How to Safely Dig a Hole & Set a Post

At Raybern we are all about sharing knowledge and how to work safely. So, without further ado, here is a guide for how to safely dig and set posts!

First, you want to make sure you have the right tools for the job before you even head to the site, save that backtracking. Post Hole Diggers are highly recommended; we at Raybern Erectors always use them because this is exactly the task they are designed for! Another strongly suggested item is cord for your stringline. While for some situations you could eyeball the locations we believe consistent accuracy ensures success, and so always lay out our stringline to locate all holes. Continuing the theme of accuracy, a level allows you make sure your posts are upright and at the proper angle; maintaining this consistency along the fenceline will prevent problems… especially when nearing the end. Finally, to ensure your set posts remain upright and rigid, have bagged concrete and a water supply available. How much of both of course corresponds with your number of posts.  

When at that worksite, make sure you have the proper PPE! Concrete dust especially is a hazard here; its corrosive nature strongly encourages eye and respiratory protection. This might just be a home job but you want to keep you (and your appendages) safe. Before digging, lay out your fenceline and check the soil type. We generally space our posts out every 10 feet, but that could differ for you depending on obstacles and circumstances. Rocky dirt will slow down the work, but bringing along a rock bar in anticipation of such work will help ease the process. If soil is particularly hard or sandy, wetting the material can ease extraction. Also be sure to check for any underground utilities. Ideally you will know already as it’s your land, but if you’re assisting a friend with their fence this might be an unknown. Either way, be sure to notify the local utility companies a minimum of 3 days prior to digging, in case anything further must be done. Your Post Hole Diggers can excavate between the recommended depth of 26″ to 32″ deep, be sure to have a minimum diameter of 12″ (scaling up if the post is wider).  

With our holes dug it’s time to install the posts! When setting the post be sure it’s both level and central in the hole you dug, so that concrete can be poured evenly around. For the concrete, maximizing its rigidity gives the posts as little space as possible to lean and skew. Do not pour bagged concrete directly into the hole with the water, as you could decrease the concrete’s strength down to as much as 20% of its intended rigidity. Using an external container, such as a wheelbarrow, will allow a thorough mixture with a minimum amount of water. While water does make concrete easier to shape and flow, it significantly reduces its overall strength upon curing. Allow the concrete to set for a minimum of 12 hours before constructing the remainder of your fence. 

There you have it! A step-by-step process on how to safely dig and set your own posts. Of course, if you would rather avoid the hassle, we’d be happy to help. Call us today for a free, non-obligatory quote.