How to set a Fence Post PART 2! | Dry Pack vs Wet Set

[@SWiFence]

Interesting results. Sometimes I think we equate rigidity with strength and the flexibility can actually be a benefit. As we discussed on the phone, back in the day they recommended filling the vinyl post full of concrete and found that that led to premature failure because the fence was too rigid in the wind. I can tell you that in all of our years of using postmaster we have never gone back to replace a fence. However in that same period of time we have replaced numerous fences built out of 4 x 4’s both treated and cedar that have snapped off. I think it would be worth talking to somebody that has some insight to wind strength and how that relates to structural stability to get a better idea of what’s going on here. It’s probably worth noting that Wyoming has notoriously High-wind and I have seen open chain-link fences, without slats, blown over with 1 7/8” SS 40 posts.

[@jkiuper6543]

Practical Engineering did a test with different water levels added to concrete. “What is concrete?” Interesting video to go along with this one.

[@mattbell9963]

It would of been a good test to apply the same load to each post without trying to crack them and then put a level on them to see which has moved the most. I would say dry pack moves more hence why it cracks later as it offers less resistance.

[@DerekF242]

Are we dry packing to the top of the hole? Sorry if I’ve missed that detail. Bingeing on your videos. Thank you.

[@ryanperez3354]

Does the depth have to be 32” for 6’ x8 ‘ cedar pre-made panel fence? I just finished dry setting all my post 24” deep with only 80lbs of cement. I did bell out the bottom of the holes though. Appreciate the videos, very helpful.

[@mrfenceacademy]

ASTM standard for 6’ tall is 30” deep. We set all our post 30” minimum. Our vinyl post are set at 32” deep.

[@kcrr2w]

@@mrfenceacademy I just started pulling 30 year old 4x4 posts on my poperty in Round Rock TX. All cement on posts is just short of 24''. I'm trying to dig deeper but I hit solid bed rock. We are of course notorious for caves in our neighborhood. I'll keep picking at it for another 6" of toe hold.

[@iamdrewski39]

@@kcrr2w you’ll be fine…. stop worrying about a 30” minimum. that’s considered absurd in certain areas. some guys are lucky to get a handdug 24” hole in certain areas. now with that said if the soil around your concrete footing is super loose and easy to dig then sure go for that 30”+ hole because there’s much of her chance of that post and footer moving in such loose soil, however if the soil around your concrete footer is bedrock/super hard ground then do you really think your post and footer will ever move in that ground if you can hardly even dig it?

[@Jorge-fj7oz]

24 and Bell out fhe bottom like he says and it's not going anywhere

[@paultrigger3798]

depends on region and frost line, but should be fine. In my area the most common form of failure is rot, people do 300lb of concrete and the post just snaps right off after a 10-15 years...

[@jaysenthrelkeld]

In the video you say you waited 3 weeks for the dry concrete to set. Is this how long you normally wait to hang wood or wire when using dry set method? Or once it's packed in dry does it have the strength to have field fence staples hammered into the posts or hanging 2x4s and pickets? And know it won't be "set" that quickly but will it have the strength to hold in place while continuing to work on the fence until it fully sets?

[@BlueOriginAire]

No water in their "dry" pack. Good question and there is no way any fence company is waiting 3 weeks to return to the jobsite to begin the Rails and pickets portion.

[@mattosborne9323]

I would be curious about quantity of concrete as well. The less concrete means there's more compacted dirt above it. Is the 160lbs better then 80lbs? 🤔

[@mrfenceacademy]

Dirt does not compact quickly Like concrete so no we do not want to try and rely on compacted dirt on top of the concrete if that is what you are asking

[@nickabee1149]

4x4 post and 6ft privacy fence hole depth 30-36" 1 bag quickcrete, splash some water in burry and pack dirt come back in 30 years, still there and straight. Michigan weather and sandy soil.

[@michaelknott4926]

What does lateral load have anything to do with dry or wet pack? If anything it tests ground/soil conditions and strength of posts be it metal or wood…

[@mtstewart64]

Should concrete come above ground then caulk for water run off?

[@ufaxpyro4200]

Hey Shawn ! so with the dry packed method would you recommend framing same day ? Or waiting a whole day for it to set

[@Jorge-fj7oz]

You can build the entire fence and then add water before you leave Make sure your line is still straight If not you can fix it while you water No problem

[@ufaxpyro4200]

@@Jorge-fj7oz thanks Jorge 💯

[@Bp.Raider17]

This is insane! But my question is how does the concrete harden? I’m actually getting ready to put about 200 feet of wood fence together

[@Jorge-fj7oz]

Same way concrete hardens while still in the bag if you let it get wet I suppose.

[@michaelamartocci]

We pour concrete in hole from concrete truck and set behind sleve them down i can set 200 post a day to hight.

[@kcrr2w]

This makes me want to invest in all 4x6 wood posts rather than alternative metal post solutions

[@Jorge-fj7oz]

The metal post won't rot The 4by6 will eventually rot like a 4by4 It will just take im guessing 50 percent longer.

[@tiktatttoe]

Pull test have nothing to do with what it is set with. I'm sure set with dirt would give same result. But when I pull old broken post and inspect what was in the ground, dry pack always have rooted pot under ground vs wet pour still looks new when I remove the concrete around the post underground

[@upsideways]

Enjoyed the tests and all your videos! I wonder though would the results be much different in very sandy or loomy soil.

[@traviszarelli553]

So confused on this so every 6' fence you use 10' 4x4?

[@paultrigger3798]

check where frost line is at in your area. If in a milder climate 8' is fine

[@brandoffbikes5400]

So, to be PERFECTLY CLEAR, when you're saying "dry pack" does that mean you packed in dry concrete and DIDNT water it in the hole? Or you dry packed it and DID water it after?

[@mrfenceacademy]

Zero water was added

[@brandoffbikes5400]

@@mrfenceacademy wow! Great video, great testing and interesting results. Thanks

[@Lesliemarie1016]

@Mr Fence academy I’ve been doing this for years I just hate having to explain to every costumer that dry packing is so much better 👍

[@spencerlee4423]

@@Lesliemarie1016 it makes sense in my brain because if you wet pack then the ground can't condense around the concrete at all. If you dry pack, the ground has a chance to condense around the concrete before it sets, so the concrete (in theory) should be more dense with the dry pack method

[@13squier]

How about no concrete, just packed gravel and clay? With current copper pressure treated wood you know it will be rotted in ~10 years so it seems like a mistake to use concrete at all with wood posts.