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Setting fence posts without concrete and a foundation is easy with a suitable alternative. With the right instructions, you can build your fence much faster and without much effort.

In a nutshell

  • Fence posts can be set inexpensively with ground sockets
  • the pods require no foundation or antifreeze
  • they are aligned with a spirit level for the correct position
  • alternatively, a 2K synthetic resin mortar can be used for setting

materials and utensils

If you want to do without the concrete foundation for the individual posts, the use of so-called impact ground sockets is a good idea. Impact ground sockets are usually made of metal brackets that are driven into the ground and do not require any foundations. For this purpose, they are equipped with ground anchors that keep the posts in the desired position even when exposed to weather or external influences. They are particularly well suited for fences with a maximum height of 150 centimetres. All projects over 150 centimeters should be equipped with a foundation for safety reasons. In order to carry out the procedure, you need the following tools and utensils:

  • 1 x impact ground socket per fence post
  • Impact tool or impact aid
  • wooden or rubber mallet
  • level
  • guideline
  • pegs
  • Tape measure or tape measure

Since you will have to drive the pods into the ground yourself, you should ask someone for help if you are not strong enough yourself. When choosing the sleeves, it is important to pay attention to the diameter and shape of your posts. The sleeves are available in numerous sizes and in a rectangular or round shape, which is suitable for different posts. The impact tool is a bolt which, depending on the manufacturer, is either included with the sleeves or has to be ordered separately. You can also craft this yourself if you have wood available. All you need is a block at least five centimeters thick that sits in the pot of the sleeve. The tool protects the metal from the hammer blows.

preparation

If you want to set fence posts with ground sockets, you have to prepare the project well. This ensures that the individual posts are seated correctly and are not crooked. One of the most important steps is the position of the sleeves. They must be in a straight line and should not deviate, otherwise inaccuracies will quickly appear, which will negatively affect the structure. Proceed as follows to prepare:

  • Mark the first fence post
  • use pegs for this
  • Set the distance to the next mark with a measuring tape
  • Stretch the cord between them
  • Repeat until desired fence shape is achieved

The cord will tell you exactly if the fence has the shape you want. If not, you can adjust the individual nails, which will also change the guideline. In this way, changes can be visualized immediately, which significantly simplifies planning. Before setting the fence posts, also check whether they are damaged. More rarely, this can happen during transport or storage. Replace damaged sleeves.

Tip: To increase the stability of the finished fence, there should be a maximum distance of 250 centimeters between the individual posts.

Setting fence posts: instructions

After the preparation, you can start setting the fence posts. Choose a day without rain so that you don't have to work in the wet. However, the soil should not be too dry, otherwise it will be more difficult to drive them into the ground. Once you have chosen a day, follow these instructions:

  • Position the drive-in sleeve at the marking
  • insert the insertion aid into the pot
  • drive the sleeve into the ground with powerful blows
  • align with the spirit level from time to time
  • later this is no longer possible
  • insert fence post into sleeve to align
  • Use fence post as a starting point for spirit level
  • Beat the pod into the ground up to the pot
  • repeat for all sleeves

After this procedure, you can immediately insert and fix the posts in the sleeves.

Notice: If you want to create a corner with the drive-in sleeves, you will need two more struts and two more sleeves. The struts attach to the corner post at a 45° angle from either side and attach to the floor via the sockets to improve stability.

Alternative: 2K synthetic resin mortar

However, one of the more modern alternatives to a concrete foundation and impact sleeves is the use of 2K synthetic resin mortar. This is a mixture based on 2-component adhesives that are used specifically as a substitute for concrete in natural substrates. The biggest advantage of the material is the small amount that is required. On average, 300 grams of the 2K synthetic resin mortar is required for 25 kilograms of concrete. The mortar is available from manufacturers such as Quikset for 15 to 20 euros per kilogram. The application is specifically designed for posts, signs and similar devices. How to use the mortar can be found in the following instructions:

  • Dig holes for posts
  • Hole depth is specified by the 2K synthetic resin mortar
  • Put the post in the hole
  • align with a spirit level
  • Hold or fix post
  • Mix 2K synthetic resin mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • fill the required amount into the holes (calculate beforehand)
  • do not move stake for 3 to 5 minutes
  • the 2K synthetic resin mortar spreads out as a foam
  • after 10 minutes above-ground residues are cut back
  • use knives for this
  • cut to 3 centimeters below the surface
  • then let it harden
  • Duration in warm temperatures: 90 to 120 minutes
  • Duration in cool temperatures: 24 hours
  • then fill up with soil up to the edge of the lawn

This procedure is particularly suitable for smaller projects, since the required amount of 2K synthetic resin mortar can be expensive. Nevertheless, the material has some advantages. No freeze protection is required and it is environmentally friendly and can remain in the ground even after the post has been removed. In addition, it no longer spreads after application and can be easily dug up.

frequently asked Questions

Are impact sleeves really necessary?

If you do not want to use sleeves, you can use so-called impact posts. Impact posts are made of durable and usually impregnated wood and are sharpened so that they can be driven into the soft ground with a large hammer. If the ground is hard, a hole should be dug first. For a 1 meter high fence, you need to drive the posts at least 40 centimeters deep. Protect the top of the post with a board while doing this.

Can the pods be used in rocky, hard soil?

Yes, you just need to prepare the ground accordingly. The metal could bend due to the solid base rendering the sleeve unusable. You can loosen the soil beforehand with a spade or auger to protect the pods. Likewise, this step makes it easier to remove stones that are too large and leave no room for the case. You can even change the soil if the ground is extremely hard or rocky.

What needs to be taken into account in the case of heaped-up sites?

Soil must be strong enough for the ground sockets and resin to be secure. If the ground has been freshly heaped up or dug deep, it must first settle before you can put the project into action. For this reason, check exactly how firm the floor is. If it moves too easily, you'll have to wait a little longer, otherwise the fence posts will tip over and you'll have to do the whole job again.

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Garden design