Analyze Mortise and Tenon Brace with Deadman
At 4:54 in
Fence braces explained...a look at different fencing ideas!
What happens here
This segment features a unique brace design by Sloop Fence and Langley Fencing, known as a 'deadman' brace. The brace post has a mortise (square cut-out) into which the strut is inserted, planed to fit tightly. The bottom end of the strut, called the 'deadman' or 'block end,' is a 9-foot post with about a foot cut off, leaving 8 feet buried horizontally in the ground. This horizontal buried post acts as a robust anchor, especially effective in soils prone to frost heave, preventing the main posts from lifting out of the ground. This method is noted as uncommon but highly functional.
Goal: Examine an innovative bracing technique utilizing a mortise, tenon, and deadman anchor.
Tools and materials
- 9-foot Post — Buried horizontally as an anchor ('deadman'), approximately 8 feet long after cutting
- Brace Strut — Horizontal brace, planed to fit tightly into the mortise
- Strainer Post — Main upright post, prepared with a square cut-out to receive the strut