[paintdrying]

I am building a six foot wooden privacy fence, board on board. I was hoping to be able to have all my screws line up perfectly across the front of the fence. I have run a string at the top height for all the 6 inch dog ear boards. I also have the posts and stringers perfect.
I was thinking of making a template to place the screws but that is impractical. I thought of using small trim nails to attach the boards then snaping three lines to line up the screws.
What is the practical way to do this?

 

[TimPa]

I was thinking of making a template to place the screws but that is impractical.

many ways to skin a cat. but when I want to repeat a procedure I use this. template might take 5 min to make.

or, you could make a jig so that you predrill the pilot holes in the same place every time, rather than just marking them. drill press works good here, but a handheld can be used also.

 

[kwikfishron]

I've always been critical of straight nail/screw lines when they're exposed. Just pull another string and screw just below that line.

You could also snap a 'white' chalk line and screw to that. Be sure to use white though as it will rinse off without leaving a trace.

 

[paintdrying]

crappy fence pickets. I had to square both ends of each board up, then I ended up pre drilling everything. I drilled one of the pickets then just laid it over the other boards and hand drillled all the holes.
I would have used my drill press but I did not feel like moving the belt to increase speed. I ran a string above and lined up pickets to the string. Some of the pickets are as much as an eighth of an inch off in height. I used t 15 star screws, stainless. The screws did not stay on the bit so I had my hands full lining everything up.