northernhammer

There is a really easy way to get a post out of the ground. I've even used it to pull small stumps and trees. The method requires a jackall jack or some equivalent hi-lift type jack plus a length of chain. I use an old piece of chain that was formerly a heavy snow chain (the links are about 1/4" across the thickness of the metal so is not a light thing). I wrap the chain around the post, tree, or stump two or three times times and then up over the step on the jack and fasten it off. Because it was an old tire chain I left the connectors on and make use of them. When I start jacking the chain tightens, biting into the post and pretty soon up it comes. You do have to use one hand to hold the top of the jack steady else you will probably be whacked by it as it topples over. If you want to see what one of those jacks looks like I saw one at: http://www.firstfouroffroad.co.uk/jacking.htm
more »   respond »

Save old posts: Where I live on the wet coast of Canada on southern Vancouver Island it's hard to keep up with the rot on the bottoms of the posts. I have resorted to scrounging pieces of i/4" thick 2"X2" or bigger angle iron. I cut them about 2 1/2 feet long and drill them with 7/16" holes about an inch from the end and then again about 8 inches or so up. I bolt that or use long lag screws to fasten the angle to the lower end of the post. I then embed the lower end of the angle iron in concrete taking care to first clean out the old post hole and maybe widen it a bit more. If you are lucky you won't have to actually remove the old post to do this and you will be able to get several more years use out of it.
more »   respond »