How to Splice Barn Poles
- 1). Lay both poles on the ground parallel to each other with the ends flush. Use a tape measure to make a mark on one of the poles 10 inches down from the top.
- 2). Lay a straightedge from the top corner on the opposite side from where you made the mark. The straightedge should be angling down diagonally from the top corner to the mark. If the pole is round, estimate where the corner would be. You need the straightedge to angle from one top corner, down to the mark.
- 3). Draw the diagonal line down to the mark using the straightedge. Pencil in the line if the pole is round. Lay a handsaw along the mark. Cut through the pole on the mark. You should be looking at a sharp, spearlike point on the end of the pole.
- 4). Pick up the pole and lay in on top of the other pole, flush with the end. Use a pencil to trace the speartip onto the other pole. Pencil it in if the pole is round.
- 5). Cut through the pole on the mark to produce a matching speartip on the second pole.
- 6). Smear glue on both speartips. Swing the poles end to end and match the angles together. When the angles fit together, randomly shoot 2 1/2-inch staples through both sides with the staple gun. Shoot at least 10 staples through each side.
- 7). Place hand clamps on across the joint. Tighten them until glue oozes out the crack. Wait 24 hours before removing the clamps.
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