I would like to replace a 6 foot fence with a 8 foot fence. The current fence has metal post. Will I have to dig up the current post or can I weld an extension to the existing post.
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I assume you are staying with metal? What location are you in. Most US cities will require a variance to go above 6ft for residential uses.– HerrBagMar 19, 2013 at 19:51
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3what kind of fence do you want? Do you know how to weld? What style of metal are the post are they? is this fence for a junk yard or a nice back yard?– shirlock homesMar 19, 2013 at 19:52
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If all else fails you can do the following: remove some of concrete or ground into which the posts are set, cut just below surface, weld new posts to leftovers of old posts, then either paint the welded joints, or cover them in concrete to protect them from rust.– sharptoothMar 20, 2013 at 12:42
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If they are round posts, instead of welding, I'd look at finding 8' posts that are a slightly large diameter and slipping them over the current ones.– DA01Feb 13, 2015 at 17:31
2 Answers
In terms of structure, sure. However it will be ugly, unless you are a very good welder, and take a lot of care dressing it after.
Remember too that most fence pipe is galvanized. The fumes given off when you heat it are quite poisonous.
It may be a better idea to just buy chunks of pipe with an inside diameter that can slide over the existing post, or alternately, to make extension posts of the same diameter with a stub that will fit inside the existing post. This latter method would allow you to do any welding in a shop setting (much easier).
Or instead of welding you could use epoxy glue, or hole and bolt to join the pipes.
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Depending on the cost benifit/labor saved factor you could expand on @Sherwoods idea and slide an 8' pipe over your 6' pipe. Drill and tap a hole in the outer pipe both top and bottom. Insert a bolt to lock the two pipes together so it won't rattle. It will have a finished look with no welding.– mikesMar 20, 2013 at 21:36
This is what I did: Left the posts up. Put the new fence panel on the outside of the posts. Drilled holes in the fence and used deep u-bolts to attach the new fence panel to the old posts.