6 Steps on How to Remove a Chain Link Fence Post

A chain link fence post being removed

Gathering Necessary Tools

The first step in removing a chain-link fence post is to gather all the necessary tools. This includes:

A shovel or post-hole digger
A pry bar or fence puller
A hammer or sledgehammer
A level
A pair of safety glasses

Tools For Digging

A shovel or post-hole digger is needed to dig around the base of the post and loosen the soil. A pry bar or fence puller is then used to pry the post out of the ground. A hammer or sledgehammer may be needed to break up the soil or to drive the pry bar into the ground.

Measuring and Safety Tools

A level is used to ensure that the new post is installed vertically. Safety glasses are worn to protect the eyes from flying debris. Gloves may also be worn to protect the hands from sharp edges.

Removing the Post from the Ground

Once the post is free from the tension of the fence, it can be removed from the ground. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of post and the soil conditions.

For wooden posts:

Use a post puller. This is a specialized tool that grips the post and pulls it out of the ground. Post pullers are available for rent at most hardware stores.
Dig around the post. Use a shovel to dig a hole around the post, exposing the base. Once the base is exposed, you can use a pry bar to pry the post out of the ground.

For metal posts:

Cut the post off at ground level. Use a reciprocating saw or a metal cutting blade on an angle grinder to cut the post off at ground level. Once the post is cut, you can use a sledgehammer to drive the remaining section of the post into the ground.
Use a post puller. Post pullers can also be used to remove metal posts. However, it is important to use a post puller that is designed for metal posts. Using a post puller that is not designed for metal posts can damage the post.

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Post puller	Quick and easy	Can be expensive to rent
Digging	Less expensive	More labor-intensive
Cutting	Can be used on metal posts	Requires special tools

Tips for Removing Posts from the Ground

If the post is rotted or damaged, it may be easier to break it off at ground level and then dig out the remaining pieces.
If the soil is hard, you may need to water the area around the post to soften the soil. This will make it easier to pull or dig the post out of the ground.
Be careful when using a post puller. Post pullers can be dangerous if they are not used properly.

Installing New Post Support

Installing a new post support involves replacing the damaged post with a new one. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

1. Excavate Around the Post:

Remove the soil around the base of the damaged post, exposing about 2 feet of its length. Use a shovel or an auger to carefully dig out the dirt.

2. Remove the Old Post:

Use a reciprocating saw or a hacksaw to cut the damaged post below ground level. Then, extract the post by pulling it out of the hole or by using a post puller. If the post is firmly embedded in concrete, you may need to break up the concrete using a sledgehammer or a rotary hammer drill.

3. Level the Hole:

Ensure the hole is level and deep enough to accommodate the new post. Tamp down the soil at the bottom of the hole to create a firm base.

4. Set the New Post:

Place the new post into the hole and align it vertically. Use a level to ensure the post is straight. Backfill the hole with concrete mix, tamping it down firmly around the post. Allow the concrete to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Attach the Fence Fabric:

Once the concrete has cured, attach the fence fabric to the new post using the appropriate method for your specific fence type. This may involve using tension bands, U-bolts, or other fasteners. Ensure the fabric is securely fastened and taut.

Chain Link Fence Post Support Option	Pros	Cons
Concrete Footing	Secure and durable	Requires excavation and concrete work
Post Sleeve	Easy to install and replace	Less stable than concrete footings
Ground Screw	Minimal excavation, no concrete	Suitable for specific soil conditions

Leveling and Plumbing the Post

Once the post is set in the concrete, it must be leveled and plumbed. This ensures that the fence will be straight and will not sag over time. The steps to level and plumb a post are below:

1. Check the Post for Level

To check the post for level, place a level on the top of the post and adjust the post until the level is centered in the bubble.

2. Check the Post for Plumb

To check the post for plumb, place a level on the side of the post and adjust the post until the level is centered in the bubble.

3. Use a Plumb Bob

A plumb bob can be used to check the post for plumb. A plumb bob is a weight suspended from a string. When the string is held taut, the weight will hang directly below the point of suspension. The post can be adjusted until the string touches the side of the post.

4. Adjust the Post

To adjust the post, use a sledgehammer or a post driver. A sledgehammer is a large hammer with a long handle. A post driver is a tool designed specifically for driving posts into the ground.

5. Fine Tune the Level and Plumb

Once the post is approximately level and plumb, fine-tune the leveling and plumbing using a level and a plumb bob.

6. Secure the Post

Once the post is level and plumb, it should be secured in place. This can be done by wedging rocks or bricks around the base of the post or by driving stakes into the ground around the post.

7. Backfill the Hole

After the post is secured, the hole should be backfilled with the excavated soil. The soil should be tamped down to compact it and prevent the post from settling. The backfill should be slightly mounded around the base of the post to provide drainage.

Tool	Description
Level	A tool used to check if a surface is level.
Plumb bob	A weight suspended from a string that is used to check if a surface is plumb.
Sledgehammer	A large hammer with a long handle.
Post driver	A tool designed specifically for driving posts into the ground.

Attaching the Chain Link to the Post

To attach the chain link to the post, you will need the following materials:

Chain link fabric
Tension bands
Hog rings
Hog ring pliers

Follow these steps to attach the chain link to the post:

Unroll the chain link fabric and cut it to the desired length.
Slide a tension band onto the bottom of the post.
Attach the chain link fabric to the tension band using hog rings.
Pull the chain link fabric taut and secure it to the post with additional hog rings.
Repeat steps 3-4 for the top of the post.
Install the remaining posts in the same manner.
Trim any excess chain link fabric.
Connect the top and bottom of the chain link fabric using hog rings.
Secure the chain link fabric to the posts at regular intervals using hog rings.
Close the gate and attach the chain link to the gate frame using the same method.

How to Remove a Chain Link Fence Post

Removing a chain link fence post can be a simple task if you have the right tools and know the proper steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Gather your tools: You’ll need a post puller, a shovel, and a pair of pliers.
Prepare the area: Clear away any debris or vegetation around the post.
Dig around the post: Use the shovel to dig a trench around the post, about 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep.
Attach the post puller: Position the post puller around the post and tighten the bolts.
Pull the post: Use the post puller to pull the post out of the ground. If the post is stuck, you can try rocking it back and forth or using a pry bar to loosen it.
Remove the concrete: If the post was set in concrete, you’ll need to remove the concrete using a jackhammer or a cold chisel.
Fill the hole: Once the post is removed, fill the hole with dirt or gravel and tamp it down to create a level surface.