How do I drill a hole and secure a metal post into the ground.?

Question

I have a 1" square x 60" long hollow metal post that a house number sign will hang on. What can I use to first of all drill a hole into the ground, how deep should the hole be, and what else can I do to secure it so it won't wobble. It is not mega strong, and I am afraid if I pound it in with a sledge hammer I will bend it.

Answer 1

Use a post hole digger. (it's a motorized auger - you can rent them at Home Depot) Depending on where you live and what the ground like this may be easy or a huge pain. If the ground doesn't freeze where you live and the ground is soft, you probably could just pound it in. or dig down a foot or two with a shovel.

If you experience freezing temps in your area, Id go down at least 3 feet or so (code is generally 4-6 feet if it's structural) pour some concrete in the hole and set the post. Support it with some wooden stakes and rope to keep it straight and level as the concrete dries, then backfill the hole with dirt and tamp it down.

Answer 2

You will need to rent a rotary hammer drill with a 1 3/8" masonry bit. The outside diameter of your post will be about 1 1/8". Any took rental in your town will have a drill for rent. Should be about $ 20.00 for a 1/2 day rental.

Answer 3

are you putting this post in the concrete or dirt if it's concrete you would need a hammer drill you could rent those with 1 1/2" drill bit on it drill all the way until you hit dirt set the post in with some dry fast concrete mix if it's on dirt you would need a post hole digger and dig about 12" set the post with fast setting concrete mix

good luck

Answer 4

use a post hole digger 3 foot is frost level so any hole at 3 foot would be sufficient plus about a half bag of concrete mix from a pre mixed bag.

Answer 5

you don't " drill " a hole in the ground, you DIG one.......if you don't have a " post-hole " digger, go to your local Home Depot store and rent or borrow one....

then, use it to dig a hole maybe 2 feet down, and pour cement in the hole...put in the stake and prop it up with big rocks until it dries.

then, fill it in with dirt.