Replace Fence Post Without Removing Fence

Subtract that from the length of the new post.

Replace fence post without removing fence.

Remove the rotted fence post and dig out any wood left in the fence post hole. A post hole digger or a narrow spade works best. Dig as close to the old hole as possible exactly even with it. Dig out the concrete footer if there is one then set a new pressure treated post and backfill the hole with crushed gravel or concrete.

If the existing fence is on the neighbor s property you can not remove it without their approval. To replace a wooden fence post start by disengaging the post fro the fence rails. Make the hole large enough to ensure you. Slide a 24 inch long 2x4 under the fence on each side of the rotted post.

Pull the fence section away from the rotted post. Enlarge the existing fence post hole with a post hole digger. To determine depth measure the old post from the top to where it set in the soil. When repairing a post remove the fencing and rails connected to it.

Dig the new hole if you cut off the post. The answer is the depth you need for the new. Toss the soil and rotted wood onto a tarp for easy clean up. You could dig it out but that takes too long.

Thankfully the process is actually quite simple and knowing how to do it will allow you to replace anything from a single rotten beam to an entire fence. Make the hole about 6 inches wider than the post on all sides. Don t worry if you don t own all of the tools needed to remove or repair your fence. Here s how to remove a rotten fence post quickly and easily with a shovel and sledge hammer as well as how to set the replacement post so it s strong sturdy and won t rot again.

You can either remove the fencing with a pry bar or cut out the damaged section with a handsaw. Once the repair is complete use new nails when replacing fencing and rails. Replacing a fence post may seem like a daunting task especially if concrete held the original post in place. Removing an old fence post can be a pain in the ass especially if the post has rotted and fallen off.

Use a sledgehammer to break up the concrete around the old post. You can however build a fence on your property right behind it if your neighbors are not on board with replacing the fence.