4 Simple Steps to Remove a Chain Link Fence Post

Chain link fence post removal

If you’re looking to remove a chain link fence post, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently. The first step is to gather the necessary tools, which include a pair of pliers, a wrench, and a pry bar. Once you have your tools, you can begin the process of removing the post.

To remove the post, start by loosening the nuts and bolts that are holding it in place. Once the nuts and bolts are loose, you can use the pry bar to carefully remove the post from the ground. Be careful not to damage the post or the surrounding fence when you’re doing this. Once the post is removed, you can dispose of it or use it for another purpose.

Removing a chain link fence post can be a quick and easy task if you have the right tools and know the proper steps. By following the instructions in this article, you can safely and efficiently remove any chain link fence post.

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Determining Removal Method

Before you start removing your chain link fence post, it’s crucial to determine the best removal method based on the fence’s specific construction and the nature of the ground around it. Here are the three common removal methods:

1. Post Puller

This method is recommended for posts that are firmly set in concrete or hard soil. A post puller is a specialized tool designed to grip the post and extract it with minimal effort.

Steps for Using a Post Puller:

Choose the right size post puller: Ensure the puller’s jaws are wide enough to fit the diameter of your fence post.
Secure the puller to the post: Position the jaws around the post’s base and tighten the bolts or screws to secure it firmly.
Hydraulic or Manual Pumping: Hydraulic post pullers use hydraulic pressure to extract the post, while manual post pullers require manual pumping. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
Monitor the puller’s progress: As you pump or apply hydraulic pressure, observe the post’s movement. If it’s not coming out easily, try loosening the tension and trying again.
Remove the post: Once the post is loose, lift it out carefully without damaging surrounding surfaces or structures.

Pros	Cons
Efficient and easy to use	Can be expensive to purchase or rent
Minimal damage to surroundings	May not be effective in all soil conditions

Safety Considerations

Before you begin, it’s crucial to take the following safety precautions to ensure a safe work environment:

1. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear

Protect yourself by wearing gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy footwear to prevent cuts, eye injuries, and foot damage from sharp edges or falling debris.

2. Plan and Clear the Work Area

Clear the area around the fence post of any obstacles or tripping hazards, such as debris, tools, or vegetation.
Establish a safe distance for bystanders and pets to prevent injuries from falling fence sections or debris.
Inspect the fence post and surrounding area for any potential hazards, such as buried cables or gas lines. If necessary, contact your local utility companies to mark or disconnect any potential hazards.
Create a clear and unobstructed path to the post to allow for safe access and egress.

3. Secure Loose Chains

If there are loose chains attached to the post, make sure they are securely tied or weighted down to prevent uncontrolled swinging or recoil during the removal process.

Gathering Necessary Tools

Removing a chain link fence post requires the right tools for the job. Here’s a detailed list of the necessary tools:

Digging Equipment

Tool	Purpose
Shovel	Digging a hole around the post
Post hole digger	Creating a wider hole for easier removal
Pry bar	Leveraging the post out of the ground

Cutting Tools

Tool	Purpose
Wire cutters	Removing tension wire from the fence
Bolt cutters	Cutting through fence post bolts or nuts
Hacksaw	Cutting through stubborn fence post materials

Safety Gear

Tool	Purpose
Gloves	Protecting hands from sharp objects and blisters
Safety glasses	Preventing eye injuries from flying debris
Hard hat	Protects head from potential falling objects

Removing Surface Attachments

Begin by removing any surface attachments that are secured to the post. These may include:

– Chain link fence panels
– Gate hinges
– Barbwire or barbed tape
– Lighting fixtures

If possible, remove these attachments by hand. For stubborn attachments, you may need to use pliers or a wire cutter.

Removing Chain Link Fence Panels

To remove a chain link fence panel, locate the tension bar that runs along the bottom of the panel. This bar is typically secured to the post with a bolt or wire.

Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the bolt or wire, then slide the tension bar out of the post. Once the tension bar is removed, the chain link fence panel will be loose and can be easily removed.

Removing Gate Hinges

To remove a gate hinge, locate the bolts that secure the hinge to the post. These bolts are typically located on the top and bottom of the hinge.

Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the bolts, then remove the hinge from the post. Once the hinge is removed, the gate will be loose and can be easily removed.

Removing Barbwire or Barbed Tape

To remove barbwire or barbed tape, locate the wire ends that are wrapped around the post. These ends are typically secured with a knot or staple.

Untie the knot or staple, then unwind the wire from the post. Once the wire is unwound, it can be easily removed.

Removing Lighting Fixtures

To remove a lighting fixture, first turn off the power to the fixture. Then, locate the screws that secure the fixture to the post. These screws are typically located on the base of the fixture.

Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws, then remove the fixture from the post. Once the fixture is removed, the wires can be disconnected and the fixture can be removed.

Digging Around the Post Base

To successfully remove a chain link fence post, you must first excavate around its base. This involves the following five steps:

1. Determine the Post Depth

Locate the ground level and measure down to the top of the buried portion of the post. This will help you determine the depth to which you need to dig.

2. Mark the Digging Area

Use stakes and string to outline a square or rectangle around the post base. The dimensions should be slightly larger than the post’s width and extend beyond its bottom edge.

3. Remove the Soil

Begin digging within the marked area using a shovel or post hole digger. Remove the soil carefully, avoiding damage to the post or surrounding fence fabric.

4. Expose the Base Plate

Continue excavating until you reach the concrete or metal base plate that anchors the post. Ensure that the base is fully exposed and accessible.

5. Dig a Trench Around the Base Plate

Using a pry bar or digging tool, carefully dig a trench around the perimeter of the base plate. This will create a space where you can insert a jack or other leverage device to lift the post free from the ground.

Excavation Tool	Description
Shovel	For general soil removal
Post Hole Digger	Specifically designed for digging post holes
Pry Bar	For removing concrete or soil around the base plate

Excavating Post Base

The first step in removing a chain link fence post is to excavate the post base. This involves digging around the base of the post to expose the concrete footing. The following steps will help you excavate the post base:

1. Clear the area.

Before you begin digging, clear the area around the post of any debris or vegetation. This will make it easier to dig and will help you avoid damaging the fence or other property.

2. Dig a trench.

Using a shovel or spade, dig a trench around the post base. The trench should be about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Be careful not to damage the concrete footing or the post.

3. Excavate the footing.

Once you have dug the trench, use a pickaxe or crowbar to excavate the concrete footing. Be careful not to damage the post or the surrounding soil.

4. Remove the footing.

Once the footing has been excavated, you can remove it from the hole. Use a shovel or spade to lift the footing out of the hole and place it on the ground. Inspect the footing for cracks or damage. If the footing is damaged, it should be replaced before the post is reset.

5. Dig a post hole.

Once the footing has been removed, you can dig a post hole. The post hole should be about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the post and the concrete footing.

6. Set the post

Place the post in the hole and align it with the fence line. Use a level to make sure that the post is plumb. Once the post is aligned, fill the hole with concrete. Use a tamper to compact the concrete and remove any air pockets. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours before attaching the fence to the post.

Tool	Use
Shovel or spade	Digging the trench and excavating the footing
Pickaxe or crowbar	Excavating the concrete footing
Level	Ensuring that the post is plumb
Tamper	Compacting the concrete

Cutting Metal Chain Links

To cut metal chain links, you will need a bolt cutter or a hacksaw. If you are using a bolt cutter, place the chain link in the cutting jaws and squeeze the handles together. If you are using a hacksaw, place the chain link in a vise and cut through the metal with the saw.

Here are some tips for cutting metal chain links:

Wear safety glasses and gloves when cutting metal chain links.
Use a sharp bolt cutter or hacksaw blade.
Cut the chain link in a well-ventilated area.
Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges of the metal.

Once you have cut the chain link, you can remove it from the fence post.

Here are some additional tips for cutting metal chain links with a hacksaw:

Tip	Description
Use a hacksaw with a fine-tooth blade.	This will help you make a clean cut.
Lubricate the blade with cutting oil.	This will help reduce friction and keep the blade from getting dull.
Cut slowly and carefully.	This will help you avoid making a mistake.

Uprooting Post

8. Remove the post by tilting it back and forth and pulling it up. This can be a challenging step, especially if the post is deeply embedded in the ground. There are several techniques you can try to loosen the post:

Use a pry bar or crowbar: Insert the pry bar under the post and use it to lever the post back and forth. This will help to break up the soil around the post and make it easier to pull up.
Use a reciprocating saw: If the post is wooden, you can use a reciprocating saw to cut it off at the ground level. Once the post is cut, you should be able to pull it up easily.
Use a post puller: A post puller is a specialized tool designed to remove fence posts. Post pullers come in different sizes and styles, so choose one that is appropriate for the size of the post you are removing.

Tool	Description
Pry bar	A lever used to pry objects apart.
Crowbar	A metal bar used to pry objects apart.
Reciprocating saw	A saw that moves back and forth to cut through materials.
Post puller	A specialized tool designed to remove fence posts.

Filling the Hole

Once the post is removed, you’ll be left with a hole in the ground. There are a few different ways to fill this hole, depending on your preferences and the size of the hole.

If the hole is small, you can simply fill it with dirt and tamp it down. If the hole is large, you may want to use a gravel or sand base before adding the dirt. You can also use a concrete mix to fill the hole, but this is not necessary.

To fill the hole with dirt, simply shovel the dirt into the hole and tamp it down with a tamper or your foot. Continue adding dirt until the hole is filled to the level of the surrounding ground.

To fill the hole with gravel or sand, first add a layer of gravel or sand to the bottom of the hole. Then, add the dirt and tamp it down. Continue adding gravel or sand until the hole is filled to the level of the surrounding ground.

To fill the hole with concrete, mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, pour the concrete into the hole and smooth it out with a trowel. Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it.

Method	Materials	Steps
Dirt	Dirt	Shovel the dirt into the hole and tamp it down.
Gravel or sand	Gravel or sand, Dirt	Add a layer of gravel or sand to the bottom of the hole. Then, add the dirt and tamp it down.
Concrete	Concrete mix	Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, pour the concrete into the hole and smooth it out with a trowel.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather the following tools:

Post puller or digging bar
Reciprocating saw or hacksaw
Shovel
Safety glasses
Gloves

1. Safety First

Put on your safety glasses and gloves and secure any loose clothing or hair. If you are removing a fence in a public area, be sure to mark the area with caution tape.

2. Locate the Fence Line

Before you start digging, determine the location of the underground fence line. You can use a metal detector or simply dig a small hole to expose the fence posts.

3. Dig Around the Post

Use a shovel to dig a trench around the post, exposing at least 12 inches of the concrete footing. Be careful not to dig too close to the post, as you could damage the fence fabric.

4. Cut the Chain Link Fabric

Use a reciprocating saw or hacksaw to cut the chain link fabric that is attached to the post. Be sure to cut close to the post so that you do not leave any sharp edges.

5. Remove the Fence Post

Use a post puller or digging bar to remove the fence post from the ground. If the post is stuck, you may need to pry it loose with a crowbar.

6. Clean the Hole

Once the post is removed, clean the hole of any dirt or debris. This will help to prevent the new post from sinking.

7. Install a New Post

If you are installing a new fence post, insert it into the hole and tamp down the soil around it. Be sure to set the post at the same depth as the old post and to align it with the fence line.

8. Attach the Chain Link Fabric

Attach the chain link fabric to the new post using wire ties or hog rings. Be sure to pull the fabric taut so that there are no gaps.

9. Backfill the Hole

Backfill the hole with soil and tamp it down firmly. This will help to stabilize the new post and prevent it from sinking.

10. Tips for Efficient Removal

Here are a few tips for removing a chain link fence post efficiently:

Use a post puller instead of a digging bar whenever possible. A post puller will make it much easier to remove the post.
If the post is stuck, do not try to pry it loose with a crowbar. This could damage the post or the fence fabric.
When cutting the chain link fabric, be sure to cut close to the post to avoid leaving any sharp edges.
Clean the hole of any dirt or debris before installing a new post. This will help to prevent the new post from sinking.
Backfill the hole with soil and tamp it down firmly. This will help to stabilize the new post and prevent it from sinking.

Tool	Usage
Post puller	Removes fence posts
Reciprocating saw	Cuts chain link fabric
Shovel	Digs trenches
Safety glasses	Protects eyes from debris
Gloves	Protects hands from cuts and scrapes

How To Remove A Chain Link Fence Post

Removing a chain link fence post is a relatively simple task, but it is important to take the proper steps to ensure that the post is removed safely and without damaging the fence. Here are the steps on how to remove a chain link fence post:

Gather your tools. You will need a shovel, a post puller, and a pair of pliers.
Dig around the post. Use the shovel to dig a hole around the post, about 12 inches deep. Be careful not to damage the fence fabric.
Attach the post puller to the post. The post puller should have a hook that fits around the post. Tighten the hook until it is secure.
Pull the post out of the ground. Use the post puller to pull the post out of the ground. Be sure to use even pressure and to pull straight up.
Cut the fence fabric. Use the pliers to cut the fence fabric that is attached to the post. Be careful not to cut the fabric on the other side of the fence.
Remove the post. Once the fabric is cut, you can remove the post from the hole.