The Simpson Strong-Tie PGT2-R Pipe Grip Tie is a fence connector designed to attach wood fence rails to metal fence posts. This is a pipe grip tie designed for wood fence rail fastening on steel fence posts. Model Number: PGT2-R. If you are building a new fence or replacing failed wood posts, this hardware lets you keep wood rails while moving to longer-lasting galvanized pipe posts.

What makes this connector useful is that it solves a common fence problem without overcomplicating the job. Wood posts are usually the first part of a fence to fail, especially at ground contact. The PGT2-R wraps around a 2 inch nominal post with a 2-3/8 inch outside diameter and creates a solid mounting point for the rail. The bracket tightens with one supplied 1/4 inch hex-head bolt, then the rail attaches through the side flanges using four 1/4 inch x 1-1/2 inch Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive SDS heavy-duty connector screws, which are not included.

The build is simple in a good way. The Simpson Strong-Tie PGT2-R Pipe Grip Tie uses 12 gauge steel and a zinc galvanized G90 finish. For a fence connector, that combination matters because it gives you the stiffness needed to clamp tightly around the post while holding up better outdoors. This is not a decorative clip. It is a structural-style fence connection part intended to take the place of the wood-post-to-rail connection point on standard fence runs.

On the job, the design also gives you some flexibility. Simpson notes that the flanges can be field bent one time to fit corner and angled conditions, which makes the PGT2-R more useful than a one-position bracket. That helps on fence layouts where a straight run turns a corner or where the line is not perfectly square. The installation guidance also calls for offsetting corners for proper rail alignment and using three to four PGT connectors per pipe, lined up to a stringline for consistent rail placement.

For fence repair, this connector is a smart fix when the rails and pickets still have life left but the wood posts are done. Instead of rebuilding everything with new wood posts, you can replace the failed support with metal pipe and reconnect the rail using the proper hardware. For new fence construction, it lets you build a wood-faced fence around steel posts so you get the appearance most homeowners want with better post durability behind it.

The PGT2-R is sized specifically for 2 inch nominal pipe with a 2-3/8 inch outside diameter, so fit is not something you want to guess on. It is best for contractors, fence installers, property maintenance crews, and serious DIY users who want a cleaner, longer-lasting fence post setup. If your plan is wood rails on steel posts and you want an off-the-shelf connector from a known structural hardware brand, this is the part that makes that connection happen without shop-made brackets or improvising in the field.

Simpson Strong-Tie PGT2-R Pipe Grip Tie is the smart fix for longer-lasting wood fences

If you want wood rails on steel posts without making your own brackets, this is the clean, proven way to do it.

• Who it's for: Fence installers, repair crews, and homeowners upgrading from failing wood posts to galvanized pipe posts.
• Why it stands out: It is purpose-built for 2-3/8 inch outside diameter pipe, uses 12 gauge galvanized steel, and gives you a simple bolt-and-flange connection that is easy to understand in the field.
• Worth knowing: You get the bolt, but not the rail screws. Make sure you have the correct 1/4 inch x 1-1/2 inch connector screws on hand before you start.

• What pipe size does the PGT2-R fit? It is designed for 2 inch nominal pipe with a 2-3/8 inch outside diameter.
• Can this connector be used for new fences and repairs? Yes. Simpson lists it for new fence construction and for replacing damaged wood posts.
• Can it be used on corners? Yes. The flanges can be field bent one time to fit corner and angled conditions.
• How many connectors should be used per pipe? Installation guidance calls for three to four PGT ties per pipe.