If you live in a hot climate and want to enjoy the outdoors without feeling like you’re sitting inside of an oven, it’s essential to make your yard as comfortable as possible. One way to do this is by installing vinyl fencing around your pool area or patio area.
The problem with this type of fencing is that they can become faded and worn out looking over time. This makes them look old and unappealing, giving the appearance that no one cares about what happens on their property anymore.
Fortunately, there are ways for homeowners to remove sections of vinyl fence panels without having to replace entire panels at once if only part of the panel has seen better days. So, this article is for you. You will learn how to remove fence pickets without breaking them with just one simple trick!
Step to Follow on How to Remove Fence Pickets Without Breaking Them
Step One: Determine
First, determine how the pickets are attached and anchored. Then, take a close look at the anchor or attachment of each picket and see if you can remove it without breaking it. This will help you avoid damaging your fence board as much as possible.
One example is that there might be wood scraps leftover from previous activities, so if you can remove one picket without breaking it from any of these wood scraps or a previous attachment to the ground, you should do so. You can also determine how many of each picket you need to remove.
The pickets are affixed to the rest of the fence at the top, and they may also be attached from underneath. If possible, try not to damage your neighbor’s fence if it is between your fence and theirs. If they have a fence that is attached from underneath, you can try removing those pickets first.
Step Two: Mark
Mark where you need to cut the picket. If your pickets are attached with screws, use a Phillips head screwdriver to take them out. Sometimes they may be nailed in, so you will have to drill each of those nail heads out with a rotary multi-tool using a drill bit that is slightly bigger than the diameter of the nail.
If you need to use a saw, ensure the teeth face downward. Then you should take your saw and cut away at the picket where you have marked it. You can use power tools for this step if you are experienced with them, but another wise electrical tape will work fine for holding your piece together. There might be a gap between the picket and the rest of the fence; this is where you should make your cut. If the picket is attached, you must drill each nailhead before sawing off the plank. In some cases, screws might be used instead of nails, but you will also have to use a screwdriver to take those out.
Step Three: Use Pressure
Once you’ve cut the picket in the way you need to, use some pressure to slice through it. You can either push or pull, depending on your circumstances. For example, if the fence is held together with nails and screws, you should start pulling at each end of the plank to get it loose from its attachments.
This is because you want to avoid breaking the pickets as much as possible. However, if the entire fence is held together with nails and wood scraps, you will need to use some force to push the picket out of its location. This should help it break off without any problem.
The amount of pressure you will apply depends on how many times you have had to cut the picket to get it off. For example, if you’ve needed to use a screwdriver three times and saw twice, you will need to apply much more pressure later. This will help in how to remove fence pickets without breaking them.
Step Four: Remove the Picket
Once you have applied as much pressure as necessary, use a claw hammer or rubber mallet to tap the sides of the picket until it breaks away from the rest of the fence. You will need to do this on both sides of the plank to remove it thoroughly.
If your pickets are green flavored, you will need to use a screwdriver or drill to remove the rest of its screws, nails, or attachments. If your pickets are red flavored, then you will have to pull the nails out of them one by one with your hand. This is because they may be too tall for most power tools.
Once you’ve entirely removed what you need to, use a hammer or mallet to tap the board that’s still inside your fence until it breaks away from the rest of it. Finally, you should remove any nails or screws with a screwdriver before using your hands to pull out whatever pieces are left in the gap between your fence and your neighbor’s.
Step Five: Replace
Once you’ve completely removed the pickets, you can begin removing the ones on your neighbor’s side. If they have a fence attached underneath, and if yours does not, you should replace the pickets without removing any of theirs.
However, if yours has one attached from underneath as well, you will need to remove theirs to replace yours. To do this, you will need to cut through the nails or screws that hold it down and then use a mallet or hammer to tap your picket out from underneath.
Conclusion
You should have noticed by now that you can remove a vinyl fence section using power tools. However, if the wood is in bad condition or if it has been treated with chemicals, then hiring professionals to do this work maybe your best option. They will also ensure that any nails are removed and disposed of properly, not harming children or pets who come into contact with them.
The last thing you want for your family is a trip to the emergency room because someone cut their hand on an old nail from when they were out playing in the yard! The conclusion paragraph is informative and provides information on how to remove fence pickets without breaking them.
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