How to set a fence post the correct/easy way?

[westsidewil]

I enjoy reading in the comments.

I used a similar method to install 30 sections of picket fence and several sections of privacy fence. I just removed the privacy fence yesterday after 25 years of being in the ground. The only reason I removed the posts and the fence was to install new posts and fence because I am building a bluestone patio and I figured I’d make everything new since I had everything in the area deconstructed. Since I am doing this as a DIY/Homeowner and not installing hundreds and hundreds of posts, the only thing I’d do differently is lay a bed of gravel in the bottom of the hole to promote drainage, possibly coat the buried portions of the posts (including the portions that are just exiting the ground with a water/weather proofing agent), and put 3” screws angled in the post below ground to help anchor the posts in the concrete.

[lucaslippert]

Hi guys, contractor here. The beauty of quick Crete is that it sets very fast, which is ideal when setting posts, if you had unlimited time for the post to set then use your regular concrete but it’s a viable option. If you’re going to use quick crete, you just have to make sure you pack it down, the better you can pack it down the stronger it gets. Some engineering tests of quick Crete actually measured its compressive strength and tensile strength to be higher psi than most pre mixed concretes. When you think about how concrete works it makes sense it loses the water inside of it that makes it liquid and forms into a solid. Use the right amount of water and pack it down hard, good luck guys

[frankwilliams-mntg]

I was thinking 25 bags has gotta be way to much, then I realised it was on a loop lol

[TheGrilledCheeseSandwich]

I love holding the post with my face while pushing the concrete into the hole with my boot wondering when my wife is going to show up.😂👍

[neldarobison]

I love it when they use this method, when I go in behind them and replace the fence, that unmixed quick-set crumbles like sand when you tap it with a hammer. Makes my job way easier. Its the proper concrete mixed above ground that sets up rock hard that I hate.

[sarahdutton]

Use something wider to ramp it down even a piece of 4x2 will do. Then Iusing the postcrete make a slope all the way around the post on top of the tamped concrete so water flows away from the timber and doest pool on top of the cement which then rots the wood. Just something my husband does.

[StillAliveAndKicking_]

Thank goodness he uses a spirit level to check that it’s plumb and doesn’t just go by eye. I put in three posts this week, I clamped them in place with old hockey sticks, having checked for plumb, then poured the water and rapid set concrete.

[jakethecarpenter]

I don’t know why are y’all are hating. this is exactly what that concrete is made for.

[mentlegentlemen]

Ya'll need to see FullSteamDesign's video debunking all your "Concrete won't set properly, mix your concrete dont be lazy" you'll learn a thing or two.

[SuperPsychoterror]

Dump half the bag, let it set, install rails and pickets then re-plumb the post and add the other half bag of fast setting concrete.

[LambeauBrando]

Dang everyone is a contractor or professional fence building here😂

[mikeramos]

I mix mine before I pour it that’s the correct way when you do it like that you rely on the moisture in the dirt an in some depths it’s dry so those 4x4 can get pulled straight out easy whenever however trust me it’s all trail an error I’ve done it that way before an it ain’t the same good work is hard to come by everyone wants the easy way out sometimes you jus have to do it the right way plain an simple shortcuts will get you short bucks

[sovereignnomad]

I wiggle the post and hit it with a small sledge hammer for vibration. Because I’m usually on my own with no one to help.

[DavKorzekwa]

I’ve done it many ways if the concrete sets and the post is level and at height it’s all good

[florzzy]

Is this just a plain hole in the ground or is there some additional lining inside?

[michealvega]

So fill it mostly on 3 sides with a puny 50 pound bag lol

[bearriver]

I owned a fencing company for years and set thousands of posts. Red bags are super easy to install and will not fail where regular mixed concrete won't. Just follow the directions on the bag. Its not rocket science.

[wardaldo]

Personally for me it depends on what type of ground the posts going into, if it's a heavy soil & 💩 ton of moisture in the hole/around, then I'll only add just a very small amount of initial water & then just tamp the mix down well as I fill the hole & it allow that to then set at it's own pace 👍

.. but less moisture then I'll just add more, or mix it before hand & drop in .. The main part in all this is just making dam sure the post is where you want/need it to be .. beforehand & after the mix is in 👍👀😎 Because the mix part will do what chemical reactions do without much need from humans 🤔🤣

[breeness]

How do you prevent the water from just seeping into the ground before the cement can get to it? I'm seriously asking. I'm going to put up a vinyl fence

[diesel]

I installed a post earlier today around 4 hours and it's wiggling a bit. the other 9 aren't. I used the yellow quickrete but I guess I messed up. should I add a steel wedge or just replace it?