I may have an opportunity to purchase some used kennel fencing. The chain link fence posts were set into a concrete slab originally. Can I remove the posts without damaging them and then re-use them? If so how would I do it?

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), August 18, 2001

Answers

going to have to bust the posts out,, you wont get it all,, but should be able to get most. Also,, unless you HAVE to take the posts also,, why not just get new posts,, easier on the back

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), August 18, 2001.

I would rent or borrow a large reciprocating saw with heavy duty metal cutting blade and cut the posts off as close to the concrete as possible. If you need to set them in new concrete, you should be able to look around and find some galvanized steel tubing one size smaller to insert inside and then add another piece the same size as your posts to form a type of splint. Some galvanized sheet metal screws or bolts will tie them all together.

-- Skip in Western WA (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), August 18, 2001.

Rent a concrete breaker. They are quite easy to use. But do you know for certain that these poles are just set into a slab? I mean, is there a chance the posts are set into concrete post holes as well? If they are, I'd buy new posts. I think a good share of the cost of a chain link fence would be the chain link fabric.

-- Jennifer L. (Northern NYS) (jlance@nospammail.com), August 18, 2001.

Elizabeth, you say the posts 'were' set in concrete, like they are not now?

If the slab is being broken up I imagine it will be a simple case of hard work with the heaviest sledge hammer you can handle to smash the chunks of concrete that contain the posts. It it unlikely that the concrete will have made anything more than a very tenuous bond to the steel.

-- john hill (john@cnd.co.nz), August 18, 2001.

Cut them off with a torch.

-- hendo (redgate@echoweb.net), August 19, 2001.

I cut a couple off with a hack saw, then wacked the remains. If the slab is to be preserved, this is the best you can do without breaking the concrete around the posts. If the slab is being torn up, sure you can bang the concrete off of the posts to reuse.

-- rick K (rick_122@hotmail.com), August 19, 2001.

I have about 1000 feet of chain link fence. 800 feet of this is reclaimed . the biggest problem is pulling them up I used a tractor with hydraulic lift and a chain. use a sledge hammer. guive the post a good pop and they will usually come right out Big George

-- George Wilson (cwwhtw@aol.com), August 19, 2001.