How to Drive Utility Fence Posts
Utility fence posts or U-posts are a sturdy foundation for a fence line. U-posts are available in light and heavy-duty styles for hand tailoring to a homeowner's needs. Light duty posts are generally for garden fences and the heavy-duty posts are useful for fencing an entire yard. Standard post heights are 3 to 6 feet tall for light duty applications and 5 to 10 feet for heavy duty fencing needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Position the U-post into a post hole by centering it in the middle of the hole. Post holes should be approximately one third the height of a pole. As of 2010, a small post driver could be purchased for about $25 or larger models can be rented. Place the post driver on the top of the pole.
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Lift the manual post driver and then pull down with force on the handles to drive the U-post into the ground. Each stroke will drive the post down deeper. Using more force will decrease the number of times that the post driver has to be used to drive the post to the desired depth.
An air assisted post driver uses a small air compressor that activates with a switch to lift the weight of the pole driver and drive a U-post into the ground. You place the driver on the pole and depress the switch until the pole reaches the right depth. You release the switch for the driver to stop.
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Remove post driver from the post.
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Tips & Warnings
Smaller models of manual post drivers are designed for one individual to use. Medium and larger manual post drivers have longer handles and are useful for two-person operation with one person standing on each side of the driver.
U-posts are available in several heights. If you cannot reach the top of the pole to place the pole driver over it, you can use a sturdy chair for elevation. Another method is leaning the pole forward, placing the driver on the top and then moving the pole back into position so that it is vertical.
Distributing weight evenly on both feet will help you keep your balance while driving U-posts for a fence.
It is a good idea to wear gloves when driving several fence posts to protect your hands.
