What is the easiest way to remove old fence posts?

Use a Post Puller Tool

One of the quickest and easiest ways to remove old fence posts is with a post puller tool. Post pullers are designed specifically for removing fence posts from the ground with minimal effort. Here’s how a post puller works:

• You start by digging around the post with a shovel to expose approximately 18-24 inches of the post.
• Then you clamp the post pulling tool around the exposed portion of the post.
• As you operate the tool, it will utilize leverage and pressure to loosen the post from the ground in a controlled manner.
• Once loosened, you can then pull the post completely out of the ground either manually or using a vehicle for larger posts.

Post puller tools take a task that would normally be backbreaking and labor-intensive and make it much simpler. With minimal digging and a few simple maneuvers of the puller, you can remove posts quickly and efficiently.

Types of Post Pullers

There are a few different types of post puller tools that all operate in a similar fashion:

• Manual post pullers – These are operated completely by hand without any mechanical assistance. They utilize compound levers to generate the pulling force needed.
• Truck/tractor-mounted pullers – These heavy duty pullers attach to the back hitch of a truck or tractor and use the vehicle’s power to pull the posts out.
• Hydraulic post pullers – Hydraulic pullers use an integrated hydraulic cylinder to apply force and pull out the fence posts.

Manual pullers are good for smaller fence posts that you can manage without mechanical help. Truck-mounted and hydraulic pullers are best for larger posts that require hundreds or thousands of pounds of force to dislodge from the ground.

Benefits of Using a Post Puller

There are many great reasons to use a post puller tool versus trying to remove fence posts manually with a shovel or pickax:

• Much less time and effort required to remove each post.
• Minimizes ground disturbance and digging compared to manual removal.
• Pulls fence posts straight up and out, leaving a clean, straight hole.
• Significantly reduces physical strain and labor.
• Can be operated by one person instead of two or more.
• Low risk of injury from swinging a pickax or shovel.
• Prevents damage to the posts being removed so they can be reused.

For removing a large number of posts or posts that have been in the ground for many years, a post puller is by far the easiest and most efficient option. The small upfront investment in a post puller tool will pay off very quickly in saved time and effort.

Dig Around the Post and Loosen the Soil

Before using any type of post puller, it’s important to properly dig and loosen the soil around the post first. Trying to pull posts directly out of undisturbed soil rarely works. Here are some tips for properly digging and loosening around fence posts before pulling:

• Use a round point shovel to dig a circular trench around each post approximately 12-18 inches away from the post.
• Dig down at least 18 inches deep around the entire post.
• If you encounter large rocks or roots entangled around the post, remove them with a pickax to allow the post to be freed.
• Use the shovel to loosen and break up the soil around all sides of the hole and post.
• Check that the post can now be rocked back and forth slightly when you push it; this means the soil has been adequately loosened.

Taking these steps before attempting to pull the posts will allow the post puller tool to work much more efficiently since the posts are already loosened from the surrounding compacted soil. Rushing this stage can lead to broken tools or damaged posts.

Tips for Digging Post Holes

Follow these tips for the best results when digging around fence posts in preparation for removal:

• Choose a shovel with a long handle for optimal leverage.
• Aim to dig approximately 18-24 inches away from each side of the post.
• Dig all the way around every side of the post for even loosening.
• Loosen soil at least 18 inches down around the entire post.
• Remove rocks, roots, and debris that are next to or under the post.
• Refill the hole and tamp it down if stopping work to pull posts later.

Rushing through the digging and trenching process can jeopardize the post removal later. It’s an important first step that makes pulling the posts much simpler.

Use a Chain or Strap to Help Loosen Difficult Posts

In some cases, a post may still refuse to budge even after thorough digging around it and using a post puller. Rotted or damaged wood, years in the ground, or very compacted soil can all cause stubborn posts.

When up against an unyielding post, you can use a strong chain or strap attached to a vehicle to help shake it loose:

1. Attach one end of a heavy tow chain or strap to the top of the fence post.
2. Attach the other end to a pickup truck or SUV frame hitch.
3. Carefully use the vehicle to apply quick tension and pressure against the post.
4. Let up on the pressure before the post or strap breaks.
5. Repeat the rapid tension process a few more times.

This technique can help rock the post back and forth forcefully in the ground to break it free when other methods fail. Just be sure to use an appropriately strong chain or strap rated for towing to avoid a snapped line.

And as always, use extreme caution when pulling against a post with a vehicle. Never apply towing force against a post for more than a few quick seconds at a time to avoid damaging equipment or causing injuries.

Helpful Tips for Using a Chain or Strap

Here are some useful tips to follow when using a chain or strap to help dislodge stubborn fence posts:

• Only use high quality, sturdy tow chains or straps rated for the weight.
• Make sure the vehicle is in park or neutral when tensioning the strap.
• Apply force very briefly, just 1-2 seconds of pressure.
• Have another person act as a spotter to watch for issues.
• Keep yourself and bystanders clear in case the post breaks.
• If the chain or strap starts to bend or deform, stop pulling immediately.
• Avoid pulling from extreme angles that could damage equipment.

This method can generate tremendous force very quickly, so extreme care is required. But when used properly, a chain or strap can be just the trick for a stuck post.

Use a Reciprocating Saw to Cut Through Difficult Posts

In cases where a buried fence post simply won’t budge no matter what, another option is to cut through it with a reciprocating saw:

1. Use a shovel to clear soil away from two opposite sides of the post.
2. Select a long metal-cutting reciprocating saw blade appropriate for the wood’s hardness.
3. Starting about 6 inches above ground level, begin slowly cutting into the post on one side.
4. When you’re halfway through the thickness, switch and begin cutting from the opposite side.
5. The two cuts should meet in the middle so the post can separate.
6. Pry or pull the post remnants from the ground once cut through.

This method obviously damages the fence post being removed, so it’s really only suitable when other options have failed. But it does allow you to cleanly cut away even heavily rotted or buried posts. The key is using an aggressive saw blade and allowing the tool to work slowly through dense wood.

Reciprocating Saw Tips

Follow these tips to cut through old fence posts successfully with a reciprocating saw:

• Use a corded saw instead of cordless for unlimited runtime.
• Choose a long 6+ inch demolition or metal-cut blade.
• Let the tool work at its own pace through the wood without forcing.
• Support the post as you cut to prevent binding the blade.
• Start cutting above grade so the blade can penetrate deeper.
• Cut inward from both sides so the post pieces can drop free.
• Wear eye protection as cutting can fling wood chips.

Reciprocating saws aren’t hugely practical for removing many fence posts. But when faced with a rotted, cemented-in, or unmovable post, cutting through may be your only choice.

For Large Posts, Use Heavy Equipment

In agricultural or commercial fencing applications, you may encounter extremely large, heavy duty fence posts sunk several feet into the ground. These posts are often 6-12 inches in diameter and simply can’t be removed manually. In these cases, you need heavy equipment to pull or pry the posts out:

• Backhoe – A backhoe loader provides the digging power, leverage, and lifting capacity to rip out huge posts.
• Farm jack – A high lift farm jack can raise posts inch-by-inch until they are freed.
• Come-along tool – For somewhat lighter but still oversized posts, a mechanical come-along can pull them out.

The key when removing enormous posts is having the right size equipment matched to the job. Using inadequate tools can result in broken equipment, damaged posts, wasted time, and injuries. Professional help is often advisable for jobs involving truly massive posts.

Tips for Removing Large Fence Posts

When faced with removing fence posts larger than 6 inches in diameter, keep these tips in mind:

• A standard post puller likely won’t be adequate, so use heavy tools.
• Completely excavate around the post and use a pickax to loosen soil beneath.
• Consider renting or hiring professional equipment if posts are too large.
• Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery to avoid accidents.
• Have helpers and spotters assist you during the removal process.
• Never exceed equipment weight ratings or capacity limits.
• Dispose of the old posts properly since they will be very heavy.

Removing the largest fence posts is basically a construction job. Having the right tools for the task makes it possible. But the work requires planning, assistance, and vigilance to stay safe.

Dealing With Broken or Damaged Posts

Sometimes old fence posts splinter apart or are already split when you go to remove them. Here are some tips for dealing with broken or damaged posts still stuck in the ground:

• Try to rock the pieces back and forth to widen cracks and loosen the broken sections.
• Use a pry bar to roll or tilt up protruding wood pieces as you loosen the ground around them.
• Grab and wiggle smaller fragmented pieces by hand once exposed enough.
• For pieces below grade, use a reciprocating saw to cut through and excavate the section.
• Remove remaining wood shards stuck in the ground with a thin digging tool like a trenching shovel.

Broken posts become more difficult as their structural integrity fails under strain. Avoid pounding on them harshly or forcing them once cracked or damaged. Focus on carefully loosening the surrounding soil while working pieces slowly out of the ground as they give way.

Safety Tips for Broken Posts

Here are some important safety reminders when dealing with damaged or unstable fence posts:

• Wear protective gloves as broken wood can have sharp edges and create splinters.
• Wear eye protection in case pieces crack or shatter under pressure.
• Go slowly and avoid applying excessive force once a post is compromised.
• Watch out for suddenly shifting pieces that could strike you.
• Support any loose sections that appear like they could break free suddenly.
• Have helpers assist with larger shattered posts for better control.
• Consider cutting away wood pieces with power tools for easier removal.

The instability of damaged posts makes them more hazardous to work with. But taking deliberate steps to dismantle and remove them in sections will get the job done safely.

Disposing of Old Fence Posts

Once you’ve pulled all the old fence posts from the ground, you need to properly dispose of them or prepare them to be reused:

Disposal Options

• Landfill – Many waste management sites accept old wood posts.
• Scrapping – Scrap metal yards may take posts with bolts, nails, or wire attached.
• Burning – Controlled outdoor burning may be allowed where permitted.
• Chipping – Rent a wood chipper to break down unusable posts into mulch or compost.

Check your local regulations to understand disposal options and requirements in your area. Don’t illegally dump old fence posts on private property.

Preparing Posts for Reuse

• Inspect for cracks, rot, or termite damage. Solid, untreated posts are the best candidates for reuse.
• Remove any remaining concrete footings or embedded rocks.
• Knock off attached wire, staples, or fasteners if possible.
• Cut away and discard any split, cracked, or rotted post ends.
• Brush or air blast dirt off and let dry before storing.

With care, many sound wooden fence posts can serve a second life in new fencing or other projects. Evaluate their condition and prepare properly to prolong their usefulness.

Conclusion

Removing old, weathered fence posts can be a tough chore, especially if they were properly sunk into the ground originally. While the work requires physical effort and some persistence, having the right tools makes a huge difference. Use post pullers whenever possible to efficiently extract wood posts with minimal digging needed. For truly stubborn posts, chains, vehicles, and power saws give you more muscle. Go slowly, be cautious with damaged posts, and match equipment capabilities to the size of the job. With patience and the proper techniques, you can take out row after row of old fence posts to prepare the space for new fencing.