Correct way to set fence posts?

[rockyridgefarm]

Around here, we tamp dry ready mix around the bottem of the post (1/2 sack each) Then tamp dirt and rock over it. Sets the posts like crazy, the concrete wicks moisture from the ground and sets up real nice. If the dirt needs a little more strength, I'll mix ready mix into the dirt, too.

The posts stay straight from the start.

I usually am using Schedule 40 pipe, and just drive them in...

 

[Cacinok]

Here's a question for the board. At what length of fence would it be advisable to put in corner supports and/or stretchers (I think that's what I've heard horizontal posts placed between two vertical posts called)? I imagine it is depends on the type of fencing you are using and the terrain, but is there a rule of thumb or do you let the type of fencing and terrain dictate (along w/ length dictate)?

Clint

 

[cowboydoc]

Any fence you put in you are going to need corner braces if you want it to last at all.

 

[turnkey4099]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Here's a question for the board. At what length of fence would it be advisable to put in corner supports and/or stretchers (I think that's what I've heard horizontal posts placed between two vertical posts called)? I imagine it is depends on the type of fencing you are using and the terrain, but is there a rule of thumb or do you let the type of fencing and terrain dictate (along w/ length dictate)?

Clint )</font>

The rule is a brace (your stretcher) at any change in direction or significant change in elevation. Don't know how often on a straight flat run.

Harry K

 

[JTD]

As stated you'll need corner braces and elevation change braces. When I get fairly long level runs, say several hundred feet or more, I build double braces at the corners and line braces every 100 to 120 feet or so. Depends on the total length of the line and soil conditions throughout the year. When ever possible, I try to have equally spaced line braces. This may be overdone for woven wire fencing, but I'd rather build it solid and face fewer maintainance problems. Read some of Wroughtn Harv's (sp?) comments since he builds quality fencing for a living. Interestingly, I've seen some commercial fencers locally building woven wire fencing without the diagonal brace wire (or any other diagonal support for any of the braces). Guess they're relying on the wire to provide that support. Have to see how long they last.

 

[FamilyFarm]

I just fenced in an area 60 x 150. I set 4 corner posts, 2 gates posts all in concrete -used Fast Setting Quikrete with great results. Pour it in around post, add a little water, mix, add dirt, tamp down while keeping post level. It sets up in 15 minutes and a load can be put on it in 4 hours! A little more expensive than regular Quikrete, but I only used six bags (about $5 each).
I drove in T posts between the main posts - 25 ft spacing on the long run; 20 ft spacing on the short .

Terry