I have done the search in breaktime, research online, talked to local building dealers looking for some definitive answers on best connection for wood post to concrete. I am looking for stability and reasonable cost. Here’s my problem.
I am building a mailbox post that I would prefer not to set directly in the concrete footing for a couple reasons. First, I live in Maine and the chances of the post being damaged severely by the plow in winter is high. Second, damaged by kids on joy ride is also high especially since this will be an attractive post (architectural).
Getting a saddle fabricated, one that can be set into concrete and support a 4×4 post, will cost about $75.
Simpson makes the CB, CBSQ and CBQ but I’m not sure that will provide the stability necessary. This has to be ordered from distributor so I don’t know which I would need, if any at all.
Any ideas?
Edited 10/12/2005 4:36 pm ET by BruLew
Replies
I'll tell you what I did, it has worked great so far. I set a piece of 4x4 vinyl hollow fence post about two feet into concrete. I left it sticking out about four inches. My mailbox post I made out of 4X4 lumber. It slips right into the vinyl tube, and I secured it with stainless steel screws. If I ever need to replace it, move it, I just unscrew it and pull it out. Very stable.
Bob
Thanks. That seems reasonable.
Forgot to mention, although I probably don't have to, if you use this method, make sure as you pour the concrete that the tube is plumb.
Thinking the same thing were we?!
Yeah, its easy though. You just hold a level on the inside faces of the tube as you fill the hole with concrete.
BruLew,
The CB44 is very stout, 7 gauge steel IIRC. It takes a pair of 5/8" through-bolts. If you can, paint the whole thing with spray Rusto before you cast it in the concrete. They are cheap compared to what you mentioned, and bombproof.
Bill
Thanks, Bill. The CB44 is one of the things I'm thinking of using. I'll call for price today.
Wolfman's idea is pretty interesting although you have to set the vinyl sleeve perfect in the concrete or the post will not be plumb.
you've rejuected those things you pound into the ground?
metal, long point, top takes a 4x4, avaible in home centers, hardware stores.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
The mailbox and post are not stable with those stakes. It's possible to twist the post a little and, when let go, the stake acts as a spring.
i've been using them for over 10 years.
have had two, replaced the first because the post was hit by a car
no problems for me.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
I had 2 boxes on an architechtural post and the weight probably contributed to the 'spring effect'. Probably works fine with a basic post and 1 box.
One of our neighbors when I was growing up had a mailbox in just the right place to hit when you backed out of our driveway. He finally got an old milk container (about 10 gallons I'd guess) and put his mailbox post in that with concrete. Then when it got knocked over, he'd just pick it back up.