Thread: Picket fence Metal Post Timber Rail Attaching

I'm replacing a side fence due to white-ants. I plan on putting metal posts in.

What is the standard way of attaching timber rails to metal posts?

If I just butt the rails and bolt them to the post the bolts would need to be about 25mm from the end of the rail, that seems a bit close to me.

Was thinking of predrilling the holes in the metal posts on a drill press before concreting so wont be spearing the posts in.
8mm gal bolts?

Treating the end hosuings isn't needed on treated pine is it? I thought it was only hardwood where you had to treat because pine preservation goes all the way through but hardwood generally dosent get all the way in.

I'm not real keen on running along with a angle grinder at head height or on a ladder cutting the tops of steel posts.
Not only is it dangerous it creates extra work for no reason.
Plus steel posts tend to vibrate badly at times , require some on to hold the posts and have a habit of jamming the discs and taking your head off.

I have seen a number of my staff/contractors including myself do some serious damage to themselves cutting steel posts off over the years.
If you have little experience with grinders I suggest avoid this method.