I finally got a stubborn gate post plumb in wet clay using a trick my uncle showed me.

Last month in Springfield, I had a gate post that just would not hold level in this super wet, heavy clay. After trying three times with the normal mix, I remembered my uncle saying to throw a bag of quick-set concrete into the hole first, then pour the regular mix on top. I did that, braced it for a full 24 hours, and it hasn't moved a millimeter since. Has anyone else tried something like this, or do you think it's asking for trouble down the line?

3 comments

3 Comments

craig.olivia6d ago

Been there, clay is the worst.

logan_anderson405d ago

Just wait until you hit a patch of solid rock.

troyc175d ago

Oh man, rock is a whole different beast. Clay at least gives you a little warning when you're about to hit it. Hit a solid granite patch last spring with my post hole digger. Bent the handle and my arms were vibrating for the rest of the day. Had to just give up on that corner of the yard and plant something else.