I have a big, long wood fence in my yard. I understand just how long it is since a couple of years ago I pressure-washed it and resealed the wood. The wood sealant guaranteed to last 20 years. All I understand is that even if I’m still alive, I will not be doing that again. Ever.
Given my proclivity to be “one and done” with jobs I abhor, I was captivated when offered to check and evaluate Fence Armor, a protector that saves posts from nicks and dings brought on by power trimmers, mowers, and so on. They have actually items developed for wood, metal, and vinyl. They even have a product created for wire mesh fence.
I stated yes. However I wasn’t about to bite off safeguarding the entire fence in one shot. Instead, I decided to take a look at 3 various protective finishes that deal with mailbox posts, too. I figured if I liked it, I would utilize one on mine and provide the others to a couple of next-door neighbors. And after that possibly in the winter, I would install Fence Armor on my back fence.
SPECS
Products: American-made, G90, 22-gauge galvanized steel. This remains in contrast to most post protectors on the marketplace which are made of much softer aluminum or easily-damaged vinyl.
Color alternatives: Multiple colors are readily available, varying from white to black and whatever in between, including a wood grain appearance. I tested galvanized steel, white, and black Fence Armor protectors.
Post size: Fence Armor has multiple sizes for many standard size posts. Keep in mind that the protectors are made to fit the real size of a basic post, not the nominal size. For example, the 4 x 4 protector (small size) is in fact 3.5 x 3.5 inches.
Optional: Matching screws are offered, although my package didn’t come with them. A quick call got them to my door in a couple of days.
SMALL BOX WITH NICE EXTRAS
The small box came to my door rapidly after I consented to check the item. When I opened it, I found that the good individuals at Fence Armor practice lagniappe, a word borrowed from the Louisiana Creole French that basically implies “a small present offered to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase.” So if you’ve ever been to New Orleans, if you purchase a lots beignets, don’t be amazed if you end up with 13 beignets in your box. It’s simply a good little extra that you do not expect.
In addition to 3 sample items, Fence Armor included a little pad of gridded paper and wooden pencil like the kind carpenters use. Great touch.
I didn’t see any screws in the box. I had screws that would work fine for the galvanized product, but I believed the white and black sample needs to have matching screw heads to make the item look. I reached out to Fence Armor, and their representative had the screws to me a couple of days later on.
SIMPLE INSTALLATION
On the next dry day, I took a look at my mail box and selected the galvanized steel Fence Armor protector; I believed it looked best for me and I like the industrial look. It lets people know that a man lives here (and yes, I did this when my other half was away, so I didn’t need authorization).
After eyeballing the product at various heights, I decided that I liked the appearance best with the Fence Armor about an inch off the ground. Keeping it off the ground likewise prevents rainwater from getting trapped behind the metal and resting on the wood, which could result in rot.
Because I never utilize any power tools around the back of my mail box, I decided to use the item in the front only. This likewise spared me from the possibility of a spider touching me should I reach around the back. Yeah, I figured the front was safe enough.
I held the front piece in location and marked the hole thoroughly. Next, I predrilled a hole in the front.