How to drill into concrete fence posts with steel rods in?

The article aims to answer the question “How to drill into concrete fence posts with steel rods”. It will also mention the tools you need to install the concrete posts. 

The article will also explain what concrete posts are. Read on to need more: 

How to drill into concrete fence posts with steel rods in?

  • Insert a tiny masonry drill bit into the chuck of your drill and begin drilling. 
  • Apply constant pressure to the drill as you begin drilling through the concrete. If at any point the drill begins to sluggish, take a break.
  • Using a masonry drill, gradually raise the diameter of the drill bit until you reach the desired diameter. 
  • Re-drill the hole after increasing the drill bit size by no more than 1/8 inch at a time.
  • A place in the concrete where the drill bit will not go any further should be stopped and retracted before continuing with step two to expand the drill bit’s diameter. 
  • Once the hole is a little larger, use a hardened nail to break up the aggregate you may have hit with a hammer. Then, proceed as usual.

What tools do I need to drill into concrete fence posts with steel rods in?

  • Drill
  • Spanner 
  • Gloves 
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Hole digger
  • Protective gear
  • Power auger 

Are concrete posts better than wooden posts?

Yes, concrete posts are better than wooden posts, but there are cons of concrete posts too. Read on to know:

As a hardy substance that is impervious to decay and insect assault, concrete is a long-lasting construction medium. Many people choose concrete over wood as a fence post material because it does not degrade and is impervious to decay or insect assault.

Mold and rot can’t readily permeate concrete, which means that anything that attempts to get through will likely simply sit on the surface of the concrete rather than causing any damage. This is why concrete is so easy to keep clean and in good repair.

Withstanding severe wind speeds in open-air gardens, concrete poles have been observed to survive. This is especially true in coastal settings, where ocean spray may be close.

Concrete posts are often more costly than wooden ones. 

Installing a concrete fence post may be a labor-intensive process that requires a team of two or more persons due to the weight and difficulty of the material. Contrary to popular belief, wood posts are impervious to damage, unlike concrete ones. 

A minor fracture or chip in the concrete might allow water to seep into the post, causing it to weaken. The metal reinforcing wires in the post may corrode if water in the post freezes. This might aggravate the fracture over time. 

What is a concrete post?

Concrete Slotted fence posts have four internal steel reinforcing bars, making them a long-lasting alternative to timber posts. 

You can rely on the long-term durability of our concrete fencing posts, which are resistant to ground decay. Fence posts with a slotted design can accommodate all of our fencing panels.

Backbone of a robust and appealing garden fencing is the use of concrete fence posts. Concrete posts are the way to go if you want your fence to be more stable in the rainy season. 

If you’re merely seeking to beef up your existing posts, our concrete spurs are a good option. Concrete spurs are short concrete posts that can be bolted to your existing posts for further support. 

To put it another way, if you enjoy the aesthetic of the wooden posts, you may do your part to keep them sturdy.

How to install concrete posts?

  • Rather than using wood supports, concrete slotted posts for fencing or regular trellis panels provide a long-lasting and simple solution to this problem. If necessary, the trellis or panels can be removed and replaced.
  • For added security, you can install panel security brackets to keep the panels from being lifted out.
  • Each post has a weathered (Pyramid) top that is four-sided.
  • Slotted posts and fence panels work well with concrete gravel boards because they keep the bottom of the fence panel off the ground and prevent it from deteriorating prematurely.
  • If the fence will be installed on a slope, you will need to have the posts lengthened to allow the panels to step down it.
  • There are two common methods for anchoring concrete posts: a dry mix (approximately 7 to 1 with no additional water added) or a post mix (about 7 to 1 with no further water added) (follow directions on the bag).
  • The size and depth of the hole will determine how much of each is needed. To ensure a snug fit around the post, aim for a hole diameter of 200 to 250mm (8′′ to 10′′). 
  • The hole should be at least 600 mm (2 feet) deep, regardless of the fence’s height. 
  • We recommend utilizing a longer post and increasing the hole depth to a minimum of 750mm (2′ 6′′) for fences exceeding 1.5m in height.

Conclusion

To prevent “blowing” the concrete post while drilling through, use a much smaller drill-bit first, say 4mm, and then use the bolt-clearance size drill from both sides to avoid blowing the concrete post out of shape.

Drilling through reinforced concrete is similarly difficult. A hammer drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit is the best way to drill into concrete, according to this guide. Using the correct drill and drill bit, mark the concrete where you wish to hole. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQS): How to drill into concrete fence posts with steel rods in?

How to drill into concrete fence posts with steel rods in?

Insert a tiny masonry drill bit into the chuck of your drill and begin drilling. Apply constant pressure to the drill as you begin drilling through the concrete. If at any point the drill begins to sluggish, take a break.

Using a masonry drill, gradually raise the diameter of the drill bit until you reach the desired diameter. Re-drill the hole after increasing the drill bit size by no more than 1/8 inch at a time. A place in the concrete where the drill bit will not go any further should be stopped and retracted before continuing with step two to expand the drill bit’s diameter. 

Once the hole is a little larger, use a hardened nail to break up the aggregate you may have hit with a hammer. Then, proceed as usual.

How to fix a wooden post to a concrete post?

To remove the fence panel’s side frame from the post, use a crowbar. Do this until the nails that hold the two pieces together are revealed and easily accessed. 

Use a hacksaw to remove the old nails. Use a claw hammer or combination pliers to remove any protruding nails.  Remove the fence panel after doing the same procedure on the other end of the fence panel. 

To remove a wooden fence post, use the steps in the preceding paragraphs to separate the fence panels on each side of the post. Remove any concrete from the base of the fence post using a shovel. 

How to concrete posts into the ground?

Before you start digging, make sure to check your yard for utility lines. For example, many yards include underground utility wires for electrical or plumbing purposes. You should check with your local utility providers at least two days in advance of excavating your post to determine if there are any wires flowing under the ground.

Make your hole three times the width of the post. Measure the length of your pole using a tape measure. 

Mark the ground where your post will go once you’ve taken the measurements. Before you start pouring cement, make sure you have enough area to dig a hole three times the diameter of the fence post.

What is a concrete fence post?

Concrete Slotted fence posts have four internal steel reinforcing bars, making them a long-lasting alternative to timber posts. 

You can rely on the long-term durability of our concrete fencing posts, which are resistant to ground decay. Fence posts with a slotted design can accommodate all of our fencing panels.

Backbone of a robust and appealing garden fencing is the use of concrete fence posts. Concrete posts are the way to go if you want your fence to be more stable in the rainy season. 

Bibliography 

Extending Concrete Fence Posts to Add Trellis. Retrieved from: https://community.screwfix.com/threads/extending-concrete-fence-posts-to-add-trellis.208173/

How to repair a wooden fence. B&Q. Retrieved from: https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/how-to-repair-a-wooden-fence/CC_npci_100124.art