Installing 4x4s - Concrete? Spikes?

[F106A]

I was pricing fencing materials this afternoon for my planned run, which will be approximately 20' x 9', and saw those no-dig/no concrete 4x4 spikes. That was the first time I'd even heard of them, much less seen one, and it got me thinking. If I ever sell the house, that might be a good idea. I had to dig out three metal fence poles when I bought my house that the previous owner set in concrete for his dog run. What a PITA! These look like a good solution, and by supporting the 4x4s horizontally as well, I'm betting they will be just fine, but I'm not getting a warm-and-fuzzy over them quite yet.

Has anyone used these, and if so, what is your opinion of them?

Many thanks,

Mark

Here's a link to a similar item, but not the brand I saw today.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_283296-72913-FPBS44_?PL=1&productId=3030294

 

[Robert Boyd]

Im doing a little bit of checking up on these,be careful there are 2 different types one is for mending fences, and one is for new builds. Im trying to find the specs and ratings and will post something when I find it :^}

 

[sdeneen2001]

Interesting. No stores in my area have them. It looks neater and easier than the concrete option. I wonder how you get them in, I would think you could put a small piece of 4x4 in them and then use a sledge hammer. That would be fine in a lot of soils, but not if there are a bunch of huge rocks. Thanks for throwing that out there.

 

[F106A]

The one I'm looking at is for new builds. Here's the company's web site for the product, and it shows the type for mending as well. As I mentioned, this is not the brand I saw at Lowe's, but is exactly like it. If they don't carry this one, they may have another brand.

Edit: This page shows how they are installed as well. Use a 4x4 block, and a sledge hammer. Steady, but firm.

http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/ezfence.asp

Mark

 

[Robert Boyd]

Quote:
heres what ive found and it is scarce:^}

they dont work well in sand, but they do secure 4 by 4 in good soil.
People are using them for railings, and Patio, or deck posts.
It appears to be a great alternative to concrete.
and I would agree that if there reinforced close ground level horizontally, they cant go anywhere:^}

who am I to talk, Im using T posts to hold my run down:^}

good luck

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

You don't have to use concrete to set a fence post.
Just tamp the dirt firmly and it holds about as well, and is less likely to rot

 

[Jerseyjack]

Quote:
I agree, also add a shovel full of 3/4" stone to the bottom of your hole before tamping will make it even "more" less likely to rotting.
The stone will double as additional footing and permit more drainage away from the wood

 

[2DogsCoop]

I have used these in the past but mainly for fencing. The main problem I have run into is getting them plum/level, it is a PITA but if you get them right the work fine. I didn't even put my 4x4 in the ground for my run. My run is 8x16, it has 6 4x4's the two that butt up against the coop are lagged to the coop. Then the other 4 are on 8" centers from each other. Then I took 6 2x16 and one runs along the ground and the top and one is centered, then I did the same on each end. All are lagged together and cross braced. I did it 8' wide it just made it easier to purchase wood that way. The run is covered with 1" chicken wire then the bottom 4' of the run is also covered with 3x4 welded wire that is buried a foot or so deep to help prevent digging under. I feel like it is a good design but this my first time with chickens. It isn't going anywhere and I live in hurricane country. I will post a picture of what I did and would be glad to take pics of anything specific if you would like.

here is a pic hope it helps.

Here is a link to all my coop photos, enjoy!
http://s995.photobucket.com/albums/af80/PSU01/Chicken Coop/

 

[ozzchicken]

if you use the spikes, use two pieces of 2x4's , they will come out easier when you nare done driving the spikes in.
I used a piece of 4x4 and it took a half an hour to dig the peice out so I could insert the post..

 

[F106A]

Thanks for the info on the spikes. I like your setup. I also plan on attaching my run to the coop as you did. Mine will be on the back of an 8 x 6 prebuilt shed, and I'll add a small door and ramp for the chickens. I was planning on using my existing back fence for one side of the run (reinforced with wire) so I'll only build one side and an end for the run.

Mark