There are issues with the new *Safer* pressure treated lumber and certain types of metal fasteners. I can't remember if it is galvanized that it will eat through or stainless..
I don't work for them, but I always use Hillman brand screws. They have a special drill tip that won't split the wood, and they come with the T-25 torx heads on the 3 1/2" screws. I've tried other fasteners and they can split the wood around the screw as it dries out. Sure beets pre-drilling.
I'd recommend that you make a holding jig that you rest over the post and it has cross boards that will hold the rails while you fasten. Make two of them, hang on on each post, lay the boards, screw them, then move one jig to the next post, etc. I would only use screws because if one board ever gets broken, trying to get those ring-shanked nails out of the post without messing it up is a pain. With the torx head screws, just back them out and re-use them for the replacement board.
Otherwise without a jig, I would agree with the previous poster to tack the board with a nail, then screw it in.
I've only built about 250' of fence, but I'm very happy with the screw method since I've had to replace a few pickets and rails along the way.
Doug
I don't work for them, but I always use Hillman brand screws. They have a special drill tip that won't split the wood, and they come with the T-25 torx heads on the 3 1/2" screws. I've tried other fasteners and they can split the wood around the screw as it dries out. Sure beets pre-drilling.
I'd recommend that you make a holding jig that you rest over the post and it has cross boards that will hold the rails while you fasten. Make two of them, hang on on each post, lay the boards, screw them, then move one jig to the next post, etc. I would only use screws because if one board ever gets broken, trying to get those ring-shanked nails out of the post without messing it up is a pain. With the torx head screws, just back them out and re-use them for the replacement board.
Otherwise without a jig, I would agree with the previous poster to tack the board with a nail, then screw it in.
I've only built about 250' of fence, but I'm very happy with the screw method since I've had to replace a few pickets and rails along the way.
Doug