How to Install Corner Post Insulators ("Corner Post Brackets")
Now that your:
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End/gate posts are drilled and hardware installed
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Line post brackets are mounted
It’s time to handle one of the most important structural posts in your fence system:
The corner post.
In Episode 7 of the Cameo™ Skill Builder Series, Clayton walks through how to properly lay out and install Corner Post Insulators (corner brackets) on a wood post.
Corners are critical. They change fence direction and manage tension from multiple angles so bracket placement and alignment must be precise.
Why Corner Posts Matter
Corner posts:
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Redirect fence tension
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Maintain alignment around turns
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Keep wire spacing consistent
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Support long fence runs
If Corner Post Insulators are uneven or misaligned, the tension shift becomes visible immediately.
***This step ensures your fence runs neatly and maintains a professional appearance.
Tools Required
Installation is simple and consistent with previous steps.
You’ll need:
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Drill
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1/4-inch nut driver
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Bucket of screws
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Corner Post Insulators ("Corner Collars")
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Cameo Story Pole ***Not necessary but extremely helpful
No measuring tape required (as long as posts are set at 52 inches).
Step 1: Mark the Center of the Post
Before installing anything:
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Find the middle of the corner post.
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Mark the center at the top.
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Mark the center at the bottom.
This ensures:
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Your Story Pole aligns perfectly.
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All Corner Post Insulators ("collars") stay centered.
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All lines remain consistent around the corner.
Precision here prevents uneven tension and maintains a smooth running line.
Step 2: Use the Story Pole (Corner Side)
The Cameo Story Pole is marked:
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“E” for End posts
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“C” for Corner posts
For this step, use the Corner (C) side.
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Place the Story Pole on top of the post.
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Line it up with your center marks.
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Each notch indicates the top of a corner collar.
Mark each notch location on the post.
You should now have marks showing exactly where each Corner Post Insulator will be placed.
***If you don't have a story pole, make your marks at the following measurements: 48", 40", 32", 24", 16", & 8".
Step 3: Install the Corner Post Insulators / "Collars"
Remove the story pole and begin installing Corner Post Insulators ("corner collars").
Important notes:
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There is no “up” or “down” orientation.
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Align the top of the Corner Post Insulator/ "collar" with your mark.
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Use two screws per insulator.
Installation Tips:
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Start by installing the top screw.
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Step back and check alignment.
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Make sure the insulator is level.
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Then install the second screw.
Clayton emphasizes the screws do not need to be overtightened. Just snug.
Step 4: Verify Alignment
Before finishing:
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Step back.
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Visually inspect the insulators.
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Confirm they are straight and evenly spaced.
Small corrections are easier before all screws are fully seated.
Understanding Fence Direction at the Corner
Clayton notes something important:
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Line Post Insulators sit on the inside of the fence.
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Cameo strands wrap around the outside of the corner.
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Strands return back to the inside of the fence to install on the Line Post Insulators.
This wrap design:
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Maintains tension
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Prevents slippage
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Keeps corners clean and tight
Proper insulator placement creates proper tension so you don't have to build an H-Brace!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Forgetting to mark the center
❌ Using the End (E) side of the story pole instead of Corner (C)
❌ Installing insulators crooked
❌ Over-tightening screws
❌ Forgetting fence direction when placing insulators
Corner accuracy creates proper fence performance and aesthetics.
Why the Story Pole Makes This Easy
The Cameo Story Pole eliminates:
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Manual measuring
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Guesswork
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Uneven spacing
Because your posts are set at 52 inches, the spacing is already engineered to match.
Fast. Repeatable. Professional.
What’s Next?
Now that:
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End posts are drilled and hardware installed
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Line Post Insulators are mounted
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Corner Post Insulators ("collars") are mounted
You’re ready to begin pulling and wrapping Cameo™ around corners.
The next episodes move into tensioning and stringing — where the system really comes together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What side of the story pole do I use for corner posts?
Use the side marked “C” for corner posts. The “E” side is for end posts.
How many screws secure each corner collar?
Each collar uses two screws.
Is there a top or bottom orientation for corner collars?
No. There is no designated top or bottom — just ensure it is straight and aligned.
Should screws be tightened fully?
They should be snug, but not overtightened.
Why mark the center of the post before installing collars?
Marking the center ensures the story pole aligns correctly and all collars stay centered.
Do Corner Post Insulators/ "collars" go on the inside or outside of the fence?
Cameo Corner Post Insulators install on the OUTSIDE of the corner posts. Line Post Insulators are installed on the inside of the fence. Cameo strands wrap around the outside of the corner post and return to the inside of the fence.