That time I tried those magnetic racking brackets everyone's talking about

I was putting up chain link in some clay-heavy soil outside Austin last month and saw a crew using those magnetic brackets to hold rails while they set posts. Thought it looked gimmicky but watched them line up 50 feet of top rail in maybe 20 minutes without a helper. I borrowed a set for my next job and honestly it saved my back from holding rails up while digging. Has anyone else here used those or found a better trick for solo rail work?

3 comments

3 Comments

river_allen27d ago

Bro those brackets actually work? I just use a shovel handle to prop my rail up while I dig.

dianahayes27d ago

Oh man, I actually tried that shovel trick once and it slipped right out from under the rail. I ended up getting one of those brackets from the hardware store and it made a huge difference for me. Like, I can actually dig without worrying about the whole thing collapsing on my hand. The bracket holds the rail solid so I can focus on breaking up the dirt instead of propping it up. idk, for like ten bucks it was worth not having to mess with a shovel handle that kept sliding around.

blair_martin27d ago

@river_allen, I tried the shovel handle trick too and it slid out on me every time. Those brackets are actually worth grabbing if you don't want to chase a rolling rail across the yard.