I'm renewing our old fence w/new rails and pickets and came across 2 posts, which should be straightened (they have ~ 30 degree deviation fm/vertical. I digged around them same way you did, about 12" deep only, the second one even about 10", then added water to dig more next day, but to my surprise, I could move that 2nd post easily any way I want. So I straighten them both planning to add cement mixture and water, but then got stuck on the doubts if I need to add any cement in the holes. The posts are aluminum and the fence is pretty light (cedar, 6'). The original cement has practically perfect cylindrical shape, so for the future possible repairs it would be so much easier to deal with those perfect cylinders than the mines of irregular shape. So my question is: what will happen if I just surround those now straight posts (with existing cement cylinders on the bottom of them) with the soil (it is in Texas, soil type of clay)? Will it keep them straight, or it is absolutely necessary to remove the old cement, or at least to add some more new? Thank you for the great film, very informative.
If i understand you correctly, I would add a little concrete to fill any and all voids. You want the concrete to solidify up against undisturbed dirt inside the post hole. If your fence is as light as you said it is and the soil is pure clay, the clay, if compacted correctly, can be compacted with water to make a solid base for the concrete cylinder also but you want to compact it good! thanks for watching!!!
@@WorknDirt Thank you for the replay. I decided not to spoil the perfect concrete cylinders and just added soil around them. I did it in 2-3 steps: adding soil pouring water, so it can set, let it dry (since I noticed that the 2nd post, where water was added for easier digging next day got stabilized (as I wrote before I straightened it that evening), and I could not move it next morning). I think the best way to compact that clay soil is just to add some water, that clay acts like cement. I straightened and stabilized that way both posts, and attached already new rails to one of them. Everything seems to be solid and stable. I'm thinking maybe it is actually a method to straighten metal posts in clay soils (which is pretty easy). If there is a need I'd better add the concrete in the future. Special thanks on your expert confirmation on the properties of the clay soil ( I was guessing on it, but was not sure).
We had a wooden fence put in back in March of last year since day one we have dealt with the left side leaning first the guy said it was do to ground shifting then literally two later after he said it was fixed it leaned again and he assumed it as due to a storm and I was like no it’s been this way now he wants to charge to fix it and we are like no cause it hasn’t been correct since day one so I’m glad we found this video we will have to fix our self even though I feel the guy should Fix it
Michelle Yanez Hi, I’m assuming your post are still solid and not rotten and your soil is soft.? I would do one of 2 methods. One, break existing fence post concrete(sledge hmr) , straighten posts and re-pour the concrete. Or, 2nd option Dig a doughnut shape around existing concrete, wash dirt off concrete and then pour new concrete around the existing post after straightening it. I would make the donut shaped about 8 inches wide by 12 inches deep. I hope that helps! thanks for watching😉
Run a string along side of fence that not leaning from end post to end post that way you ensure straight fence as well as level.( Sometimes posts move out of line when breaking foundations)
@@chrisbudd1974 it makes it harder as long as your not replacing fence post. It's doable I use a spud bar to break up foundation.(most foundations on leaning fence small and not right) And dig out by hand. Then add new concrete.
@@chrisbudd1974 but the correct and "easy" way is to detach panels (or chain link fence from post top rail fence ties) pull post break off foundations dig holes a lil better then set post in new concrete foundation
Hi, Yes thats a lot for some people but not for others. I always see the value in spending the extra money to get things done well but my customer really wanted to be frugal at this moment.. thanks for watchin!
@@WorknDirt when he was starting off he did two post and stained the whole fence for $900. That was in 2012 or so. They did a great job, but prices have gone up.
@@BeeBopGaming remember to tell yourself that you’re getting paid 900$+ when you fix you’re own posts and it will make your day go buy easier! Even buy yourself a good meal! thats enjoyment i get out if doing things myself too! 👍
Now I just need a video on how to repair speakers! (5:10 - 5:20 transition) LOL
Thx for making this.
This is perfect solution for me as my neighbor is an arse and won’t pitch in for repair costs.
That sucks to hear about your neighbor because it really can be an opportunity to bond with them LOL
Great video
I'm renewing our old fence w/new rails and pickets and came across 2 posts, which should be straightened (they have ~ 30 degree deviation fm/vertical. I digged around them same way you did, about 12" deep only, the second one even about 10", then added water to dig more next day, but to my surprise, I could move that 2nd post easily any way I want. So I straighten them both planning to add cement mixture and water, but then got stuck on the doubts if I need to add any cement in the holes. The posts are aluminum and the fence is pretty light (cedar, 6'). The original cement has practically perfect cylindrical shape, so for the future possible repairs it would be so much easier to deal with those perfect cylinders than the mines of irregular shape. So my question is: what will happen if I just surround those now straight posts (with existing cement cylinders on the bottom of them) with the soil (it is in Texas, soil type of clay)? Will it keep them straight, or it is absolutely necessary to remove the old cement, or at least to add some more new? Thank you for the great film, very informative.
If i understand you correctly, I would add a little concrete to fill any and all voids. You want the concrete to solidify up against undisturbed dirt inside the post hole. If your fence is as light as you said it is and the soil is pure clay, the clay, if compacted correctly, can be compacted with water to make a solid base for the concrete cylinder also but you want to compact it good! thanks for watching!!!
@@WorknDirt Thank you for the replay. I decided not to spoil the perfect concrete cylinders and just added soil around them. I did it in 2-3 steps: adding soil pouring water, so it can set, let it dry (since I noticed that the 2nd post, where water was added for easier digging next day got stabilized (as I wrote before I straightened it that evening), and I could not move it next morning). I think the best way to compact that clay soil is just to add some water, that clay acts like cement. I straightened and stabilized that way both posts, and attached already new rails to one of them. Everything seems to be solid and stable. I'm thinking maybe it is actually a method to straighten metal posts in clay soils (which is pretty easy). If there is a need I'd better add the concrete in the future. Special thanks on your expert confirmation on the properties of the clay soil ( I was guessing on it, but was not sure).
@@olenaerhardt7725 thats great! I'm a fan of trial n error of new methods mixed with conventional/traditional methods!
Cool shirt! So just dig out and refill with gravel around the old stuff and tamp?
Hey Thanks! Yeah the bigger the gravel the better, also less rounded edged gravel is better. Let me know how your project goes.
@@WorknDirt thanks man!
Great video, and also AROO AROO AROO
We had a wooden fence put in back in March of last year since day one we have dealt with the left side leaning first the guy said it was do to ground shifting then literally two later after he said it was fixed it leaned again and he assumed it as due to a storm and I was like no it’s been this way now he wants to charge to fix it and we are like no cause it hasn’t been correct since day one so I’m glad we found this video we will have to fix our self even though I feel the guy should
Fix it
im sorry to hear that, your will feel good about fixing it yourself though!
How do you repair a fence, after its fully built and aged 5years, when the fence post were not set straight. The frame is coming apart, and leaning.
Michelle Yanez Hi, I’m assuming your post are still solid and not rotten and your soil is soft.? I would do one of 2 methods. One, break existing fence post concrete(sledge hmr) , straighten posts and re-pour the concrete. Or, 2nd option Dig a doughnut shape around existing concrete, wash dirt off concrete and then pour new concrete around the existing post after straightening it. I would make the donut shaped about 8 inches wide by 12 inches deep. I hope that helps! thanks for watching😉
@@WorknDirt Thank you
@@WorknDirt I use method one only I use my spud bar to break old foundation.
Run a string along side of fence that not leaning from end post to end post that way you ensure straight fence as well as level.( Sometimes posts move out of line when breaking foundations)
Great fix but temporary. I just knock off old foundation and pour new one. Permanent fix. (Own a fence repair buisiness).
I'm about to do that. 2 post are coming out of ground.
$6 bag of concrete and a sledge and you're starting anew.
The back-fill base will help, though.
How do you do it from the other /neighbours side when leaning
@@chrisbudd1974 it makes it harder as long as your not replacing fence post. It's doable I use a spud bar to break up foundation.(most foundations on leaning fence small and not right) And dig out by hand. Then add new concrete.
@@chrisbudd1974 but the correct and "easy" way is to detach panels (or chain link fence from post top rail fence ties) pull post break off foundations dig holes a lil better then set post in new concrete foundation
I like the ingenuity of the idea, but my wondering is that a bag of sack crete is only around $3. That doesn't fit in their budget?
Chris Minter I see your point, I want to make use of the rocks they wanted to get rid of. Thanks for watchin!
@@WorknDirt
yes that's cool too. I love to re purpose things around the house.
Sometimes customers fix fence instead of replace and on low budget so you use what is available.
So much for the first level gadget.
Volume issues...
Liking the video just for the guns comment 😂
Does no one say “plumb” anymore?
yea i do, plumb n level! lol i was under camera pressure . thanks for the correction!
The fence guy wanted $350 to fix one post. Is that a lot?
Hi, Yes thats a lot for some people but not for others. I always see the value in spending the extra money to get things done well but my customer really wanted to be frugal at this moment.. thanks for watchin!
@@WorknDirt when he was starting off he did two post and stained the whole fence for $900. That was in 2012 or so. They did a great job, but prices have gone up.
@@WorknDirt I think imma try to do it on my own and see what happens. Can’t afford that cash right now.
@@BeeBopGaming remember to tell yourself that you’re getting paid 900$+ when you fix you’re own posts and it will make your day go buy easier! Even buy yourself a good meal! thats enjoyment i get out if doing things myself too! 👍
Can't hear what he is saying. Music louder then him.
Sorry about that, we’re getting better with the editing, thanks for watching
You ain’t missing anything. Lol
The music literally stops at 33 seconds lol. Hes not talking before
WTF?
lol I feel your response, don't worry , I've done plenty of traditional post settings in concrete..
@@WorknDirt Right, how long have they lasted? lol
Your after wash fence in the opening looks as bad as the before picture. Use some sodium hydroxide to rid the gray and dead wood.
Thanks for the great tip!!!