Tuesday, March 26, 2013

How to Repair Galvanized Metal Fence Posts on a Wood Fence

Fig.1 Cap
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools: 
Galvanized carriage bolt and nut 
Galvanized Halco Chain-Link Steel Post Driver 
Galvanized chain link brace band
Galvanized metal fence post 2-3/8 in. x 2-3/8 in. x 8-ft. 
Galvanized steel chain-link fence dome cap 4-in
Galvanized steel chain-link fence wood post adapter  
Metal sledge - optional
Post level  
Quickrete 50-lbs fast setting posts concrete mix

Mr. Doubtfure hires me to help him out on his contracting business. Edward is a good friend and he allows me to sub-contract my services to his clients. The job details are quite simple. The redwood fence had 4x4 wooden posts and some had been replaced by metal fence posts.

This post shows the seven steps on how to remove a wooden post and install a galvanized metal fence post inside a wooden fence.

Step 1: Evaluate the fence, decide which metal fence post needs to be replaced. In this job some of the fence posts had rusted at the bottom of the cement and needed to be removed and replaced. 
Step 2: The kit needed to mount the metal fence post to the wooden fence. These kits were already in use when the post was replaced. The kit can can be purchase at Lowe's. The kit is a Galvanized steel chain-link fence wood post adapter.
Step 3: Fig.1 shows the galvanized steel chain-link fence dome cap needs to be on each fence post, the reason is that when it rains water will enter the pipe and slowly rot the post from the inside. Some dome caps are a little loose, drilling a self-drilling screw inside the cap perimeter will keep the cap from being stolen and prevent water from getting inside the post. This post has a diameter of 2-3/8-inch this makes it stronger in wind conditions.
Step 4: Fig.2 shows this posts are secured by a metal band, part of the band is attached to the metal bracket and the metal bolt secured the bracket. The bracket has square parts that allow the galvanized carriage bolt and nuts to secure solidly to the post.
Fig.2 Bolt and nuts
Step 5: Fig.3 shows another angle of the chain-link fence wood post adapter.
Fig.3 Wood post adapter

Step 6: So how does the post get into the ground? A Master Halco Chain-Link Steel Post Driver made of Galvanized steel, is 24-inches in length and is used for driving posts into the ground. This one was purchased at Lowe's. Think of this like a hammer nailing a nail on a wood stud, except the hammer is the post driver and the nail is the metal fence post. Fig.4 and Fig.5 shows the metal sledge and post driver can also be used, but what usually happens is that the top of the post needs to be cut because it's deformed by the slamming of the hammer on the top of the post. Fig.6 shows this post has been slammed into the earth.
Fig.4: Metal sledge

Fig.6
Post
Step 7: But what holds the fence post into the soil? Well before the post can be driven into the soil, a hole needs to be dug and Quickrete 50 lbs fast setting posts concrete mix (also purchased at Lowe's) used. Pour one bag of concrete mix into each hole where the metal fence post is going to stand. Now the job is finished. This job took me a better part of one day. Fig.7 and fig.8 shows the job is done. Now the job is finished and Edward can tell his clients that their dogs and various barn animals are safe from neighboring coyotes.

Below is a quick recapitulation for one fence post hole.


Step 1: Remove the old rotten wood post and replace it with a 2-3/8-inch metal post. 
Step 2. Remove the old cement and place it in the trash can.
Step 3: Dig a new hole.
Step 4: Ram the new fence post into the new hole.
Step 5: Place a bag of Quickrete Posts Concrete Mix into each hole.
Step 6: Level the fence post and secure it until the cement dries.
Step 7: Once the cement has dried, screw the post to the fence using the Carriage Bolt and Nut. 

Fig.7 Posts 
replaced
Fig.8 Job finished

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

3 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for sharing those steps. I am glad to have found this site and I will let my husband check this out. -<a href="http://www.atlantapostcaps.com/”>http://www.atlantapostcaps.com/</a/>

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  2. Dear Rita Adams;
    I checked out your website very nicely organized. I will keep in mind your site when I have clients who constantly complain that their patio wooden caps have fallen off and do not know any other alternative other then gluing them back on. Your system is great and I learned from you also. I hope you come back and visit my blog. This time I am writing on how to rebuild a mailbox post.
    Thanks for the compliments
    Sincerely
    Gary Boutin
    A to Z Repairman

    ReplyDelete
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