Categories: FenceHisFixitUpLifeHow-to VideoMark's blogQuick Tip

DIY tip: Few steps to move heavy fence posts more easily

Find the balance point in the heavy object.

I have a jobsite trick to help move heavy objects

Are you faced with the task to move heavy fence posts without any help? I’ve been there.

Renovating a home means that you’ll be moving around a lot of materials. Some are going into the home, and some materials are heading out. When moving so much material, it is easy to quickly get exhausted just staging the next DIY project.

That’s why when working alone, it’s important to work smart and plan ahead.

Moving heavy fence posts

When the next DIY task is moving heavy objects, like these round wood posts for a fence project, there is a lifting-and-carrying technique that I use to save my energy for more detail-heavy tasks later.

For a long and heavy wood fence post like the one below, it requires leverage, lowering friction, momentum and balance.

The first thing to remember: Resist the urge to muscle heavy materials.

Then, slide the post off of the pile and get under the end of it. Tilt the post up, and walk your hands under the post until you hit the balance point. Finding the balance point will prevent you dropping a tall wood post off of your back like a seesaw.

Being under the balance point makes it easier to carry the first wood post, and have the energy to carry and move the other dozen other heavy fence posts on the pile.

Resist the urge to muscle it, and lift the whole thing. You’ll need that energy later when you are tackling more brain-heavy details in the project.

Try to lower the friction of the heavy fence post.

Then find the balance point of the object, and get under that point to carry the object.

Now it’s easier to carry the heavy wood fence post.

Mark

A licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and elite Spartan Race competitor, he writes about home improvement and tools for national magazines and websites, and teaches hands-on clinics for other remodeling professionals. Check out his book, The Carpenter's Notebook.

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