Easy Process To Get Rid Of Rotted Fence Post Below Ground
Pulling up the old posts is by far the worst pain for everyone who has taken down a fence. When installed correctly, fence posts are designed to withstand exactly the kind of side-to-side force you apply to them to loosen them up, which is the problem with fence post destruction. You may need three feet of post and concrete below ground, plus any code requirements to account for the frost line. Applying force upward is the key to removing a fence post so that you aren't up against the strength of the earth on each side of the buried post. Using a jack or other tools is one option; another is to use a lever and some manual labor.
- First Cut Or Break The Main Portion Of The Post
Cut or break off the post's main part first at the damaged area. In most cases, I prefer to cut directly beneath the damaged region, but if it is too low, you will need to cut above it. Make careful to leave some solid wood above ground so you have something to pry against. Because there won't be enough place for a jack or level, cutting the post completely off too low will make removal more difficult afterwards. - Use A Demo Bar And Hammer To Chip And Pry Out Wood
It's sometimes impossible to pry since a whole post is rotting at the concrete. To pry against, you need some sturdy excellent wood. Use a demo bar and hammer in this situation to pry and chip off the wood that is embedded in the concrete. With a smaller crow bar, pry bits out of the rotted wood after hammering the bar into it. Here, a clawed bar can be very useful. Continue to pound and break the wood, removing bits as you go. - You Can Also Use A Long Drill Bit
Long drill bits are an additional option. As you work, screw into the wood and pull out bits. Wood that has been screwed into softens and, occasionally, becomes chewed. This greatly simplifies removal. - Drill A Fairly Long, Thick Screw In
Another technique I employ is to drill a fairly long, thick screw in. like a structural 3/4" bolt with incredibly robust threads. I have something to pry against after the bolt is in place. It takes more effort to replace a rotten post without removing concrete than it does to just pull it out, but you'll eventually succeed.