I am looking for the best method and the tools required to remove redwood fence posts that have been set in concrete footings.

 

The best method is with a post jack (about $300.00), a jackhammer (about $800.00), plus a compressor (about $4000.00) and air lines (about $ 100.00). Even better yet: a logging chain (about $70.00) and a backhoe (about $125,000.00).

Now how about something more suited for a one time shot and one that won't hurt your wallet so bad.

Go to a rental supply and rent a digging bar. This is about 6' long has a chisel point on one end and a tamping flat on the other end. You'll use this to split the concrete around the post.

You can pull a post using another post as a bar and a short post as a fulcrum, but first cut an angled notch in the post you want to pull (about 1/3 of the height off the ground).

code:<HR><pre>
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/ /
/_______/
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|______|/
1/3
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___|_____|______Ground

Side view of notch

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----- |
/ |
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/ |
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[/code]

This method is more work, but much less expensive than the "best methods".

 

quote:<HR>Originally posted by rwbnsd:
I am looking for the best method and the tools required to remove redwood fence posts that have been set in concrete footings.<HR>

I haven't done this job per se, but I done some pulling of small trees using the 6' prybar type of tool the other answer to your message recommend. I own one, and it's one of the best yard tools I ever bought. However, rather than the notching method, I'd suggest trying this first: if you've got a short length of heavy rope, wrap a few turns around the bottom of the post and tie it off; then tie another knot around the wedge end of the bar. Then pry away. The secret to using a bar is to get a good fulcrum; if the ground is solid, try laying a small (say about 4" dia) log as near the post as possible (without laying it over the concrete). If you get the post to lift, it'll probably only lift a short distance- since you've placed the fulcrum close to the post. Try to get someone to hold it or wedge it in that partially-lifted position and re-position the fulcrum farther out (you may also need to switch to a bigger diameter log at this point (say 8' dia). Then pry again. If this works well, you'll probably be able to wiggle and lift it the rest of the way out. Another possibility would be to use a comealong (one of those gadgets with a steel cable and a winch mechanism) but you'd probably need a strong tripod to give you something to tie the other end of the comealong to so that you'd get a lifting action out of it rather that pulling it in a horizontal plane. Good luck