How to Build a Post Puller

Lay two of the beams out diagonally opposite each other at 30-degree angles. One beam should overlap the other beam on the end by 6 inches. (Picture a tepee.)

Prop the bottom end of the top beam up with some scrap wood to make it level. Drill a hole down through both beams with the drill and 3/8-inch bit. Insert the 10-inch lag bolt through the hole and secure it with a nut. Use the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket to tighten the nut, but don't tighten it so much that the legs can't move.

Drill a hole in the third beam. Drill the hole 4 inches down from the end and to a depth of 4 inches. Insert a washer on the 4-inch lag bolt. Wrap the end of the chain around the beam and then insert the lag bolt through the chain and into the hole. Tighten the bolt with the ratchet and socket. This post will serve as the fulcrum.

Lash the other end of the chain to the top of the post that you want to pull out. Secure it with wire if it will not stay secure on the post. Slide the A-frame up under the end of the fulcrum post. Use an assistant to hold the fulcrum post horizontal as you position the A-frame under the fulcrum. Spread the legs of the A-frame to get the height right. The legs will dig in and become solid when you put pressure on them with the fulcrum.

Pull down on the end of the fulcrum post, tightening the chain on the other end. Use your weight to hang off the end of the fulcrum post if you need to. If the post doesn't come out all the way, move the chain down lower on the post and pull up until the post lifts free of the ground.