New Here Pipe fence ?

[Txcoonhunter]

I am going to build a pipe fence up my driveway about 250' feet 2 3/8 pipe with four runs of 1'' pipe no top rail the only thing like that I have ever built is a few coners and a brace or two . How do I keep the tops of the pipe post straight without that top rail. thanks

[spotsineyes]

Since you're new, I get to pick on you: I have never heard of 2-3/8" pipe.

[deafman]

Just to help you out, tube is usually measured by the OD. Pipe is often from average or agreed upon ID. 2 3/8" OD "pipe" could be 2" sc 40, etc.... 2 3/8" tube is 2 3/8" OD and the wall thickness is usually in hundredths. 2 3/8" tube with a wall of .110 or .120 is common. Take my word for it that 2" or2 3/8" tube with a wall of .062 or.083 dents easily. This is what the green mass produced livestock fences are made out of. 1" tube with a wall of .120 is also common.
Good Luck with the fence.

[Txcoonhunter]

My question is how do I keep the tops of the pipe,tubing, or drill pipe at the same higth? Do I run a string at the top or use a mesuring stick mark the pipe before I place it in the ground ? The pipe is 2 3/8 drill pipe cut on 8'. thanks

[Pass-N-Gas]

2 3/8" (oil-field)tubing has several classifications some of it is NUE (non upset ending) as in no upset at the threads, EUE (external upset ending) is flared at the ends prior to threading. The OD of 2 3/8 tubing is the same as 2" pipe and can be threaded with 2" dies.. the main difference with oil field tubing is the chrome molly content.. hit it with a hammer and hear it sing.. Welding can be tricky too as most used tubing is magnetized..

To answer your question on keeping things straight use a string line or laser to cut off the tops after the cement has dried..

[Txcoonhunter]

Thanks for that very good reply . Like I said I am new to this thanks.

[wroughtnharv]

You can do it the way fencemen do it.

I saddle all my posts first and then set them for height and line by eye.

http://www.harveylacey.com/id27.htm

[davedarragh]

My question is how do I keep the tops of the pipe,tubing, or drill pipe at the same higth? Do I run a string at the top or use a mesuring stick mark the pipe before I place it in the ground ? The pipe is 2 3/8 drill pipe cut on 8'. thanks

If you know someone who owns an optical transit level, it makes things much easier. Not only can you keep the tops level, you can set the posts in a straight line, so it doesn't look like an accordian when you're done.

If not, Mason's string line and a magnetic "torpedo" level will suffice. You can also take some re-bar, and bend a couple of pieces into a long "S" and hang from the 1" laterals for uniform spacing. Similar to when elecrtricians used a "story board" before the advent of laser levels, when placing outlet boxes on studs.

David

[Txcoonhunter]

Thanks for your knowledge and your willingness to share it with a newbee thanks

[davedarragh]

Thanks for your knowledge and your willingness to share it with a newbee thanks

A decent transit level, tripod and survey rod can be bought for less than $500, and takes the guess work out of any building project. From octagon patios, spiral staircases, Stadia Distance measuring, or any layout work they are an invaluable tool. Might want to consider this small investment. CST/Berger & David White are the most popular. www.engineersupply.com or Northern Tool. Make sure you get the "bubble level" for the survey stick too. This insures the rod is plumb and true when reading it. .025" difference over 100' translates into 2 1/2"

You stated "up my driveway." Is there a slope? Grade percentages are computed by the rise in elevation divided by the grade. The posts should always be plumb and true, and the rails can follow the terrain. A "Bobcat" with an auger and depth gauge (like on a Hilti Drill) is a timesaver too. It's really not hard to do, just needs to be planned and layed out properly.

If you don't want to deal with coping the rails and intricate angles, flatten the ends, trim to fit, and weld to the posts.

David