How to Straighten a Leaning Fence Post Yourself

PDF download Download Article
Fix a leaning fence post in your yard with this simple guide
PDF download Download Article

One of the most common problems with wooden fences is that their posts can start to lean over time. When most of the fence is still structurally sound, but there are one or two leaning posts, it’s much more affordable to straighten the posts than to rebuild the fence . Luckily, there are some great products out there that you can use to straighten your fence posts with a minimal amount of work and investment. Choose the right kind of bracket or brace depending on whether your leaning posts are set directly into the ground or into concrete footings. Soon enough, your fence won’t be looking so shabby anymore!

Straightening a Leaning Fence Post

  1. Buy one or two E-Z Mender brackets.
  2. Push the tip of an E-Z Mender bracket into the ground at the base of the post.
  3. Use a mallet to hit the bump on the side of the bracket and drive it into the ground.
  4. Screw the bracket to the post using 1 inch (2.5 cm) coated structural screws.
  5. Install another bracket on the other side of the post for more stability.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using E-Z Mender Brackets for Posts in Dirt

PDF download Download Article
  1. An E-Z Mender bracket is a metal bracket specifically designed for fixing leaning fence posts. Purchase 1 bracket per post if the post just has a minor lean and 2 if it is leaning drastically or has a crack or other structural damage. These brackets are available at a home improvement center, garden center, hardware store, or online. [1]
    • Note that this method will only work for 4 in (10 cm) by 4 in (10 cm) wooden fence posts that are driven directly into the soil. It won’t work for fence posts encased in concrete or posts that are bigger, since the brackets are designed to fit around the wood.
    • An alternative to the E-Z Mender bracket is a Post Buddy stake, which works best if the post is rotted and broken at ground level because the tip is designed to sink into the wood itself. The steps for installation are essentially the same, though a Post Buddy can also work on rotten fence posts that are set in concrete.
  2. Place the pointy end of the bracket right up against the base of the leaning post. Ensure that the bracket is straight. [2]
    • It’s very important to get the tip as close as possible to the base of the post in order to stabilize and support it below ground as well as above ground.

    Tip : If you have 3 or more leaning fence posts and whole sections of fence that are crooked, it’s better to replace the posts or perhaps rebuild the whole fence or section of fence. Straightening the posts might only be a temporary fix if your fence is old and worn out.

    Advertisement
  3. E-Z Mender brackets have a bump called a nailing lug jutting out from the side, which has a flat surface approximately the size of a mallet. Use a mallet to hit this nailing lug, driving it into the earth, until it is even with the ground or won’t go any deeper. [3]
    • You could use a mini sledgehammer to drive the bracket into the ground if you don’t have a mallet.
  4. Have someone push the leaning post up straight and support it so it sits flush in the bracket while you secure it in place. Use a power drill to drive 1 in (2.5 cm) coated structural screws through the screw holes in the sides of the bracket. [4]
    • If you don’t have structural screws, you could use hot-dipped galvanized nails instead.
  5. Drive an additional E-Z Mender bracket into the ground on the other side of the post and screw it to the post if your post was leaning drastically or damaged. Skip this if the post is straight and stable after installing just 1 bracket. [5]
    • If you used a Post Buddy stake as an alternative, you must install a second stake opposite the first one for optimal stability. They come in sets of 2 for this reason.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Installing Fix-a-Fence Braces for Posts in Concrete

PDF download Download Article
  1. A Fix-a-Fence brace is a metal brace that is meant to be set in concrete and then screwed to a leaning fence post to straighten and stabilize it. Buy 1 per post you want to fix at a home improvement center, garden center, hardware store, or online. [6]
    • This method works for wooden fence posts of any size that are set into concrete footings. You could also use it to straighten wooden posts set directly into the ground if you want the added stability of a brace set into concrete.
  2. Center the hole behind the post in the opposite direction from that which it is leaning in. Dig it 8 in (20 cm) away from the post and 18 in (46 cm) deep. [7]
    • The part of the Fix-a-Fence brace that goes in the ground is 18 in (46 cm) long, so that’s why you have to dig the hole 18 in (46 cm) deep.
    • If you don’t have a clam-shell post digger, you can use a regular spade. Try to make the sides of the hole as vertical as possible and make the hole at least 3 times wider than the pole part of the Fix-a-Fence brace.
  3. Fix-a-Fence braces come in 2 pieces. Screw the pole-shaped section into the hole underneath the short arm of the rectangular brace section. [8]
    • The round pole section is what goes in the ground and the rectangular brace section is what supports the fence post.
  4. Pour the powdered concrete into a wheelbarrow. Mix it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a shovel to stir it together thoroughly. [9]
    • Some fast-setting concrete allows you to pour the powder into the hole first, then pour water on top. Always defer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific mixing directions.

    Warning : Wear a dust mask and protective eyewear when you mix concrete to avoid inhaling concrete dust.

  5. Have someone hold the fence post straight while you position the pole section of the brace in the hole and the rectangular part flush against the post. Keep holding the brace in place or have someone else hold it there once you find the correct position needed to straighten the fence post. [10]
  6. Carefully shovel or pour concrete from the wheelbarrow into the hole around the brace, being sure to fill it in evenly on all sides. Stop when it is even with the level of the surrounding ground. [11]
    • Check the position of the brace against the post again and make any minor adjustments before the concrete starts to set.
    • You can use a pole or stick to press the concrete around the base of the brace if there are any air pockets or uneven spots.
  7. Fast-setting concrete will set in about 4 hours, but takes a full 24 hours to cure completely. Leave the brace alone for the full duration of time to allow it to cure solidly in place before attaching it to the fence post. [12]
    • After the concrete is cured, you can cover it up with top soil to give it a more natural, landscaped look if you want.
  8. Have someone hold the leaning post up flush against the brace. Place the 3 provided screws through the 3 screw holes in the brace and screw them into the wood post using a wrench. [13]
    • The provided screws have a bolt head, rather than a standard screw head, which is why you need a wrench to screw them into the post.
    9. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I replace a fence post that has a concrete foundation?
    Melissa & Michael Gabso
    Remodel & Redesign Experts
    Melissa and Michael Gabso are the Owners of MC Construction & Decks based in Los Angeles, California. With over ten years of experience, they specialize in exterior and interior remodeling and redesign, including kitchen, bathroom, and deck construction. MC Construction & Decks also provides plans and permitting services and is known for backyard beautification projects. MG Construction & Decks has been rated as one of the top contractors in the Los Angeles area year after year.
    Melissa & Michael Gabso
    Remodel & Redesign Experts
    Expert Answer
    In that case, first you'll need to dig up the concrete foundation. Then, put a bracket into the ground, pour in new concrete, let it secure, and attach the fence post to the bracket.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      Using E-Z Mender Brackets for Posts in Dirt

      • 1-2 E-Z Mender fence repair brackets
      • Mallet
      • 1 in (2.5 cm) coated structural screws
      • Power drill

      Installing Fix-a-Fence Braces for Posts in Concrete

      • Fix-a-Fence brace
      • Clam-shell post digger
      • Wheelbarrow
      • Shovel
      • 60 lb (27 kg) bag of concrete
      • Wrench
      • Protective eyewear
      • Dust mask

      You Might Also Like

      Your Guide to Placing Fence Posts in the Ground
      How to
      Build a Wooden Gate
      How to
      Install an Electric Fence
      9 Inexpensive Ideas to Make Your Chain Link Fence More Private
      How to
      Protect a Wooden Post from Rotting in the Ground
      How to
      Build a Wood Fence
      How to
      Remove Fence Posts
      How to
      Make an Electric Fence
      How to
      Test an Electric Fence
      How to
      Dig Post Holes
      How to
      Replace a Fence Post in Concrete
      How to
      Remove a Chain Link Fence
      How to
      Frame and Install a Corrugated Metal Fence
      How to
      Cut Chain Link Fence
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffence/inffixfence.html
      2. ↑ https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffence/inffixfence.html
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbnogTYDaZQ&feature=youtu.be&t=45
      4. ↑ https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffence/inffixfence.html
      5. ↑ https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffence/inffixfence.html
      6. ↑ https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffence/inffixfence.html
      7. ↑ https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffence/inffixfence.html
      8. ↑ https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffence/inffixfence.html
      9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/installing-fence-posts/
      1. ↑ https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffence/inffixfence.html
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/installing-fence-posts/
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/installing-fence-posts/
      4. ↑ https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inffence/inffixfence.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 125,280 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement