Replace Fence Post Without Removing Fence

Remove the rotted fence post and dig out any wood left in the fence post hole.

Replace fence post without removing fence.

To determine depth measure the old post from the top to where it set in the soil. Here s how to fix repair and replace broken fence posts and poles easily as long as things are thought ahead and you used the fence post socket system befo. Here s how to remove a rotten fence post quickly and easily with a shovel and sledge hammer as well as how to set the replacement post so it s strong sturdy and won t rot again. You could dig it out but that takes too long.

Thankfully the process is actually quite simple and knowing how to do it will allow you to replace anything from a single rotten beam to an entire fence. Slide a 24 inch long 2x4 under the fence on each side of the rotted post. Enlarge the existing fence post hole with a post hole digger. Make the hole about 6 inches wider than the post on all sides.

You can either remove the fencing with a pry bar or cut out the damaged section with a handsaw. Don t worry if you don t own all of the tools needed to remove or repair your fence. You can however build a fence on your property right behind it if your neighbors are not on board with replacing the fence. Subtract that from the length of the new post.

That s because fence posts are set in a concrete footing that is usually at least two feet deep in the ground. A post hole digger or a narrow spade works best. Once the repair is complete use new nails when replacing fencing and rails. To replace a wooden fence post start by disengaging the post fro the fence rails.

When repairing a post remove the fencing and rails connected to it. Toss the soil and rotted wood onto a tarp for easy clean up. Dig out the concrete footer if there is one then set a new pressure treated post and backfill the hole with crushed gravel or concrete. Pull the post out of the ground using a 2 x 4 to lever it if necessary.

If the existing fence is on the neighbor s property you can not remove it without their approval. Make the hole large enough to ensure you. Replacing a fence post may seem like a daunting task especially if concrete held the original post in place. Pull the fence section away from the rotted post.

Dig the new hole if you cut off the post. The answer is the depth you need for the new.