A non garage related question

[Backyard Imports]

This is not about a building but about the fencing around my yards and buildings. I am hoping that one of you guys will have a good idea for me.

The backstory... Our entire property has chain link fence around it. Under this fence is concrete measuring 12" wide by 12" deep. It's kind of like a foundation footing. While this is great as far as keeping dogs in, it ***** as far as fencing repair. The previous owner (the person who built the house and the fence) got old and ended up running into the fencing multiple times with his tractor and lawn mower. This bent many of the posts, which were then straightened, and then he ran into them again, and they were straightened again. Now several post are broken at the base near the cement and falling over.

My question, and issue, is how can I replace these posts? They are standard 1 1/2" posts. They are damaged and broken almost flush with the concrete. I don't want to bust the concrete out and redo it if I don't have to.

Has anybody ran into this issue before? Does anybody have any ideas about how to replace these posts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cyberbear]

The simple fix is to slip a smaller pipe inside the existing pole and bolt or weld the new pole in place.

 

[Coasterbuilder]

Rent a 2" core drill and pop some new holes in the concrete. Use high PSI grout or post set mix to anchor the new posts and you're done. You should be able to get the posts, grout and rent the core drill at Home Depot.

Or call the fence guy......this is what he will do.

 

[HotRodMan]

I have run into this exact same problem, and what I did was to cut off the old posts with a cut off wheel with a 4 inch angle grinder near the base, buy new posts and cut to the correct length, **** the new post to the base of the old post and weld them together. I spot welded it in several places to keep it from pulling from one side to another, then welded all the way around. Also, clamped two 1X2's at apposing angles to keep it in place while welding. Brush the welds with epoxy primer to keep them from rusting. Saves you from digging up the old posts and pouring new concrete. Looked great when I was done. You can do this with a 110 volt welder. Ware a respirator while welding this as the posts are galvanized and emit dangerous fumes when welding.

 

[coljar]

I have run into this exact same problem, and what I did was to cut off the old posts with a cut off wheel with a 4 inch angle grinder near the base, buy new posts and cut to the correct length, **** the new post to the base of the old post and weld them together. I spot welded it in several places to keep it from pulling from one side to another, then welded all the way around. Also, clamped two 1X2's at apposing angles to keep it in place while welding. Brush the welds with epoxy primer to keep them from rusting. Saves you from digging up the old posts and pouring new concrete. Looked great when I was done. You can do this with a 110 volt welder. Wear a respirator while welding this as the posts are galvanized and emit dangerous fumes when welding.

If you go this route, listen to this man's advice on wearing a respirator and use the correct cartridges. Welding galvanized metal without one will make you sick as a dog.

 

[Backyard Imports]

I have thought of inserting an inner pipe that has an OD matching the ID of the post, and then drilling holes and adding some plug welds. I figured this would give me the strength that I need. The only issue with this is that I only have a 220v welder, my generator is fixed, and I am working on too large of an area for any sort of extension cord.

I hadn't thought of coring new holes though. This would probably work best as long as I can get over the posts not having exact spacing. It will be one of those things that I always look for even though nobody else in their right mind would notice.

Thanks for the input everybody!