Need to replace a fence post . . . help !!

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You can't tell from this photo but at the base of the post is a ruddy large split, a good shove would split it right through and bring it down.
View media item 32509I need to replace the post, first time at fence post replacement, so would be gratful for any advice. How to start, how to finish and what to do in the middle.

Thanks.
 
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It looks like quite a new fence, perhaps it was put up by builders. In which case they have probably lobbed a huge barrowload of readymix concrete into the ground.

This is very tiresome as it is a lot of work to take it out and put a new post in.

I strongly recommend concrete posts and gravel boards, as they do not rot or warp. It is possible to use masonry paint to make them blend in with your fence stain and look very nice.

Your post appears to be next to the house. If it is very difficult to dig out the old one, or even to add a concrete repair spur, can you bolt a new post to the house wall? This is quite normal. You will need very long steel bolts, or , if you can let the fixing show in the inside surface, galvanised studding going right through the wall, with a nut on each end. This is very strong and does not come loose. You might have to pack it out a bit to meet the existing fence. Do not use bolts or screws close the the edge of a wall as the bricks may split or crack

Depending where the damage is to your old post, you might even be able to keep the upper part of it, and bolt it to the wall using packers.

If you are taking the old post out, you may be able to prop up the fence while you are working, but wind may take it over and cause more damage.
 
Thanks for the prompt reply.

Hmmmm . . . . suddenly feeling less confident about the job.
 
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ugh, metpost, horrid!

They tend to twist and lean as you hammer them in, as they hit stones and other obstructions. Even worse if there is a lump of concrete in the ground :cry:
 
Get something sharp and prod it in around to work out the size of the concrete, if it is not too wide then the best way to get the post and concrete out without disturbing too much ground is to drill a large hole in the post a few inches from the base and thump a pickaxe into it and use the pick to lever it out as if you were pulling out a giant nail with a claw hammer if that makes sense???
 
1. Support fence with props, in prep for:

2. Cut off the post at ground level.

3. Drill and screw a new post to the wall.

4. Screw fence to post.

5. Remove props.

1 hour max.

6. Drink beer and bask in wife's admiring glances.
 

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