Fixing fence post sockets

[Lutin]

I've got four bolt down fence post sockets to install for the uprights for a gazebo/arbour type thing. The sockets will be fixed into concrete but I'm not sure what type of fixing to use. Also what constitutes a weather proof finish for the fasteners as they'll be outside (bit obvious really).

So, I want to fix this type of thing -




Anybody had any experience of this type of thing?

[demographic]

I put a load of wooden fence posts in last year but we just put em directly into postcrete.
Held them in position with a few bits of wood braced to the sides and they were set in about five mins.

Well, we actually held them in place, poured the dry postcrete into the hole then poured the water in and stirred it about a bit with a bit of re-bar.

You don't have to get all of the postcrete wet cos it takes on moisture from the ground anyway but as long as it holds in the short term it gets stronger as it cures.

[Mussels]

I have a few fence posts in fittings like that but not bolted down ones, they seem problem free so far with the bonus that the posts don't meet the ground so should last a lot longer. Mine don't clamp like that, the posts are just hammered in the top.

[Lutin]

Ah, should have said - the concretes already in place. Should be "cooked" by now as it's been down a while...

[cheb]

I've a galvanised version holding a gate post. Installed 10 or more years ago I think, it still works. The only thing should have done is replaced the weatherproofed bolts with proper stainless ones.

Added: It's bolted down with A4 grade anchor bolts, the weather proof bolts are the post clamping ones.

[Silly Car]

I’d probably look at bolting them down with concrete screws, rawl bolts or chemical anchor (and studs) into existing concrete.

[wheelnut]

Dig a hole in the concrete and postcrete them in

[demographic]

Oh and if you're using the metal sockets I reckon its worth putting a non porous packer underneath the post so there's a bit of an airgap under the timber.
Means the bottom of the post has chance to dry out and less likely to rot.

Same thing with door casings on a shed.

[Mussels]

I have some masonry bolts that are fine in brick but would rather shear than go into concrete, it might be hard work with strong enough bolts.

[wheelnut]

The problem won’t be fixing the mount to the concrete, the problem will be getting the post to be stable in the holder. It simply won’t get enough grip on it. The gazebo will be as wobbly as a wobbly thing.

[Lutin]

Thanks for the tips, comments and suggestions chaps.

Was thinking that I'd have to use stainless through bolts to any decent life out of them, as we live less than a mile from the sea.

Now all I have to do is find a supplier, in Ireland, that doesn't want to sell me 50 or 100 at a go, when I only need sixteen.

[Silly Car]

Screwfix are in the North, depending where you are.

[Yambo]

I'd slap a couple of coats of epoxy on at least the bottoms of the posts but then, for me there's no life without epoxy.

[slowsider]

Screwfix are in the North, depending where you are.

Not just in the north.