20 Apr 2013, Laie Mailbox Post Replacement

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When I went to get the mail today, I discovered that the mailbox was merely balancing on the top of its post. A screw had broken, and it was pretty amazing that it was still in place. So, what to do? I thought about moving it. I researched setbacks and heights. And in the end, I just cut another post an inch or two longer than the first one, and screwed it on good. The whole job took about an hour, with most of that time looking for stuff. Enjoy!

Here is our original mailbox, as seen from the front porch. It is only balancing on top of its post. It is not really attached.
#1 ◱ Here is our original mailbox, as seen from the front porch. It is only balancing on top of its post. It is not really attached.
And here it is, decapitated. The post looks a bit bug-eaten.
#2 ◱ And here it is, decapitated. The post looks a bit bug-eaten.
I hunted down my circular saw. Sadly, it cuts plywood and not much more. I had to make four passes through the 4x4 and two through the 2x4, plus a few trimming cuts, and still I had to just snap the 4x4 apart.
#3 ◱ I hunted down my circular saw. Sadly, it cuts plywood and not much more. I had to make four passes through the 4x4 and two through the 2x4, plus a few trimming cuts, and still I had to just snap the 4x4 apart.
Being lazy, I decided to go for power-assisted screwing technology.
#4 ◱ Being lazy, I decided to go for power-assisted screwing technology.
Here is the T, four screws, 2.5 inches each, attaching the 2x4 to the post.
#5 ◱ Here is the T, four screws, 2.5 inches each, attaching the 2x4 to the post.
And very conveniently, the mailbox was pre-formed with holes in the perfect places for screws, and even for the screwdriver.
#6 ◱ And very conveniently, the mailbox was pre-formed with holes in the perfect places for screws, and even for the screwdriver.
The box is attached to the T.
#7 ◱ The box is attached to the T.
The old post is removed and the new post is in place. I packed in rocks and gravel around the post, much like we had before.
#8 ◱ The old post is removed and the new post is in place. I packed in rocks and gravel around the post, much like we had before.
Here is the old/new shot. Old was shorter but a wider post, maybe 4x6. New is a bit taller. Job accomplished.
#9 ◱ Here is the old/new shot. Old was shorter but a wider post, maybe 4x6. New is a bit taller. Job accomplished.

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9 items. This page was last updated 2015-03-09 03:14:54 MDT.