Help attaching wall mounted letter box to fence railings without permanently damaging the fence

[docjill]

Hi, I'm an absolute novice DIYer and need some ideas and help. Need advice on potential solutions people might have, but also all the relevant bits I should get to make this work - both tools I'd need and anything specific with the various pieces I should do/know to buy. 

I need to attach a wall mounted letter box to a rail fence without causing permanent change to the fence as not sure that this is the final solution I want for a letter box but need something ASAP as Australia post won't deliver without a letter box of some kind and house has nothing. 

I'd thought perhaps I could go a very simple solution like https://www.amazon.com.au/Mounting-Mailbox-Letterbox-Attachment-Postbox/dp/B0CZSTXDKD?th=1 but can't seem to find something similar at Bunnings (but could be just that I can't think of the right name to call it here). So if someone knows what to search for I'd appreciate it. But also this type of bracket isn't going to work as a straight forward option as the 4 holes in the letter box don't line up with my fence rail gaps - 1 set lies where a rail it. I'd also like the rails protected from this kind of thing so they don't get their coating scratched. Also the letter box needs to not be directly flush to the fence or the top can't open. 

Whilst it seems the easier option to just drill additional holes in the letter box to match my rail spacing - am a bit worried that if I drill new holes that it will become vulnerable to rust. I'm in a coastal area but not right on the beach but things do tend to rust. 

So instead am wondering about a design like pictured with 2 bits of wood on either side of the fence bolted together and then attach the letter box at the front to the wood.  I appreciate the wood would need cutting to size and then be stained or oiled to protect from the weather. But not sure if this is the  best option or exactly what I will need to buy to make this possible (and hopefully not have it look like a 10 yo's woodwork disaster). Although also happy to do something quick and easy that would be hidden behind the letter box and last long enough to perhaps do something a bit nice later on when my DIY skills have improved. I have very limited tools and no power tools so absolutely will need to borrow/buy somethings for this but not 100% sure what to get. First time home owner so suddenly have to start accumulating kit and skills to do all the maintenance around the house so ideally like things that will be useful in the future - not just for a single job now. 

Any advice or thoughts very welcome. Thanks  

Thanks.Back of the letter boxNot sure why this is uploading sidewaysAlso uploading sideways and I can't seem to fix this sorry

[AlanM52]

Hi @docjill,

I suggest you drill another set of holes in the letter box.

With the top holes aligned mark and drill another set of holes so they clear the bottom of the rail.

Cheers

[JacobZ]

Hi @docjill,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

I think your plan is a perfect solution to the issue and it is also a great starting point for your home maintenance and D.I.Y journey. There isn't really anything I would change about your plan, so I will just help you with some guidance.

Can you let me know the thickness and height of the timber slats, as well as how far apart the holes in your mailbox are?

This will help me advise suitable materials and fixings.

You're going to need a drill with some driver bits and drill bits to put pilot holes in the timber and screw the mailbox to it. This Ryobi 40 Piece Specialty Metric Drill And Drive Set is a good starter kit. You'll also need a basic socket set or adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts and bolts. These tools have a massive variety of applications, so they'd be a great starting place when it comes to tools.

Being outdoors, you'll need to use H3 timber and either galvanised or stainless-steel hardware for their weather resistance. If you plan on painting the timber to match, then you'll need to use external paint. 

Once you can provide me with some dimensions, I will happily recommend fixings and materials to suit.

Jacob

[docjill]

Much appreciate the time you’ve taken. Thanks for a thought out response.

The metal railings are 65mm tall and 11mm thick. Have a gap of 32mm in between each of them.

[docjill]

I’m worried that by just drilling extra holes to match the gaps that it will end up with the letter box rusting.

I live in a coastal town and certainly some things that are outside that shouldn’t really rust have done so- like the latches on the sliding door screens. Even a galvanised beam has ended up rusting (although I assume that someone either damaged the coating or it was faulty given it’s only about 5-6yrs old). 

If I do this is there anything I should do to then make sure rusting isn’t an issue? 

[Noyade]

Evening @docjill 

"11mm thick"

I was thinking 12 mm marine ply cut to 'sandwich' between the railings.

Painted.

No Bolts.

No nuts.

No drilling.

No holes in your railings or compression damage 

Just screw between the railings.

Then plenty of wood canvas to use the mailbox's original holes.

Just a thought.

Cheers.

Something like this...

[MitchellMc]

Hi @docjill,

You'll find our range of similar mailboxes described as a wall-mount mailbox. Something like the Sandleford Stainless Steel Solar Letterbox looks to be similar.

Are you open at all to fixing onto the masonry column next to the slatted panel? That would be a far easier and more direct mounting solution.

Mitchell

[docjill]

At the moment not wanting to attach permanently to the fence at all. Am thinking later of making a nice letterbox/stand to go directly in the ground but want to wait until I’ve got some more skills in using tools and making things so I can do a good job of that… so not wanting to put screws into the fence just yet as like to not be a permanent solution. But I do realise that would be the easier option as would just need 4xholes and nothing else.  

And yes, good spot- that is the letter box I’ve chosen.