A wobbly fence can be more than just an annoyance—it can become a safety hazard, especially in strong winds. Whether it’s leaning, shaking, or on the verge of collapse, replacing the entire fence post isn’t always necessary. With a concrete repair spur, you can give your existing fence post a new lease of life and avoid the time, effort, and cost of a full replacement.
Even if you’re not an expert in DIY, this is a straightforward fix that you can tackle yourself. Here’s everything you need to know about repairing your fence post like a pro.
What You’ll Need
Before getting started, gather your tools and materials.
Essential Tools
- Spade or post hole digger – To create space for the repair spur
- Drill and coach screws – To securely attach the spur to the post
- Spirit level – To ensure everything is aligned properly
- Socket wrench or spanner – For tightening bolts and screws
- Protective gloves and safety goggles – Essential for safe DIY
Materials
- Concrete repair spur – The star of the show, this adds structural support
- Drill and coach screws – To securely attach the spur to the post
- Post concrete or concrete mix – To firmly set the spur in the ground
- Washers – To distribute the pressure of the screws evenly
5 Steps to a Rock-Solid Fence
1. Dig a Hole for the Spur
To start, you will need to dig a hole right next to the wobbly fence post. Use a spade or post hole digger to make a spade-width hole about 450mm (18 inches) deep. This will give the repair spur a strong foundation.
If there is existing concrete around the fence post, you may need to chip some of this away so that the concrete repair spur can sit flush with the fence post.
If the post is sitting in soft or wet soil, consider digging slightly deeper for added stability.
2. Make Adjustments
Once the hole is ready, inspect the damaged fence post. If the base is rotten, use a saw to cut away any weakened wood. Then, treat the exposed wood with a high-quality preservative to prevent further decay.
At this stage, check that the post is as upright as possible—this will make securing the spur much easier.
3. Measure Twice, Drill Once
Position the concrete spur alongside the fence post, ensuring it sits flush against the wood. Use your spirit level to make sure it’s straight.
Next, mark the spots where you’ll be drilling. You will typically need to drill two or three pilot holes through both the spur and the fence post. Check and double-check your measurements before you start drilling! Drilling pilot holes first prevents the wood from splitting when you insert the screws.
4. Secure Your Spur
Now it’s time to attach the spur to the fence post.
- Use heavy-duty coach screws to fasten the two together
- Add washers before tightening the screws to prevent the screw heading pulling through the concrete.
- Check again with your spirit level to make sure everything remains straight
Once the spur is firmly attached, fill the hole with a post concrete mix. Follow the instructions on the bag – post concrete usually sets in around 10 – 20 minutes, while standard concrete may take longer.
While the concrete is setting, hold the post in place or use temporary supports to keep it from shifting.
5. Marvel at Your Rock-Solid Fence
After the concrete has fully hardened (about 24 hours for best results), your fence will be secure and stable once again! Give the post a gentle shake to test its strength – you should notice a huge improvement.
Bonus Tips for Long-Lasting Fence Repairs
Use screws instead of nails – Screws create a much stronger, longer-lasting hold than nails, which can loosen over time.
Apply a preservative treatment – This protects against moisture, insects, and rot, keeping your fence in top condition.
Explore other DIY solutions – If a concrete repair spur isn’t the best option for your fence, consider using arris rail repair brackets or post anchor repair spurs, which we also stock.
Check your fence regularly – Inspect your fence posts at least once a year to catch problems before they get worse.
Need a Quick Fix? Grab a Post Repair Kit!
At Woodford Forest, we stock everything you need for an easy, DIY fence repair. Whether you need concrete repair spurs, post anchor repair spurs, or arris rail brackets, we’ve got you covered.
Find us at The Timber Yard, Lower Woodford, SP4 6NQ or call us on 01722 782698.
Don’t let a wobbly fence become a bigger problem—fix it today with our easy DIY repair solutions!