Mounting a pole in the ground.

[Robbo]

Got the pole this morning, only 8 quid for an 8 foot length so that was good value, from a local scaffolders out the yellow pages.

Had a quick go at digging using a spade, it suddenly got very hard after about 6 inches, not sure whether I have hit the chalk yet, I will have to have another go later on.
I will try the hammer drill trick, I have 2 foot long 30mm bit, so that should do it, if I don't break my wrists first.

Whatever that is a picture of yorks, It looks a bit big for where I'm trying to dig.

[Yorks]

Originally Posted by robbo71

Whatever that is a picture of yorks, It looks a bit big for where I'm trying to dig.

That's the fencer's hole digger. Obviously the camouflage is that good that you didn't notice him. I think he may be an ex-member of the village people.

Hope the mount goes OK. My back's aching just thinking about it.
Make sure you support it well until it sets. If the weather forcast is accurate, it's gonna be a bit windy again this weekend.

Yorks

[Robbo]

Originally Posted by Yorks

That's the fencer's hole digger.

He bears a striking resemblance to Jimmy Nail, in a scene from Auf Wiedersehen Pet.

I shouldn't have a wind problem this weekend, its going to be surrounded by a 6ft fence and some trees, but a couple of 4 by 2s should do it, just to held the weight of the pole itself.

[AceB]

Fencers use something that looks like a huge pair of pliers (kind of) to remove dirt from a hole, having used one when I put our fence up I can confirm it's a lot easier than kneeling and trying to dig out dirt and chalk by hand.

[Robbo]

Originally Posted by AceB

Fencers use something that looks like a huge pair of pliers (kind of) to remove dirt from a hole, having used one when I put our fence up I can confirm it's a lot easier than kneeling and trying to dig out dirt and chalk by hand.

Did you hire them or buy them, what type of shop would sell them?, I have not seen them down B&Q.

[AceB]

Sorry Robbo, I've not checked this thread for a couple of days, I blagged them off a mate who happens to own them. I'd imagine a decent tool hire or somewhere like Travis Perkins would do them. Or this place Fencing Tools

[Robbo]

Almost there now, got down to 18 inches, getting the waste out by hand.
Ouch! If I dont finish it in the next hour I'm going to try and hire something. Cheers Ace.

The masonary drill is definitely coming in handy.

[Jimdefruit]

Your best bet would be an auger bit. That gives less disturbance of the surrounding ground.

[Robbo]

Got down to 20 inches and gave up.

Smashed it down to about 2 foot below the ground with a sledgehammer.

So I built a little 3 brick high wall round it and filled that with postmix.
Wall is about 2 foot sqaure. Hopefully that will do it. Total concrete height well over 2 foot total. Post is perfectly vertical. Can't wait to get the motor/dish on it now, once the concrete has gone off. Boring bit over, time for the fun stuff.

[wod]

wouldn't one of them ground mounts with some paving slabs to hold it down been easier ?