Asked on Jun 19, 2017
How can I screw into a vinyl fence without tearing out the screw?
by
ConiS
+3
I have a vinyl/plastic fence and I want to attach motion detector (very light weight) lights to the main posts. Also on the gate I'd like to attach one of those drop down door stops so my gate will stay open when I'm unloading groceries. I have to stop and open the gate every trip in and out with hands full. Right now I have a big rock I roll in front to hold it open but it's scratching my gate. I'm worried if I screw into the plastic the screw with eventually rip out ruining my fence. I thought of drilling a hole then inserting caulk or that expanding insulation into the hole then once that hardens screwing into that. I can't find help anywhere regarding these type fences. Help!
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A picture would help. Lot of different style fences. If you are worried about screws pulling out; I was thinking about using a strap attached to the motion detector and looped around the top of post and snugged down. Or drill through the post and use bolts to attach the mounting brackets. OR attach the lights to the house. For the gate stop you should drill through the gate completely and use a bolt to secure the mounting brackets of the stop. The bolts would give more support than plain screws.
On the main posts; if the main posts have a decorative cover on top you should be able to pop them off. Insert a board snugly into the posts as a backing for the screws. Pop the covers back on. For the gate; use toggle bolts to mount the door stops. The butterfly opens inside the gate post and grips as you tighten the screw. They come in different lengths.
industrial wall anchors will do the trick.
How about a power brad stapler?