Repairing Guides

how to repair a rotted 4x4 fence post

by Keshawn Larkin I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Steps:

  1. Mark cut lines onto post with a layout square. Position the lines above and below each horizontal rail.
  2. Set the depth of cut on a circular saw to cut through the posts, but not into the rails. Saw along each pencil line.
  3. Knock out the wood between the cuts with a hammer.
  4. Use a cordless drill to remove any screws securing the post to the rails.

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Part of a video titled How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post | This Old House
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5:33
By cutting the post above. And below the rail we're gonna release the rail. So they can swing outMoreBy cutting the post above. And below the rail we're gonna release the rail. So they can swing out and then we can work on the post. Now we'll just bang out the pieces of the post with a hammer.

Full Answer

How to temporarily secure a rotted fence post?

Tools Required

  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Shovel
  • Sledgehammer

How to remove a rotted fence post?

  • Dig a trench next to the footing and tip the post out.
  • Wrap a chain around the post and use a high lift jack to pull the post out.
  • Screw lag bolts through a chain into the broken off fence post and then use a vehicle winch/come along/high lift jack to pull the post out.

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How do you repair a rotten fence?

  • We recommend undertaking any fencing project with the help and assistance of a friend.
  • Always wear protective safety gear when necessary.
  • If using concrete, always wash your hands after use as wet cement can cause burns.
  • Don’t allow concrete to dry on your tools - clean it off with a stiff brush.

How do you repair a broken fence post?

Tools and Materials For Repairing Fence Posts

  • Simpson Strong-Tie EZ Mender (Metal Fence Repair Bracket – Can be found at Home Depot)
  • 2 1/2″ Exterior Wood Screws
  • 3 1/2″ Exterior Wood Screws
  • 2″ Exterior Wood Screws
  • Additional Fence Boards (Only if they are broken)
  • Wood Shims

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How do you repair a rotten wood fence post without replacing it?

0:1610:03Rotten Fence Post How To Fix It Cheaply Yourself - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf. You can get the post into the hole. And then line up the diagonal cuts and screw them togetherMoreIf. You can get the post into the hole. And then line up the diagonal cuts and screw them together with some wood glue on it because if that's the case then the post should be secure.

How do you reinforce a rotted fence post?

1:527:34How to Fix a Broken Fence Post in Under 30 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're basically going to hammer it in. So the trick here is to get the easy manner wedged in betweenMoreWe're basically going to hammer it in. So the trick here is to get the easy manner wedged in between the concrete and the fence post.

How do you replace a rotted 4x4 fence post?

0:1011:34Replacing A Rotted Wood Fence Post - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you've got a wood fence you're gonna have to do this once in a while stick around i'm going toMoreIf you've got a wood fence you're gonna have to do this once in a while stick around i'm going to give just give you some tips that might make your job a little easier but more importantly i'm going

How do you repair rotted wooden post?

3:437:27How to Repair a Rotted Porch Post | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTogether. And i also like the fact that i have a lot more surface right here to glue and screw theMoreTogether. And i also like the fact that i have a lot more surface right here to glue and screw the two pieces together that makes a lot of sense all right so now all i have to do is trace our patch.

How do you reinforce a 4x4 fence post?

0:4613:36DIY! Repair Loose Fence Posts on Wooden Fence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I picked up all the materials I need at Home Depot to 4x4 eight-foot long fence posts 12 LMoreSo I picked up all the materials I need at Home Depot to 4x4 eight-foot long fence posts 12 L brackets and a box of number 9 one and a half inch screws and three 50-pound bags of quikrete.

Can you put new fence posts in old holes?

Its a spike shaped like 2 sides of a square if you can picture that, with a section on top for a new post to bolt into. The theory is that you bang it into the old hole then fit new post to it. You need a rubber bung thingy to allow you to bang it in without damaging it.

How do you replace a fence post without removing a fence?

0:515:33How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy cutting the post above. And below the rail we're gonna release the rail. So they can swing outMoreBy cutting the post above. And below the rail we're gonna release the rail. So they can swing out and then we can work on the post. Now we'll just bang out the pieces of the post with a hammer.

How do you replace a fence post without removing concrete?

The best way to replace a fence post without removing the concrete footing is by prying it out. You can do this with a long lever and fulcrum or a car jack. In either case, nail some wood to the post first to pry against and then get to work. Pry until the post releases from the concrete and comes all the way out.

How do you get rid of rotted fence post below ground?

1:316:59Remove a Rotten Fence Post in MINUTES ! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWithin the top two inches of the fence post in the ground. So above ground two inches below groundMoreWithin the top two inches of the fence post in the ground. So above ground two inches below ground two inches that part of the post. Generally is going to be the part that's rotten.

What is a Dutchman patch?

Woodworking. In construction and woodworking, a dutchman can refer to an inset wood patch used to repair wood. Typically a square inset is cut into the damaged area and a new piece of wood is glued into the inset.

Why do fence posts rot?

The main cause is the wood having prolonged exposure to moisture in soil which means fence posts decay at ground level – just above the concrete base. This means the post will still be solid below and above the damaged area. Insect infestations can also cause rotting in wooden fence posts.

How do you reinforce a wooden fence post?

0:198:35The Forever Fence Post Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight in the center of the bad post that you have on either side and you install these galvanizedMoreRight in the center of the bad post that you have on either side and you install these galvanized fence posts. So this one here is just sitting in the hole right now.

How do you get rid of rotted fence post below ground?

1:316:59Remove a Rotten Fence Post in MINUTES ! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWithin the top two inches of the fence post in the ground. So above ground two inches below groundMoreWithin the top two inches of the fence post in the ground. So above ground two inches below ground two inches that part of the post. Generally is going to be the part that's rotten.

How do you replace a rotted fence post in concrete?

4:305:28How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post / Handyman Business - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd installed this new one was able to reuse the hole. But I brought the cement work up to aboveMoreAnd installed this new one was able to reuse the hole. But I brought the cement work up to above soil level and then I also graded. It so it's tapered down so when it rains water will run off and then

Is it cheaper to replace a fence post?

Fences Posts are usually pretty cheap to replace but the labor involved can ruin your plans for the rest of the day. Post replacement takes lots of work and will leave you asking half way through the project "if there is a better way".

Do spikes rot wood in concrete?

If you are considering alternatives to wood-in- concrete fence post repair, it is important to gauge your type of fence and weather conditions. The advantage to spikes is that they’re less likely to rot like a wood-in-concrete post. The disadvantage might be stability. Since it is designed to be driven down, the tapered tip will offer less torque ...

Can you repair a vinyl fence?

However sometimes vinyl fence posts or vinyl fence panels can get damaged and need to be repaired. There are a variety of environmental situations that would cause the need for vinyl fence repair. For example, rain can cause ice to frost the fence posts and pull them out of the ground. Filling the hole with cement will help. Other vinyl post repairs can include repairing holes, digging new holes or making existing holes deeper.

Can a wood fence post pull out of the ground?

If the wood crumbles in your hands or the rot or termite damage covers more than about 30% of the post, you will need to replace the entire post. However you are likely to have a wood post that was just recently broken and has not rotted yet.

Can you reuse a cement ball for a fence post?

If you have an old wood fence post that is completely rotted off and you are able to remove it along with all debris, you could reuse the cement ball for a new post. Some have successfully used fence post anchors. This way the post will not be sitting in cement to rot off again.

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