a slot or elongate opening 78 on one face of the hinge socket the slot splits the side portion 72 of the hinge socket creating an upper jaw 81 and a lower jaw 82 the hinge socket 70 preferably is sized and dimensioned to fit snugly and closely within the generally square shaped interior of the metal rail upon insertion as seen in fig3 in this example embodiment the plurality of hinges comprises a plurality of barrel hinges such as are commercially available and often used in indoor furniture such a barrel hinge 41 is shown in detail in fig5 the barrel hinge 41 includes a first barrel portion 91 a second barrel portion 92 and a plate and pin mechanism 93 pivotally connecting the two barrels 91 92 to one another one barrel portion 92 of a barrel hinge with portions hidden for clarity is shown fitted within the off center bore in fig4 the barrel hinge is well known in the indoor furniture and decorative arts but heretofore apparently has not been used in fencing and railings the barrels are connected to one another to allow pivotal motion relative to one another the barrel hinge comprises two barrels and.