Fence installers often set a first post in cement, insert a panel into the first post, insert the panel into a second post, set the second post in cement, then go back and screw the panel to the first post. As a general practice, these tasks are completed while the cement is still wet. In the frost-belt, this type of installation requires a longer post. By installing this way, there is always a chance that someone will lean on or bump into the panels, moving the posts and causing the posts to be crooked when the cement hardens. The posts take multiple steps to manufacture. Posts must be loaded into a machine twice; once to punch/route rail holes and once to drill screw holes. Hundreds of screws, longer posts, additional manufacturing steps, and increased installation time all increase the cost of the fence.
Sometimes panels need to be made shorter while on a job site, making it necessary to notch the end of the rails so that the rails will fit properly into their respective posts. If a panel needs to be shortened on the job site, the installer has a choice to either purchase a special tool (costing $200.00-$300.00) or try to notch the rails using a hack saw. Using a hack saw to notch the rails is very difficult, and increases costs and time on the job.
The panels of fences assembled using the conventional technique are not easily removable. If a panel is damaged, the posts must be removed to perform repairs. Consequently, repairs are extremely expensive. Another problem for consumers is insects (e.g., bees, etc.) building hives in the fence posts, because most aluminum fence products have no system in place to keep the insects out.
It would be desirable to implement a clip facilitating quick assembly and disassembly of fence components.