Chain link fences are popular due to their affordability and durability. However, there may come a time when you need to remove a chain link fence post. Maybe the most damage, or perhaps you want to replace the entire fence. Whatever the reason, removing a chain link fence post is a task that can compete with the right tools and a bit of patience. In this article, we’ll go through the steps involved in removing a chain link fence post.
Tools you’ll need:
Shovel
Digging bar
Post puller
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Step 1: Prepare the area
Before you begin removing the fence post, you’ll want to prepare the area. Make sure there are no obstacles or hazards nearby, and clear the area of any debris. It’s also a good idea to wear work gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any sharp edges or flying debris.
Step 2: Loosen the soil around the post
The next step is to loosen the soil around the fence post. You can do this by using a shovel or a digging bar. Start by digging around the base of the post, making sure to get as close to the post as possible. Once you have loosened the soil, you can use a digging bar to pry the post loose. Insert the digging bar into the soil next to the post and pry it back and forth until the post starts to move.
Step 3: Remove any concrete
If the fence post is set in concrete, you’ll need to remove the concrete before you can remove the post. To do this, use a shovel to dig around the concrete until you can see the entire base of the post. Then, use a post puller to remove the concrete from around the post. You may need to use a hammer to break up the concrete into smaller pieces so that it can be removed more easily.
Step 4: Use a post puller to remove the post
Once the soil and concrete around the post have been loosen, you can use a post puller to remove the post. A post puller is a tool that uses leverage to pull the post out of the ground. To use a post puller, attach it to the post and tighten the chain around the post. Then, use the handle of the post puller to lift the post out of the ground.
Step 5: Fill the hole
After you have removed the fence post, you’ll want to fill in the hole. This can be done by using the soil that you dug up earlier. Start by filling the hole with soil, making sure to pack it down as you go. Then, add a layer of gravel or sand to the top of the soil. This will help to keep the soil from settling over time.
Tips and tricks:
If the fence post is particularly stubborn, you can use a car jack to lift it out of the ground.
If the soil around the post is very hard, you may need to use a pickaxe to break it up before you can remove the post.
If you are having trouble removing the post, you may want to try using a reciprocating saw to cut it off at ground level. This will make it easier to remove the remaining part of the post from the ground.
Conclusion:
Removing a chain link fence post can be a bit of a challenge. But with the right tools and a bit of patience, it can be done. Start by loosening the soil around the post, then remove any concrete that may be holding the post in place. Finally, use a post puller to remove the post from the ground. With these steps, you can remove a chain link fence post and get start on your next fencing project.