Why use a post driver anyway?

[jmc]

I found one for 100.00

But why use one?

How does that help the post go in? Sure it is a heavy thing, but..........

It seems the top of a T post, e.g., could 'curl' just as readily banging a post driver as pounding a post in with a 'bare' sledge hammer.

If you hit a stone in lovely New England soil, a post driver won't really help too much anyway.

Often you might have to dig a little hole to get the post in, due to the rocks in the way.

So why use a post driver?????????

Enlighten me please.

TX

 

[cthrash1]

We have one from when we put a chain link fence in but I didn't use it on my t-posts...I thought it was quicker with the sledge hammer.

 

[Big C]

Here in Texas a post driver is essential or anyone that puts up fence usually has one Its just a standard fencing tool. It's easier to guide the post in straight and there is no chance that you slip with the sledge and hit yourself or someone else. Never had one "curl".
Wow 100.00, at the local farm store here they are no more than 30.00.

 

[60ACRES]

Yes, use it if you are driving more that 5 posts, well worth the money,... but not $100!! I bought a spring loaded one for under $40.00.

The craigslist in this area has them occasionally, if you are in no hurry, you might keep an eye out there.

 

[EweSheep]

Quote:
same here, I love my post driver and never had one for 100 dollars. I got it for 35 dollars. something a home owners should not be without!

 

[patandchickens]

I bought mine for $2 at a farm auction, one of the best $2'ses I've ever spent. Never seen one priced (brand-new in store) for more than about $25-35 though... was this some sort of unusual fancy thing?

They are definitely worthwhile, IMHO, especially if you have more than a couple posts to set. Expectations aside, they really DO preserve the top of the t-post far better than when it's sledgehammered into the ground -- I think because all blows are exactly square and straight and centered -- and it is also way less work and easier to get the post straight that way.

You can live without one, but if you expect to be setting a bunch more t-posts in your future a driver (the normal, cheap kind) is a good investment.

Pat

 

[EweSheep]

Unless it is one of those tractor driven T post drivers. Those things are powerful and CAN put your T posts in a curl LOL! But with common sense you can drive it down without a problem if you dont have rock in the area underground.

 

[grumps]

It sure does help when putting up lots of t-posts. I fenced both mine and my mothers properties and there's no way I could've done it near as good or fast without one. But again, it's a $35 item not a $100 one.

 

[cmjust0]

I've seen pneumatic t-post drivers before...somewhere. They're somewhere between the $30 spring loaded pipe with handles and the big tractor mounted 800lb hydraulic hammers... Not saying the pneumatic t-post driver is for-sure the $100 post driver we're talking about here....just saying there is such a thing as "in between" the handled-pipe and the widomaker.

ETA....if I could find one of those for $100, I'd definitely buy it.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

hey Duckmonk!

gotta pitch in with the rest.. the tpost pounder is one of our most used tools. and nope they dont curl and yep they are extra heavy. very very useful even in our rock hard clay and well, rocks too.

however

are you are using the extra light weight tposts?? a post pounder might be overkill for those.

post pounders are extra useful for tall tposts - or for short folks like me - otherwise i have to get up on a step ladder + hammer = hilarity ensues with lots of mocking from the poultry



ps sold most of my ducklings! had a guy drive 3.5 hrs to get some yesterday!