Removing chain link fence posts?
Submitted by admin on September 27, 2010 – 4:32 am7 Comments
Michael asked:
What’s the best way to remove chain-link fence posts? I have heard 2 answers. One is to use a high speed angle grinder. Another is to use a reciprocating saw. I can’t remove them because they are attached to about 3 feet of concrete and there are 30 of them. I want to cut them to the ground and then put about 2-3 inches of top soil down and plant grass. Figure this will remove any hazards. I will also dig right to the concrete where they concrete begins several inches under the ground. Basically, though, I need whatever tool will enable me to get closest to the base.
Use a cutting torch.
rent a bobcat and tie chains to the bucket then wrap then around the poles and slowly back up or put the bucket up and it can pull the polls right out then you just fill the holes and you are rid of the poles completely
I would sawzall them as close to the concrete as possible then sledge the sharp remainder as much as possible.
A reciprocating saw will be safer and easier than a grinder. Using a torch will be dangerous, and a Bobcat rental will cost a few hundred dollars.
I agree with using a bobcat or small tractor with a frontend loader and using a chain to pull them out. This will be a lot less work than cutting them at the base.
If you cut them off they turn into yellow jacket nests. I know from experience the easiest way to pull them is sawhorses and a cumalong. that is if you don,t have a tractor. If you must cut dig a hole so that you can get below grade then use an angle grinder, and fill them with concrete. If you pull them try wetting the ground first to loosen up the soil.
Would try using the grinder or a recip saw w. a long flexible blade to cut part way through close to the concrete & snap them off.
A relatively easy way , ( some grunting) is to rock them till they are loose.
Get an old style bumper jack from a junkyard (bigger the better)
Wrap chain around the post & use the jack to pull them out, concrete & all without any digging or bending over.
Works well if the soil lets you & the concrete gobs are not too big around.
30 of them ?…..your call ,
Going to be a job no matter what.
Best regards