Replacing fence question about fence posts

tstesprit

I need to replace the 4' fence in pic below with a 6' fence for privacy and to keep the dogs in. The posts average 8' apart. I am swf, 49 yo, with 2 grown sons and want to try to take this project on myself.
I found 8' panels at Lowes, the part I am concerned about are the posts- 1) do I rent a post digger and pull out the existing posts, then re-cement the new 6' posts exactly in the same place?
2) is there any way I can use the current posts to support an 6' fence and avoid the whole digging out of the posts, maybe somehow extend the current posts height-wise ? Just an idea, trying to save work.

Thanks!

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oh'mike

I doubt that the old posts are deep enough to support a 6 foot tall fence.

Changing the spacing (abandon the old posts) is a good idea---removing the old posts some times fails

making adding a new post in the old location darn near impossible.

You could rent a machine ,However if your soil isn't to rocky---Buy a post hole digger,let the boys dig by hand. It's not that big of a job.
How many holes?

Always call your utility locator--it's free---take pictures before you dig----If you cut a utility you pay
unless the lines have been marked--then they pay.

Some times a rock will make a hole impossible to dig---when that happens make the opening between posts smaller and shorten the fence section to fit.-----Mike----

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tstesprit

Hi Mike that is excellent info and answered my question thank you!
That's what I needed to know-

I will have the boys dig the old ones out, if they can, or rent digger....(what about just cutting them down to ground level?)
I will get the new right posts, and space them 6' apart or as close to 6' as I can to change the location from where the current posts are, and buy 6' long panels, current ones are 8' apart. If I run into a rock or problem- I can cut the fence panel. I was really hoping there was a way I could just slap the new panels on the old short posts and make this a quick project but I also don't want the fence falling over.

Thanks for the tip on calling utility co- I'll call electric, water, and gas.
This forum is fantastic. Thank you.

kwikfishron

Just to add, make sure your that 1/3 of the length of your post are in the ground. That means a 3’ deep hole. Buy 10’ post, set them then string the tops and cut to your desired length. Also throw a shovel or two of gravel in the bottom of the hole, set you post on that then pour. The gravel will allow for drainage and help to prevent rot.

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oh'mike

The utilities all use a service---here it's called 'Julie'---one call takes care of every thing.

The old posts can usually be removed,concrete and all. Rock the posts to enlarge the hole--

Nail or screw a block of 2x4 near the bottom of the old post---Use one of your new posts as a lever

Put a cinder block or steel milk crate near as a fulcrum and pop the loose post out of the ground.

Best to do this when the soil is wet.

A good two handled 'clam shell' post hole digger will make a hole in about 10 minutes----

Might be the way to go if you don't have a lot of holes to dig.

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jimmy21

all good advice, never thought of removing posts like that. And yes, digging a post hole isn't that big of a deal


One thing to remember that hasn't been mentioned and is often overlooked. Throw some pea gravel in the bottom of your hole before pouring concrete around the post

jklingel

SWF, 49, and I'm not over there putting in the fence yet? Hmmm.