How To Remove a Broken Wooden Fence Post
Removing a Broken Wooden Fence Post
Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools: a Fencing shovel, a fencing bar (or long screwdriver for DIY), and possibly a Kango hammer for tough jobs. Safety gear such as gloves and protective eyewear is also recommended.
- Remove the old post and any fence on either side. You needn't take down the entire fence; often, you can simply offset it to the side a bit.
- Clear the area around the post to give yourself ample working space.
- Remove all dirt on top of the concrete base in which the old post was set.
Method 1: Easy Removal (The Lucky Scenario)
This method works when the post within the concrete has completely rotted away.
- Assess the post hole using a fencing bar or a long screwdriver. If the wood inside the concrete is fully rotten, your tool should easily pass through it.
- If the wood is indeed rotten, clean out the hole thoroughly. Remove all the decayed wood and any loose debris.
- Here's a handy tip: once the hole is cleaned out, add a small amount of dry concrete mix to the bottom. This will help absorb any excess moisture left behind by the rotten wood.
- With the hole prepared, you can now simply slide in your new post.
Method 2: Tough Removal
When the easy way isn't an option, you'll need to put in some elbow grease.
Option A: Breaking the Concrete
- Choose the side of the post that's easiest to access and dig down about 12 to 16 inches. This depth is crucial as it reduces the ground's ability to hold the post in place.
- Use a fencing bar to break the concrete. The bar's slanted edge is particularly effective for this task. Focus on the corners where the post meets the concrete, working on one corner and then the opposite.
- Once you see cracks forming, remove that section of concrete. Try to leave the other half in the ground if possible, as this will help you maintain the correct fencing line later.
Option B: Leveraging the Entire Post
- If the concrete proves too hard to break, you'll need to remove the entire post and its concrete base.
- Use a fencing shovel or bar for leverage. Try to get the whole post hole to move by putting the shovel on the side opposite to where you've dug.
- If it still won't budge, keep digging further down and around the post until it starts to give way.
- Be prepared: the entire post hole can be extremely heavy. Use the bar and shovel at either end to lever it up and out.
Alternative Method: Using a Kango Tool
A Kango hammer (a type of electric jackhammer) is particularly useful in tight spaces, such as between decking or two driveways. It's highly effective at breaking up even the toughest concrete, making it an excellent choice when other methods fail.
Additional Tips
- For DIY enthusiasts without professional tools, a long screwdriver can often serve as a makeshift fencing bar for the rotten post, not breaking concrete.
- After cleaning out a rotten post, adding a bit of dry concrete mix to the hole helps absorb excess moisture before inserting the new post.
- The fencing bar's slanted edge is particularly good at cracking concrete. Use this to your advantage.
- Whenever possible, try to leave half the concrete in place. This helps maintain the correct fence line, saving you the hassle of realignment later.
Remember, removing a fence post can be physically demanding work. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it, especially when dealing with heavy concrete bases. Always prioritise safety and take breaks as needed.
Questions For Removing Broken Fence Posts (FAQ)
- Q: How long does it typically take to remove a broken fence post? A: The time can vary depending on the method used and the condition of the post. A simple removal might take 30 minutes, while a more complex job could take up to 2 hours.
- Q: Do I need any special tools to remove a fence post? A: Basic tools include a shovel and a fencing bar. For tougher jobs, you might need a Kango hammer. Sheridan Fencing has all necessary professional tools for efficient removal.
- Q: Can I reuse the old concrete base for a new post? A: It's generally not recommended. A new post is best secured with fresh concrete for optimal stability and longevity.
- Q: Is it better to hire professionals or do it myself? A: While DIY is possible, professional services like Sheridan Fencing ensure proper removal and replacement, especially for challenging cases or when multiple posts need attention.
- Q: How do you ensure the new post is aligned correctly? A: We use professional techniques to maintain the correct fence line. When possible, we leave part of the old concrete in place as a guide.
- Q: What should I do if the wooden post within the concrete is fully rotten? A: If the post is fully rotten, you're in luck. Clean out the hole thoroughly, add a little dry concrete mix to absorb excess moisture, and then you can simply slide in a new post.
- Q: What if the concrete is too hard to break with a fencing bar? A: If the concrete won't break easily, you may need to use leverage to remove the entire post and concrete base together. This can be heavy work and might require digging around the post. In tough cases, we use a Kango hammer to break up the concrete.
- Q: Why do you recommend digging down 12 to 16 inches around the post? A: Digging to this depth reduces the ground's ability to hold the post in place, making it easier to remove or break the concrete base.
- Q: Is it necessary to remove the entire fence when replacing a post? A: No, in most cases you don't need to take down the entire fence. Often, you can simply offset the adjacent sections to the side a bit to give you enough working space.
- Q: What's the benefit of leaving half the concrete in place when possible? A: Leaving half the concrete in place helps maintain the correct fencing line, saving time and effort in realigning the new post.
Sheridan Fencing Services
At Sheridan Fencing, we use these professional methods for efficient and reliable fence post removal and repair. If you'd prefer expert assistance, don't hesitate to contact us.
Our Service Areas:
We proudly serve Medway, including Rochester, Gillingham, Chatham, and Rainham, as well as the surrounding areas such as Gravesend, Maidstone, Sittingbourne, and beyond.
Sheridan fencing - Dave Relf
Disclaimer:
The methods described for removing a broken fence post involve physical labour and may require the use of heavy tools or equipment. Always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines, including wearing appropriate protective gear such as gloves and eye protection. These instructions are provided as general guidance, and the author accepts no responsibility for any accidents, injuries, or damage that may occur while carrying out these tasks. You undertake this work at your own risk. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process, consider consulting a professional for assistance.
