Rotting Fence Post Stuck In The Ground? Tips On How To Get It Out

There are various ways to install a fence post without cement, and many of these are more advisable alternatives, especially if you're using wood as your primary building material. One of the downsides to a classic wood fence is that it will rot over time, and a concrete base can make it seemingly impossible to dislodge the post in order to replace it. Fortunately, there are several reliable methods to remove it without too much hassle. Whether you use a jack, an SDS drill, or a simple lever system, you can free the post and either reuse the existing hole or fill it for a fresh installation.

The most common way to remove a set fence post is with a high-lift jack, also known as a farm jack. Start by wrapping a heavy-duty chain or sturdy strap tightly around the post just above the concrete base. Make sure it's secure and won't slip when pressure is applied. Next, position your jack on a solid, level surface next to the post. Attach the chain or strap to the jack's lifting mechanism and begin cranking. The post should start rising out of the ground as you apply force. If it sticks, first try rocking it gently to break up the ground, otherwise, use a sledgehammer. If the ground is particularly dry and resistant, soaking the area with water can help loosen it. A tip to prevent the jack from sinking into soft soil, place a thick wooden plank beneath it for stability. This method works well for most fence posts with intact concrete footings, as long as the jack has sufficient lifting power. 

A power tool worth owning is an SDS drill that can break the cement footing of your rotten or broken fence post into manageable chunks while allowing you to reuse the original hole. SDS, short for Slotted Drive System, refers to a specialized drill designed for heavy-duty masonry work. These drills deliver powerful hammering action without excessive effort, making them ideal for breaking through tough materials. After all, not all DIY tools are designed equally, and you should know what to look for when buying a hammer or a drill.

Start by drilling a series of holes across the diameter of the concrete block so that it fractures in a controlled manner. Then, switch to a chisel bit and activate the hammer function, striking the areas between the holes until the concrete begins to crack in half. Once the concrete is split, remove one half, and then free the rotted post without disturbing the surrounding soil or the remaining cement block. If the post is still stuck to the concrete, drill more holes along the wood-concrete interface to break the bond. Now use the broken-up concrete chunks as a filler before filling the hole with a small amount of premade cement mix.

For an easier cleanup, keep a wheelbarrow or bucket nearby to collect debris as you go. This method is useful for posts set in deep or reinforced concrete, as it minimizes the effort required to dig a new hole.

If you're not looking to invest in any new power tools to swap out your fence post, you can use a simple lever system to remove it. This method doesn't require heavy machinery and relies purely on mechanical advantage. 

Begin by digging around the base to loosen the surrounding soil to access the buried portion of the post and make your job a bit easier. The next step is to place a solid object, like a concrete block or thick log, next to the hole to serve as a fulcrum. Use a long, sturdy metal bar or wooden beam as your lever. You can now attach the lever to your fence post using a large, study screw. Begin to lift the end of your lever with enough force to lift the post from the ground. This will still require some work on your part, but the lever will significantly increase your lifting power.

For larger concrete bases, you can soak the ground with water to soften it before you start lifting. It could also be helpful to use a sledgehammer in conjunction with this method to help chip away some of the concrete and reduce the weight. Regardless of the approach you choose, with just a little persistence, you can remove even the most stubborn fence post.