How to Brace a Corner Post

Measure 6- to 8-feet out from the corner post with a tape measure in the same direction with the fence row and make a spray point mark on the ground. Repeat this for the other run of fence line that makes up the fence corner.

Dig a 3-foot deep hole with a shovel at the paint marks, each with a 1-1/2-foot diameter. Fill the bottom of each hole with 2 inches of crushed gravel and tamp it down with a tamping tool or scrap of lumber to compact it tightly.

Set 6-foot pieces of treated 4-by-4-inch lumber in the center of the holes and ensure they are level and parallel to the main corner post. Add large stones or bricks at the bottom of the holes and around the posts to steady them and check again for level.

Mix and pour concrete into each hole to a point 2 inches from the surface of the ground. Leave the concrete to harden for 48 hours. Cover the remainder of the hole with soil to get it level with the surrounding earth.

Drill a 3/8-inch diameter pilot hole into the side of the 4-by-4-inch pieces that face the corner post. Make a pencil mark 18 inches down from the top of each post to make this hole. Insert a 4-inch long, 5/8-inch diameter eye hook into each hole. Tighten them by inserting a screwdriver in the hole of the hooks and using it to secure them tightly to the posts.

Measure the corner post and find the center of the total height. Measure 6 inches higher than the center and make pencil marks in each of the two sides that face the brace posts. Drill pilot holes and insert two more eye hooks.

Loop one end of a 9-foot length of 9-gauge wire through the eye hook in one side of the corner post. Place a cable clamp over the wire and looped end of the wire at a point 3-inches from the eye hook and clamp it down tightly to hold the wire securely to the hook. Repeat this step for the second eye hook in the corner post.

Insert the other end of the first wire through the eye hook in the opposing post. Pull the wire taut by hand while an assistant puts pressure against the post, forcing it slightly toward the corner post. Quickly install a cable clamp and tighten it down before releasing the pressure on the brace post. When the brace returns to position it pulls the wire tighter.

Repeat the wire installation for the second brace post. Cut the excess wire with wire cutters.