How to Dig Out a Mailbox in Concrete
Like fence posts, mailboxes are often secured to posts set in the ground in concrete. While the concrete keeps the post secure in the ground, it can take some effort to remove it. Unless you are inclined to pay top dollar to hire a backhoe operator, prepare to dig around the perimeter of the post and the concrete footing in order to free it from the ground. It may be a sweaty job, but it's not complicated. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Shovel
- Metal pry bar
- brick or concrete block
- Sledge hammer
- Sturdy work gloves
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Loosen the screws that attach the mailbox to the post. Set the mailbox aside. Dig down around the perimeter of the buried concrete with a shovel. On at least one side of the concrete, dig the hole as deep as the concrete.
-
2
Wiggle and rock the post until it becomes free from the dirt. You may need the assistance of a pry bar to help free one or more sides of the concrete from the dirt. Place a brick or concrete block next to the hole to serve as a lever for the pry bar.
-
-
3
Pull the post and concrete out of the ground. If the concrete is too heavy, break it into smaller pieces with a sledge hammer. Depending on the weight of the concrete, you may need the assistance of a helper to remove the concrete from the ground.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
