Jacksons Fencing: Types of secure fixings and fittings for fencing and gates

Nowadays, anything of value can be of interest to thieves. Metal of all kinds including steel are increasingly common targets due to increased scrap metal prices. If the fixings in fencing systems can be removed easily, not only can these be stolen but the metal fence panels they are supposed to be securing can be taken and sold on, leaving a site unsecure and vulnerable. Jacksons Fencing explains more…

Removal of connectors or fixings securing the posts and panels together, and subsequently the panels, creates access routes for further theft.

The connectors, fittings, and fixings that hold fencing and gates together are arguably the most important part of any security fencing installation. There is simply no point in spending money and time installing security fencing and gates if the components used to hold them together have inherent flaws.

Poor quality fixings that can be broken or easily removed by their design or placement should be avoided. Additionally, while fencing labelled as ‘quick and easy installation’ may sound cost effective, if it’s quick and easy to install, this generally means it will also be quick and easy to take down.

Fixings and connectors to avoid

There are many types of fixings available on the market, and it’s important to remember that not all fencing and gates are created equal.

 – Standard head screws and bolts – anything that looks like it can be removed with a screwdriver or drill can generally be easily removed

 – Security Torx or ‘Star’ screws were once an effective tamper-proof fixing but with the common availability of the driver bits in most DIY toolkits, they are now far from secure.

 – Screws installed on the outside of the fence line – if the fixings can be accessed from the outside of the fence, then anyone, authorised or not, can have a go at removing them without climbing the fence and risking being caught.

 – Low quality fixings – fixings should be galvanised or stainless steel to ensure they don’t rust away.

Securely designed components found in fencing systems

Tamper-proof fixings

Look for security fencing with ‘tamper-proof fixings’. Jacksons Fencing manufactures all their metal fencing using these in one form or another. Their vertical bar fencing and metal railings have concealed bolts and screws, while their welded mesh panels have tamper-proof screws with unique heads that can’t be loosened or fastened with any normal tool. The bolts and rivets which are visible on steel palisade fencing are the main reason they don’t manufacture it (aside from the fact it’s unattractive and hinders surveillance).

Anti-vandal mesh clips

V mesh and twin wire panels can be attached to posts in different ways – commonly using clips, which vary in the level of security they provide. Generic mesh clips secured with generic Torx screws can be easily removed using a standard toolkit and should be avoided. Jacksons’ V mesh and twin wire mesh fencing panels are attached to posts using anti-vandal connectors and tamper-proof fixings. Fixings can only be accessed from the secure side of the fence, unlike most mesh fencing systems available on the market. 

Shear nuts

Shear nuts are an extremely secure fixing which should ideally be used on gate hinges. They are a type of breakaway nut which are almost impossible to remove once installed. Once tightened, the hexagonal part of the nut breaks off, leaving a smooth dome which is hard to grip with normal tools.

Clamp bars

With tightly knit mesh fencing such as 358 mesh, panels can be fixed to the posts in different ways, but again not all ways are secure. Some manufacturers use smaller clips and screws/bolts, however, the clips are susceptible to damage – being so small, and it also leaves the edge of the panels exposed to tools that could prise the panel away from the posts. Close-knit mesh panels with clamp bars and tamper proof bolts are highly secure.

Concealed panel-to-post connectors

Jacksons’ vertical bar and metal railings all feature concealed panel-to-post connectors with tamper proof fixings.

Welded pale-through-rail construction

Unlike steel palisade fencing, Jacksons’ vertical bar and metal railings are manufactured with welded pale-through-rail construction – rails are sleeved onto the pales and welded for a seamless, secure finish without any bolts or rivets that could be removed to swing pales aside and gain access. 

Remember that fixings and connectors play an extremely important role in the security of your fence, so don’t hesitate to ask a supplier what type of components are used when looking for fencing and gates.

Visit Jacksons Fencing’s security website for more information or call 0800 408 1341.

Jacksons Fencing recently launched a new T-shaped steel post, which you can read about here.

Jacksons Fencing
Stowting Common Ashford
Kent
TN25 6BN
United Kingdom

email: security@jacksons-fencing.co.uk
telephone: 01233 750 393

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