How to Fix Fence Posts
The most frequent problem with fence posts is that they are not well-anchored to the ground and often become loose. At other times, the posts may become split or cracked and need replacement. In any case, a defective fence post needs to be dealt with right away, so that the problem does not become worse. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pointed shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- 2-foot level
- Post hole digger
- Ready-mix concrete
- Narrow metal or wooden pole
- Wooden-handled pick axe
- 2-gallon pail
- 3-foot crowbar
- 20-oz. framing hammer
Instructions
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Fixing a Loose Post
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1
Shake the post and move it around as hard as you can to free up the loose material holding the post in place.
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2
Remove all loose material from the hole, but you can leave the fence attached to the post and the post can also remain in the hole.
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3
Pour some water down the hole. About 1 gallon should be fine.
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4
Mix the concrete mix in the wheelbarrow. Add the mix first and then add the water to the dry compound. Stir up everything thoroughly with the shovel until the powder and water are thoroughly mixed and about the consistency of wet mud.
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5
Pour the concrete in the hole and then take the narrow rod and jam into the wet mixture until all air pockets are gone.
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6
Allow the concrete dry until it is hard. Make sure the post is in an upright position before you walk away. Check the post with a 2-foot level.
Replacing The Post
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7
Disconnect the fence planks or rails from the defective post with a hammer and a crowbar.
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8
Remove the fence post from the ground. You may need the pick ax, post hole diggers and shovel, but try not to enlarge the hole too much.
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9
Remove loose debris from the hole with the post hole diggers.
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10
Cut a new post from a rot-resistant wood such as cedar, cypress or redwood. Make sure the new post is the same size.
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11
Place the post in the hole and then mix up ready-mix concrete mix in a wheelbarrow.
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12
Pour the concrete into the hole next to the post and use the rod to get rid of air pockets.
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13
Reattach the fence to the fence post. Check the post for vertical plumb and then let the cement dry.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure you moisten the soil and post before you add the concrete.
Leave any rocks or pieces of metal in the hole as reinforcement for the concrete.
You might have to brace the fence post while the concrete is curing.
Remove all organic material from the hole before you add the concrete mix.
Shape the top of the concrete footing, so that water drains away from the post.
