ᐅ Dig holes to pour concrete footings for fence posts

Created on: 15 Mar 2022 07:05
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Stefan2.84
Hello everyone, I am currently digging holes to set fence posts in concrete. So far, it has taken me about 7 hours for 12 holes. These are only about 30cm (12 inches) deep with a diameter of approximately 20cm (8 inches). I still need to dig around 25 more holes. The soil is very clayey and rocky. I removed the top 10cm (4 inches) of topsoil with a spade and then used a hammer and chisel to finish the rest. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could make this easier? I am hesitant to use an earth auger because I’m worried it might damage the bit due to the stones and rocks.
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halmi
24 Mar 2022 08:07
If you embed the sleeves in concrete first, you can align them however you want, but they will end up completely crooked anyway.

Last weekend, we installed almost 60 meters (200 feet) of fence. The fence was aligned element by element, then aligned once more as a whole at the end, and finally concreted in place. You definitely need some metal rods, wooden beams, strings, and many clamps to align everything, but now my neighbor has the straightest fence in the entire town :p
Tolentino24 Mar 2022 08:16
Oh really? I would have poured the concrete first (without sleeves) and then fixed screw-on sleeves to these pad foundations using 4 bolts 8x16. This way you can align them (washers) and upgrade the fence later on...
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Stefan2.84
24 Mar 2022 08:23
I decided to use the sleeves for embedding in concrete. But how is the fence supposed to be installed now? Before pouring the concrete? Do you have pictures of your procedure?
Tolentino24 Mar 2022 08:28
He writes:
halmi schrieb:

You just need some rebar, wood pieces, strings, and many clamps for alignment,
To me, that sounds complicated and like it requires a lot of hands.

@Stefan2.84 Can’t you return the sleeves?
Especially when working alone, my method sounds easier. Maybe it’s less durable, I don’t know, but definitely more manageable.
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guckuck2
24 Mar 2022 08:28
You can watch this in the video on YouTube. You don’t have to install the entire fence all at once, but putting up 3-4 posts at a time, with the fence panels in between... then bracing it sideways and supporting the panels from below for height. After that, quickly pour the concrete...
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motorradsilke
24 Mar 2022 08:32
Stefan2.84 schrieb:

Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone with a post hole digger. I think if I used a drill with a larger diameter, I would just get stuck on bigger chunks more often.
Does anyone have tips on the best way to align the sleeves when embedding them in concrete? I’ve built a frame out of squared timber and then aligned the sleeves with clamps. There must be a smarter way…

Mix the concrete as stiff as possible, pour it into the hole, insert the sleeves, and level them using a spirit level. Don’t touch them again until it’s at least partially set.