How to Attach Wood Pickets to a Chain Link Fence

Measure and note the distance between the centers of two adjacent steel posts. Measure and mark 2-by-4-inch planks to make the rails that will span the distance between the posts. Picket fences shorter than 4 feet tall require a minimum of two rails.

Set the chop saw to make 90-degree cuts. Place the marked plank on the saw table. Holding the plank firmly against the guide fence, trim the plank on the mark. Repeat to cut remaining rails for that fence section.

Tie a string to the first post at the level of the bottom edge of the upper rail. Extend the string to the adjacent post. Use a line level to level the string, then tie it to the adjacent post. The string must be taut. Repeat to tie level lines indicating the positions of the remaining rails. Mark the string positions on the both posts, using a permanent marker. Remove the strings.

Open the clamp on the fence adapter. Fit the U-shaped portion of the adapter around the post. If necessary, use pliers to temporarily remove the tie wire that holds the chain-link mesh to the post. Orient the shelf portion of the adapter to face the side of the fence where the rails and pickets will be installed. Align the lower edge of the shelf to the mark on the post. Use a socket wrench to tighten the adapter onto the post. Reattach the mesh fencing if it was removed. Repeat to install fence adapters on remaining marks on the posts.

Place the upper fence rail so it rests on the shelves of adapters installed on adjacent posts. Center the ends of the rails to the centers of the posts. Ask an assistant to stand on the front side of the fence, where the rails and pickets will be installed. The assistant will push against the rails as you screw the adapters to them. From the backside of the fence, screw the adapter to the rail. Use a drill and driving bit to screw the ends of the rails to each adapter. Install remaining rails in the section in this manner.

Tie a string to first post at the desired level of the tops of the pickets. Extend the string to the adjacent post. Level the string, then tie it taut to the second post. Working left to right, position the edge of the first picket against the ends of the rails. Align the top of the picket to the level string. Use a carpenter's level to plumb the first picket. Attach the picket to the rails with evenly spaced two screws in each rail.

Place the spacing block against the upper rail, butted against the right edge of the first picket. Place the left edge of the second picket against the spacing block. Align the tops of all of the pickets to the level string as you install them. Attach the picket with one screw to the upper rail. Move the spacing block to a lower rail, against the first picket. Butt the edge of the second picket against the spacing block, then attach the picket to the rails in the same manner as the first picket. Repeat to install remaining pickets.