Metal Fence Posts - Advice Please

[paulsomlo]

Need to replace 62 ft of wooden fence that's falling down/wooden posts rotting. I'd like to go with metal posts, thinking one of three options:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/PostMas...alvanized-Steel-Fence-Post-633663-1/307938011

https://www.homedepot.com/p/92-in-B...Powdercoat-with-Top-Plate-LTP-80220/314904635

https://www.homedepot.com/p/YARDGAR...-Metal-Fence-Corner-Post-328944DPTS/307594483

The Postmaster seems ridiculously overpriced at $60 each; the 2nd choice is currently out of stock, but almost half the price of Postmaster and same thickness. The round chain link type would use brackets to attach wood to it. One side of the fence will be backyard, the other side alley, 5 to 6 foot height.

Opinions on these? Will I absolutely need concrete, or can I fill the hole with gravel? Can I just use a powered tamper and not dig (not sure if I could plumb them this way)?

 

[luvtheheat]

"The Postmaster seems ridiculously overpriced at $60 each"

$39 in Tucson. Hell of a difference from store to store.

 

[paulsomlo]

$39 in Tucson. Hell of a difference from store to store.

Wow, you're right - just changed my location on homedepot.com. That's closer to what I think they're worth - now if I could just get free shipping.

 

[nadogail]

I have used 2” EMT for posts, it was salvaged from an industrial remodel. I drilled holes in the EMT for the Lag Screws to attach the rails.

 

[rustyzman]

I have about 170' of 6' wood fence with postmaster posts. For me, worth it. I will not have to replace one of those posts in my lifetime.
No matter what you choose, I must say that a metal post is absolutely the way to go.

 

[nadogail]

I have used 2” EMT for posts, it was salvaged from an industrial remodel. I drilled holes in the EMT for the Lag Screws to attach the rails.

1.5” EMT will also make posts that will be satisfactory for most wooden fences. I am sure that there will be a cost saving over using 2”.

 

[paulsomlo]

1.5” EMT will also make posts that will be satisfactory for most wooden fences. I am sure that there will be a cost saving over using 2”.

That's about the same or more $ than Postmaster.

 

[Odd-job]

Postmaster are $29 each in the SF Bay area. Odd that they are cheaper over here.

 

[Zeke]

Salvage drill rod:

 

[RPH]

2” schedule 40 galvanized pipe works well.

 

[nadogail]

Unless it’s free it will definitely be overkill.

 

[Flail]

I can’t believe those last round posts are 16 gauge! You could bend those over your knee. A minor wind storm would certainly roach them. I bought 21 foot x 2” galvanized pipe and got 3 seven foot posts from each that will probably still be here when I’m not.

My experience with EMT is that material bends much easier than galvanized pipe. Ymmv.

 

[m6z]

Postmasters are $40 here and I need 20 of them, so $800 just for posts.

 

[nadogail]

I can’t believe those last round posts are 16 gauge! You could bend those over your knee. A minor wind storm would certainly roach them. I bought 21 foot x 2” galvanized pipe and got 3 seven foot posts from each that will probably still be here when I’m not.

My experience with EMT is that material bends much easier than galvanized pipe. Ymmv.

I had no intention of containing a raging bull. My fences have been built for privacy or as a visual demarcation of a property line.

 

[manwithtools]

I can’t believe those last round posts are 16 gauge! You could bend those over your knee. A minor wind storm would certainly roach them. I bought 21 foot x 2” galvanized pipe and got 3 seven foot posts from each that will probably still be here when I’m not.

My experience with EMT is that material bends much easier than galvanized pipe. Ymmv.

Those posts are for chain link fence, they are not designed to resist the wind load of a wooden fence.

 

[paulsomlo]

Postmaster are $29 each in the SF Bay area. Odd that they are cheaper over here.

I spoke to someone at HD on the phone - they said they normally don't price match their own stores, told me to come in talk to the manager.

 

[manwithtools]

I spoke to someone at HD on the phone - they said they normally don't price match their own stores, told me to come in talk to the manager.

I don't think I would price match from San Francisco to Colorado if I was a store manger - two totally different markets. There is no reason to think they should match from that far away.

 

[Flail]

‘I had no intention of containing a raging bull. My fences have been built for privacy or as a visual demarcation of a property line.”

“Those posts are for chain link fence, they are not designed to resist the wind load of a wooden fence.”

About 10 years ago my wife bought two range steers and put them in the field that had electrified New Zealand fencing around it. Those wild-*** steers went through that and the next 20 neighbors assorted fences over a week. Finally put a new fence with galvanized pipe posts and 1” pipe rails five feet tall. That kept the steers in until it was time for their demise. While loading them, the steers scaled the 6’ walls of the loading chute and got free again. As stout as this fence is, it wouldn’t contain a raging bull anymore than a car.

Nuther useless story is a neighbor had a chain link fence and decided he wanted privacy so put plastic slates in between the slats (they go diagonal). Next windstorm bent the fence over at ground level.

 

[Odd-job]

I spoke to someone at HD on the phone - they said they normally don't price match their own stores, told me to come in talk to the manager.

Best of luck with the manager. Thought it was an interesting data point.

 

[paulsomlo]

Best of luck with the manager. Thought it was an interesting data point.

Well that was an absolute waste of time - went in, didn't even get past the customer service desk, told me they can't price match other stores. But... I forgot about the Cheyenne store 35 miles north of here - checked the website, the posts are $15 cheaper at $45 each. For 10 of them, worth the drive.