Removing stuck fence panel between two slotted concrete posts

[Robbot]

I’m extending an existing fence by two panels that has been in situ for 21 years.

I need to remove an existing panel to replace the gravel board but the panel ‘appears’ stuck. Is there a technique to remove it?

Secondly, to match the existing line, I’ll be using a 6x5 panel with a 6inch concrete gravel board, giving me a fence height of 5’5”. Do I use an 8’ post and dig deeper (I don’t have the tools to cut 6” from the concrete post).

 

[thomp1983]

Given the weather recently is the panel wet and has swollen making it stick?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Gentle brute force applies here but sometimes they'll only come out in bits, use a longer post but buried deeper to suit. You could wait until the panel dries out and see if that helps but it may not and you could be waiting for weeks.

 

[Tigercubrider]

It will shrink in hot weather. Wait, or cut it down the middle and replace it.

post wise, dig the hole deeper

 

[Robbot]

Great advice. Many thanks for your comments

 

[Robbot]

One last question if I may.

The posts I have have two different slot sizes (55mm and 50mm) (image of dimensions attached).

Is there any reason for the two different sizes?

 

[Alec_t]

Is there any reason for the two different sizes?

The only reason I can think of is that the post cross section is tapered, to make it easy to remove the cast concrete from a mould, but the flanges either side of the slot need to have a minimum thickness for strength. Having a slightly wider slot on the wider part of the post minimises the amount of concrete used.

 

[JohnD]

Not made in a precision engineering factory.

Near enough is near enough.