Method and apparatus for constructing and repairing fence or railings

An apparatus comprising:

• a first picket having a first slot on a first side of the first picket and a second slot on a second side which opposes the first side of the first picket;
• a first locking strip having including a first opening including a first section having a first width and a second section having a second width, wherein the first width is larger than the second width;
• a first railing having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening of the railing is substantially perpendicular to the second opening of the first railing;
• wherein the first locking strip is adapted to be inserted into the first opening in the first railing, and slid into the first railing into a first state in which the first section of the first opening of the first locking strip is aligned with the second opening of the first railing;
• wherein the first picket is adapted to be inserted in a second state into the second opening in the first railing and simultaneously into the first section of the first opening of the first locking strip;
• and
• wherein first locking strip is adapted to be placed in a third state in which the second section of the first locking strip is aligned with the second opening of the first railing, and first part of the first locking strip is within the first slot of the first picket and a second part of the first locking strip is within the second slot of the first picket.