Removing fence spikes

[woundedknee]

I've just attempted putting up a fence in my back garden, but haven't done too well and need to re-do some of it. I now need to remove two post-spikes. They are in soil, but through holes in 2 inch concrete. They seem to be stuck fast. Digging them out seems the only way, but then I have to remove more concrete, and I'll have a big hole where I don't want it. Any ideas?

 

[JohnD]

don't hit them with a hammer to shake them free while trying to pull them loose with the other hand.

I tried that once and got "tennis elbow" which is surprisingly painful tendon damage.

 

[imamartian]

2" concrete should break quite easily... and you can always fill any hole with concrete after ! But getting the spikes out should be quite easy... using a post as a lever, a bit of rope and bob's you uncle

 

[Thermo]

ah good old metposts.......NOT!

bane of my life. break out the concrete around the top of them carfully. we usually get a 6 foot long metal pry bar in under the square box of the shoe and then they normally lever staright up and out.

Alternativley, set the posts from the opposite end of the run and they should miss the existing holes. better way to do it as the holes are in virgin earth and therefore stronger

 

[woundedknee]

Thanks for these tips - the don'ts as well as the do's. I'll attempt a bit of leverage this weekend.

 

[crazycanuck]

if you havn't finished your post removal?
use a good strap or chain and a car jacj should do it.

 

[Bylough]

Had a good tip given to me which might work here also.
Try and work a whole bucket of water in and around the concrete. Retire for the night- then next morning the whole lot will pop out like a cork.
Do try it and see.

 

[Jackuzi]

Just in case anyone else is looking for another way, I found using a pick axe to lever them out worked for me.