Angle iron
Steel bar rolled into an L-shaped cross-section. Used for fence posts, cleats and bracing where a light, stiff section is enough.
Also called: angle post, angle section
Angle iron is steel rolled into an L-shaped cross-section — two flat legs meeting at 90 degrees. The bend is what does the work: folding a flat bar into an angle makes it far stiffer for the same weight, which is why the section turns up anywhere a light, rigid member is wanted.
Where it is used in fencing
- Straining and intermediate posts on chain link and light mesh systems.
- Cleats and brackets — a short length of angle drilled to join two things at right angles.
- Bracing on gates and long runs, worked in tension or compression across a corner.
- Mounting brackets for anti-climb toppings, where a 50 x 50 x 5 galvanised angle is a common size.
Angle is described by its two leg lengths and its thickness — 50 x 50 x 5 is a 50mm equal angle 5mm thick. Unequal angles have one leg longer than the other, useful where one face has to carry a fixing and the other only has to stiffen it.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does 50 x 50 x 5 angle mean?
A steel angle with two 50mm legs and a 5mm wall thickness. Unequal angles quote the long leg first.