In article ,
"SteveB" toquervilla@zionvistas wrote:

"Nil" wrote in message
...
I have a 4-foot metal post next to my driveway, installed by a previous
owner, that once supported a basketball hoop. It's a fairly thin-walled
tube about 4 inches in diameter, embedded in a huge block of concrete,
buried in the lawn. I've tried excavating around the block, but it will
be a really big hassle to get out of the ground. And so, the pole
remained there for many years.

I'd be just as happy cutting the pole off at ground level. If I can cut
if off flush with the concrete, it will hardly be visible and it won't
interfere with the mower. I don't want any of the metal to stick up.

My question is, what common tool can I use to cut this thing? I
wouldn't enjoy doing it manually with a hacksaw, and anyway, I don't
think I could get close enough to the ground. Could I cut it fairly
close, then grind the rest down with something?

Any suggestions?

First, thank you for providing some very good information and clues. Lots
of people write in about such stuff and don't even give a clue.

First, you apparently have a pretty big plug of concrete there. If you want
to try pulling it out, you can use the jack suggestion, or strap a 4x4 on it
for added strength, and hook a chain to it tight and pull on the 4x4 side.
Hook the chain about four foot up to get leverage. If it starts bending, go
to plan b.

Plan b is cutting it off flush to the ground. Any grinder will do it. Or a
cutting torch. Get a hose and blow out the stuff inside the hole, let it
dry, and fill with concrete. You'll still have the concrete plug there, but
not the hole.

Plan c. Backhoe, and you can either dig it out, or rig it up and pull it
out straight up.

I did several of these when I was doing steel work.

Sometimes, they just get to a point where they pop out, and the concrete
isn't as big as once thought. Other times, the concrete is bigger, and it
all depends on what you want to do with the space as to whether you take it
all out or just cut off the pole.

Get a cheap grinder. You'll use it for lots of other stuff, too. Or go to
the pawn shop and get a good used one for about the same price, and it will
last longer.

Steve

By chance if you should go the cutting torch route... you need to be
absolutely positive the post doesn't contain any water. You don't want
molten metal splattered all over you, bystanders, pets or your property.

Good Luck!

Erik