each other and will be installed from bottom to top. This is a horizontal fence

The steep post has .20" diameter holes spaced 1" from each other As in the picture on the other side there is a piece of 2x2 that is already screwed to the post. The post will be sandwiched between the boards and the backer 2x2 (see the detailed picture, zoom in at the bottom of this post)

I think I need a jig that will consist of a piece of wood with three short #10 machine screws that will lock the jig into position, vertically and then predrilled holes in the jig, holes that I will use as guide for drilling new ones Yesterday I tried a similar approach but with screws ...their tip is very sharp and the jig (made slightly different) had errors and I ruined a couple of boards

Here are the specs and the instructions for this type of post

Any other I idea ?

Update: here is the fence I am trying to build enter image description here enter image description here enter image description here

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  • I don't think one would need a jig. Just scribe or snap two lines on the board equal to the distance between the outside edges of the metal posts. Screw or nail comfortably outside those lines. Please report back with pictures when you have finished. This looks like it will be a cleverly designed and nicely done fence.
    – Jim Stewart
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 18:16
  • Measure the reveal on the left vertical. Place the board where you want it and put one screw or nail top left. Check for plumb then nail or screw by eye down on left. Measure position of metal post at top right and screw or nail on right between that and the edge of the board. Predrill the board if you're worried about splitting.
    – Jim Stewart
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 18:26
  • i think that you are supposed to attach the horizontals before you attach the verticals ....... it is unclear what you are actually doing
    – jsotola
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 18:27
  • I am doing a horizontal fence. See the update
    – MiniMe
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 19:05
  • @JimStewart I don't think you got the idea, i need to put holes through the board that will match the holes on the post. I do not want to screw the boards into the 1/2" left uncovered by the post
    – MiniMe
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 19:21

3 Answers 3

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Pegboard comes predrilled in a 1" grid, just like the holes on your posts. Cut a strip out of a sheet, line it up with the holes on the post, and attach a reference block to the top. Et voila, instant story board.

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  • I will have to uncheck this as answer, the peg boar has way too large wholes compared with the holes that the post has. I will soon post what I end up using...I am testing my solution this afternoon...
    – MiniMe
    Commented May 29, 2018 at 12:24
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As i see it in this photo it is unnecessary to use each of the holes in the metal post.

Just secure the vertical post filler board (green in the photo ) to the metal post first , insure that it is wider by enough to fasten to. You can then screw your fence board to the wood of this vertical board, Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting. No need to take time making a jig.

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  • Please review your answer after looking at the update that I added to my OP
    – MiniMe
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 19:07
  • @MiniMe I have reviewed the update and i still would do as i stated in my answer. All you need to do is attach boards to the flanges of the metal posts and you have a wood surface to attach your horizontal fence boards to. This effectively turns your metal post into a wood post as if you had used a 4x4 post.
    – Alaska Man
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 19:15
  • and it increases the gap between boards (which are alternating on each face) making the fence looking like a closet, ugly spaces there
    – MiniMe
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 19:20
  • @ MiniMe Knock your self out, if you want to make a jig then make jig.
    – Alaska Man
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 19:35
  • I don't want to , but it seems that I have to
    – MiniMe
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 19:36
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OK this jig actually works Take a piece of wood like the one below
Align it vertically on the flagne
Use the post as drilling template to create the wholes as seen below
Put three #10 machine screws long enough to reach the post when the board you need to attach to the post is sandwiched between your jig and the post.Secure the screws with nuts.
Now to use the jig align the holes on the post and the holes on the jig by inserting the three ends of the screws in holes on the post while the area of the jig free of screws lays over the board you need to drill in. Now your jig indicates where you can drill in the board to match the post holes. Predrill and then install the screws

enter image description here

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