Setting posts in concrete

[trad"Doc"53]

Anybody here ever use the method of setting a post by just tamping the sackrete in around the post dry? Have heard of this being done but don't want this project screwed up. It was way to hard pounding through the 18-20 inches of rock (top4-6 inches was dirt) to dig the post holes. It is suppose to pull the moisture in from around the hole to set itself up. We've definatly had enough rain for that. Any others?

[careybirdwell]

I generally dig my hole, set my post, pour sackrete around the hole and just spray a little water on it. Mainly the only reason I spray water on it, is to rinse off the concrete from the post

[RR 314]

I always mix the concrete then pour. Dry only will get the job done but much stronger if properly mixed. You have done the hard part of digging holes already--don't screw up the easy part!

[bustacap]

Mix concrete with water 1st!

You ever seen a concrete truck pull up and dump dry concrete in a hole?
Nope!

[BrandonA]

Really depends on what I am doing. If I am stretching a long fence or putting lot of stress I will mix properly. For feeder pens etc add sac crete and water and go

[Bigboss]

Fill hole about 1/3 of the way up with water. Slowly pour in concrete mix. Rinse post when finished. Works like a champ.

[trad"Doc"53]

I've always mixed before, will continue to do so. Thanks for the replies!

[lilavidhunter]

I always mix the concrete then pour. Dry only will get the job done but much stronger if properly mixed. You have done the hard part of digging holes already--don't screw up the easy part!

This is the right way to do it.

[DRT]

I've pulled posts done both ways. Pour dry and add water works.

[Lungbustr]

I usually mix it in the hole with a stick. Pour a little concrete, then a little water, mix, repeat til it's full. Mixing before pouring is really the right way of course.

[Draco]

I pour dry and add water and mix with a sharp shooter shovel. I never fill the hole all the way up. If you ever need to cut the post off you can do it below ground that way. Also with metal posts, they will rust off much faster at ground line if concrete is poured to the top. If it's for a carport or building the concrete below ground line acts as a slug that has to be pulled out of the ground. You need to hold em down as well as hold em up.

[El General]

The strength of the concrete has no bearing on whether the post will fail or not, so if you think dry is easier, do it.

[Electrican]

I generally dig my hole, set my post, pour sackrete around the hole and just spray a little water on it. Mainly the only reason I spray water on it, is to rinse off the concrete from the post

Done it this way hundreds of times. never seen one fail yet!

[mmoses]

I was pour dry and pack down. Works really well. Never had one fail.

[easeup]

concrete is the easier way of setting fence posts but they will work better last longer if you tamp then in tight with the soil - no concrete.