Types of Metal Railing Fixings – Panel to Post and Pale to Rail Fixings

 When it comes to metal railings, the fixings you choose can make a big difference in terms of both security and longevity. Whether you're joining panels to posts or pales to rails, the best types of fixings are always those that are hidden or inaccessible by design. They may be trickier to install or replace if damage occurs, but for a long-lasting and secure installation, they’re well worth it. This is especially true when paired with a product that comes with a long guarantee.

Panel to Post Fixings

The most common method for attaching railing panels to posts is still a bracket system. These brackets are screwed into the post or welded on (we will talk about this further down), and then the brackets are screwed or bolted to the rails of the panel. While easy to install and perfectly suitable for residential aesthetic settings, this system has serious drawbacks in public or commercial locations and especially when security is a focus.

Metal theft is a genuine issue, and so is tampering. In schools, for example, it's not uncommon for bolts or screws to be removed by pupils during lunch breaks. If brackets are used, they must be fitted with security bolts or tamper-proof screws.  (Note torx head is no longer good enough as a security fixing)

Another approach found in modern railing systems is the use of posts that have built-in angles. In these designs, the panel is slotted or fixed directly to the post at a predetermined angle, often with internal fixings. This reduces the need for external brackets and results in a cleaner, stronger connection. It also helps ensure consistent angles on site, especially useful when navigating corners or changes in direction. These built-in angle posts offer a smart, secure alternative to surface-mounted fittings, with far fewer tampering points.

A more secure alternative is a system where the rails pass through the posts, creating an interlocking structure. From a security perspective, this is excellent. However, if any section needs to be replaced, the process becomes a real headache and often requires removing the posts.

The most balanced approach is a hidden connector system, where fixings are concealed within the rails themselves. These provide a neat finish and protect against tampering. Unlike fully integrated systems, they often allow individual panels or components to be replaced, although it may require more effort.

An example of hidden connectors used to attached panels to a post

This is an example of panel attached to a post using hidden internal connectors.  Thank you to Jacksons for use of this image.  All their metal railing systems use this system

An example of a panel using visible fixings to attach to a post

The image above is an example of a ornamental railing panel attached to the posts with bolts.  The problem with this is that anyone with a small spanner could remove this panels in a few minutes.  

Pale to Rail Fixings

In many metal railings, particularly palisade fencing, the pales (upright bars) are fixed to the rails with bolts or security screws. On the surface, this seems practical. It’s easy to transport in kit form and simple to replace a damaged pale. But in practice, this setup creates a major security risk.

If someone wants to access the site, all they need to do is undo a few screws, slip through, and bolt everything back together afterwards. It’s a well-known method of bypassing fencing on commercial and educational sites.

For any site where security matters, pales should never be bolted to rails. Instead, look for systems where the pale is inserted into or through the rail, and ideally welded in place. This significantly increases the strength and integrity of the fence and prevents any chance of silent entry.

An example of the metal railing pale on the same Jacksons playground fence system as the image above.  The pale is fed through the fence rail and then welded in place.  This means that the pale cannot be removed or levered away from the rails. This system is p  

Accessories and Finials

Metal railing accessories can add a decorative finish to a fence or gate. One common addition is a ball top finial, often used on the tops of posts. These are typically twisted or screwed into place, which makes them very easy to install. However, this also makes them very easy to remove.

In public or high-risk areas, this type of accessory presents a clear opportunity for theft. Not only are they often unscrewed and taken, but they can also be used to climb or damage the fence if left loose. If ball tops or decorative finials are being used, they should always be either welded in place or secured with hidden fixings that require a specialist tool to remove.

Final Thoughts

While easy-to-install fixings and accessories might seem attractive at first, they rarely provide the long-term reliability and security that most installations demand. Hidden or integrated fixings not only improve the appearance of metal railings, they also reduce the risk of theft, tampering or unauthorised access.

They may take longer to install and be more difficult to repair, but with a quality railing system that carries a long guarantee, replacements should be rare. In our view, the security benefits of hidden or inaccessible fixings far outweigh any inconvenience.