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
15 Mar 2022 10:59
80cm (31.5 inches) can be set aside for now, but 20x30 (8x12 inches) is definitely too small.

My neighbor spent the last 1.5 days digging 25 holes for his fence, all between 60-70cm (24-28 inches) deep. He had to go through concrete, reinforced crushed stone, and clay. The playhouse for my kids has 8 footings measuring 40x80cm (16x31.5 inches). At 30cm (12 inches), you can easily move or push the fence.
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Stefan2.84
15 Mar 2022 11:43
Ok. Then I’ll have to take a week off work 🙂
OWLer15 Mar 2022 11:46
halmi schrieb:

He had to get through concrete, reinforced concrete gravel, and clay as well.

Also for me, the question in advance: with which machine did he get through the gravel?

I still have remains of the crane site right next to the road at the front, where I would need to go through. Nicely compacted.
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halmi
15 Mar 2022 12:47
Large Bosch rotary hammer with a pointed chisel, a large flat chisel, a crowbar, a shovel, and 1-2 trowels.
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WilderSueden
15 Mar 2022 13:15
Stefan2.84 schrieb:

I’m going to buy a hand drill and see what I can rent from the hardware store. I just don’t want to damage anything borrowed because of the rocky ground.

Don’t be gentle, it’s a rental!
I noted down the suggestion from @dab_dab. Is a 300mm (12-inch) diameter then too heavy to rotate or simply too large?
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dab_dab
15 Mar 2022 19:47
The larger the diameter, the heavier the drill and excavated material become when pulling upward. Without experience with other diameters, I don’t know the ideal balance between progress and ergonomics.