Repair of Fence Post Using Simpson E-Z Mender
Fence posts can fail due to many reasons and it’s a real pain in the “back” to replace a damaged post. After searching the web I found many different ways to repair a fence post in lieu of replacing it. I thought I would give it a try and see how it works out. Since I specify a lot of Simpson Strong-Tie products for my structural projects I thought I would start with their product, the E-Z Mender.
Today I installed the Simpson E-Z Mender to repair one of my damaged fence posts. Following the directions, I installed the post mender as best as I could. I ran into a few problems while driving the menders, hitting some unexpected concrete or large rocks. It pushed the menders inwards forcing the tops outwards slightly. With a few extra persuading hits I achieved the specified embedment and nailed the mender to the post.
The post is now plumb and doesn’t sway in the wind anymore. I’m very happy with the Simpson E-Z Mender. It saved me a lot of time replacing the post.
Unfortunately, I have another 4 posts to repair. I thought I would try other products or means of repairing the remaining fence posts. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear from you. I’ll give the other products a try and report my findings on this blog.
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Any other comparisons?
What did you use to drive the EZ Menders in?
Thanks,
Mark
Hi Mark,
Well after several weeks and some high wind the EZmender has worked great.
I used a small sledge hammer to drive the EZmender in. Hit a few rocks so it took a few more hard hits that bent the steel at the head.
I haven't taken the time to test other products yet. The fence is technical my neighbors so I'm trying to get him to help out.
Jim
Hi.
I love your post. This was nice to read.
I wonder how I didn't find this blog earlier.
I will surely spread the word. Some of my Facebook friends will appreciate it.
Thanks and keep it up!
I have tried Fencemender in the past (they have their own website) about 12 or so years ago. I thought I got them at Home Depot but it may have been Orchard Supply (a West Coast chain). In any case, I needed to repair a fence where I live now (Utah) and have bought the Simpson EZ mender from Home Depot. They don't stock the other product. Ironically I used to live about a mile from the factory where Simpson manufactures many of their products. LOL. Thanks for the review on the EZ mender. It looks like a good product, but another site I saw said that the Fencemender works better. I guess I'll find out. This is a rental and the landlord plans to redevelop it eventually so I only want something to be durable for a while.
Thank you Roland for your comment. I did see the Fencemender website and was going to order a couple to try. Just haven't got around to ordering them. I didn't see much that would make the Fencemender or the EZmender better than the other. Maybe some slight differences in gauge (thickness) or the length might make one better than the other. With that said, I guess I need to get one of each and compare them side by side.
The next step is finding the spare time.
I was wondering if the ez mender would work on a post that is 4 1/2"? I emailed fencemender and they said theirs would not work. If ez mender won't work do you have any suggestions?
Thanks for any recommendations.
Hi LouAnn,
Unfortunately, 4 1/2" wood post is an odd size. 3 1/2" or 5 1/2" (4x4 and 6x6) would be common. I haven't seen anything of ezmender, fencemender or similar to repair a 6x6 post.
You could maybe consider bolting/nailing a treated 2x4 to the 6x6 or 4 1/2" wide post you have to have a 3 1/2" wide material to attach the fence post repair to. It would get really ugly and I don't think it would hold up to the weather for very long. Sorry.
I'll keep my eyes open for something that may work for larger posts.
Do you simply hammer this into the ground (dirt)....up against the post.....and then nail or screw it into the post? What abount the frost line? How long is the EZ Mender? Will it push out after the Winter?
Sounds so simple and a perfect answer to straigten up leaning posts.
Thank You,
Steve
Hi Steve,
Yes, it's that simple. Hammer it in and nail it. I would suggest screws after watching my repaired post starting to loosen up from dynamic loading from wind. The EZ Mender is 28" long. I don't know of too many placing fence posts to frost depth. But it makes sense for a strong foundation.
Thanks for the comment.
they have worked as stated by Simpson. just hammer intothe ground along the existing post in thje ground keeping it as flush to the post as possible, screws or nails to affix to the plate and u r done.
Work exactly as described and it saves tons of time and money.
Thanks so much for the tips!
Quick question: I noticed the fence leaning inwards in the picture, but noticed that you put the ez menders on the right & left sides of the pole (if you're looking at it), rather than the front to back (back being side of post in neighbors yard). Did this work well? I assumed the brackets would have to be front & back (but it's been a few years since my mech engineering classes!)
Also, did you backfill with dirt or concrete? Fixing my mother's fence this weekend & debating ez mender vs new additional posts. Her fence looks like your picture!!!
Thanks for any feedback! -mb
It worked fairly well. It's been a while since I made the repair and it's still up. Although it's leaning a bit more.
I agree that if the menders were placed on the other two faces of the post it would have most likely provided better support.
It worked as a fix, but a new post/concrete footing will last longer.