Pulling fence post from concrete.

[Quickster]

Okay I'm working on a side gate for the side of my house, there used to be one there at some point from the previous owners but the gate was gone and just rotted posts and pickets left behind.

I has able to get one post out with a bolt, chain, and my engine hoist. This one was a breeze to remove.

Now I attempted the same with this post below in the pic, with the same engine hoist method. The hoist started to give out before that post even attempted to move, taunting me.

I hardly have any power tools left over from some sticky fingers, I have a corded dewalt drill, & temporary HF sawzall left.

Any ideas without busting up the concrete?

Burn it out?

 

[dsimatt]

you could cut it as close as possible then drill a whole bunch of holes till its weak enough to start breaking up.

 

[Steevo]

Any ideas without busting up the concrete?

Burn it out?

Actually, I once burned a post out of the concrete it was held in.

First, I bored about eight holes as deep as I could into the remaining post base, using a 1/2" or 5/8" bit. Then I squirted charcoal lighter down all the holes and let it soak in real good. I gave each one another squirt, and tossed a match on it, and it burned like a flare for a good 30 minutes or more, then smoldered all night. I was able to dig out the burned remains using a long screwdriver and a shop vac.
Then I dumped wet mortar down the hole, and pounded a round steel post into the hole.

 

[fringeofinsanity]

I'd go rent a jackhammer for $15 and just bust it out personally.

 

[koditten]

Drill some holes, drop in chucks of Charcoal brickettes lighterfluid. Light off with some grill fluid. use a leaf blower to speed things up. It works good so have a hose handy for safety.

 

[Quickster]

Thanks, what you guys have suggesed is what I was kind of thinking..

I might cut it down flush with the concrete and drill a bunch of holes on top with longest bits I have and fill them up with lighter fluid and let it soak. Will have to keep an eye on it though, extinguisher on hand.

 

[jhelrey]

Can you just cut it flush with a sawzall and leave it? But I agree, I would use a spade bit and drill a lot of holes into it so it loosens up.

 

[freebird914]

How did it work? Did you burn it out ?

 

[ascalise]

I built new gates a few months ago. I had a hell of a time with two of those. I ended up digging out around the concrete enough to tie my 5" strap around the stump. Hooked it to my truck and slowly pulled it up in 4 lo.

 

[Quickster]

I built new gates a few months ago. I had a hell of a time with two of those. I ended up digging out around the concrete enough to tie my 5" strap around the stump. Hooked it to my truck and slowly pulled it up in 4 lo.

Wish it was that easy, I assume your posts were surrounded by dirt/grass? I have removed a few post like that before. This one is different though. It's all surrounded by concrete/concrete side walk on side of house.

How did it work? Did you burn it out ?

Working on it today, I chopped the rest of the post down to the base of the concrete then used an spade drill bit and made a bunch of holes and really tore it up. If its as deep as the other post was I have a ways to go.

I was ready to pour some lighter fluid down into it so it could soak then remembered my gas meter is on this side of the house, got me scared lol. Has me rethinking this idea. If it was anywhere else in the yard it would probably be burning right now.

 

[Ray Kelly]

I'd find the biggest/longest drill bit and drill as much of it as possible. Then get a long chisel and chop it out. You'll probably have a hard time burning it. It looks like pressure treated wood to me and that stuff is hard to burn. How deep is it?

 

[rockchucker]

Time and pressure. =)

That post looks pretty damn solid though. You have the right idea. Drill holes and keep going until enough is removed to be able to fill with concrete.

 

[Quickster]

When I removed the other post on the opposite side the hole is about 9 1/2" deep at the moment, there is still a bit of wood inside the hole also that I couldn't really get out. The post was rotted good deep down in there.

I assume the post I'm working on now is just as deep.

 

[Quickster]

Getting there.

Planned on putting another wood post down there, thinking about going with steel fence post now.

 

[G_P]

Potassium nitrate stump remover.
Followed by diesel/kerosene/heating oil and a match.

It wont shoot fire everywhere so as long as your gas meter isn't leaking there won't be a problem.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you are using a spade bit, you can buy an extension for it at the hardware store. I believe they are 10-12" long.


Like Steevo suggested, I'd probably be burning it out using a coffee can as a chimney and soaking it with used motor oil. I would not suggest it if you live in town though, some neighbors aren't really keen on this kind of stuff.

 

[wrench409]

Getting there.

Planned on putting another wood post down there, thinking about going with steel fence post now.

Exactly what I'll be up against once this wood post gives up. I too plan on using a square metal tube post when that happens.

I'll be watching this thread.