So I’m trying to dig out a wooden 100x100 post that was rotton it snapped off just below the ground level and was able to break a lot of the rot but off but half of the post on one side of the ground is still rock solid beneath the ground and I’ve only managed to dig around 25/30cm down and the wooden post is proving difficult to break apart on the one side. Any tips on how I can get this to break up or come out?
Tips for removing wooden posts broken and rotten
- Thread starter john2k
- Start date
Yes it’s set in postcrete. I managed to use wood drill bit that’s 300mm long and just keep drilling and shaving it down have got to about 380mm deep so far. Need to get a long drill bit currently use the one pictured below that looks like a spade at the tip. I’ve come across long drill bits that are just like a round drills with threads as pictured below too. The new longer bit I should I get the spade look one or the round one?
Since the original post is still ok plan is to cut the remaining rot off and still have enough length to use the following pictured metal anchor instead. Plan is to mostly dig out most of the old post so the metal anchor goes mostly in freely then maybe just the final little bit hammer it in just to keep it in and then because it’s thin there’s a lot of space around it to postcrete around the anchor itself.
- Joined
- 22 Jul 2016
- Messages
- 6,392
- Reaction score
- 1,235
- Country
That won’t work. I doubt if even the type that is intended to be set in concrete would work.
You can buy extensions for spade drills.
In the long run, it’s easier to use an Sds and drill out the concrete
You can buy extensions for spade drills.
In the long run, it’s easier to use an Sds and drill out the concrete
Those metal spikes are not good IMHO. Better off digging the whole thin out and either replace the post or better still go for a concrete post.
- Joined
- 24 Oct 2020
- Messages
- 6,499
- Reaction score
- 2,378
- Country
Break concrete in the ground you use a disc cutter and cut a large V.
Dig around concrete.
At the point of the V use a cold chisel and hammer and keep hitting it until the concrete breaks.
The professional way is cut a large V and hit the V point hard with a pick axe, but I'm not skilled enough to do that but I know a man that can.
It's impressive to watch..
Dig around concrete.
At the point of the V use a cold chisel and hammer and keep hitting it until the concrete breaks.
The professional way is cut a large V and hit the V point hard with a pick axe, but I'm not skilled enough to do that but I know a man that can.
It's impressive to watch..
I have done that in the past, had to remove every last scrap of wood and hoover out the dust. New one plopped in, and with a bit of slate around the side, held up ok.
But not guaranteed.
I have used old wood chisels, the straight end of a crowbar, masonry bolster etc. the trick is to split the wood and force it apart, pull out chunks with pliers.
You could install a stub. Dig down the front of the old post or use an auger, stick a 2 meter stub post in the hole and use postfix to anchor it in the ground and then bolt a new post to the back of the stub using a couple of 200 x 10mm coach screws with square washer plates.
Last edited:
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
