Postcrete

[Thrashsmith]

Can you fix into Postcrete? I need to bolt down some relatively light weight gate posts, approx 40kg each for a small single light weight gate. Planned on using Mastercrete & coming back in a week to resin in some studs & final fit but my client has some spare bags of Postcrete.
Got some aggregate I can throw in to bulk it up...? I'll also be fixing the posts into brickwork either side.

 

[gaz1]

postcreate and mastercrete is the same thing so you will be fine

 

[Agrismith]

Can you fix into Postcrete? I need to bolt down some relatively light weight gate posts, approx 40kg each for a small single light weight gate. Planned on using Mastercrete & coming back in a week to resin in some studs & final fit but my client has some spare bags of Postcrete.
Got some aggregate I can throw in to bulk it up...? I'll also be fixing the posts into brickwork either side.

Postcrete already has balast I wouldn't add anymore but it should be fine it is just pre mixed concrete

 

[brightspark]

post crete is just fast drying concrete same as any other

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Make up a jig and set your studs in while you pour saves a job later and can stick some t pieces on the bottom.

 

[8ob]

As above, set the bolts/studs in. A week in the life of setting concrete is nothing, even quickset wont be anywhere near strong enough to pull about after only a week.

Bob

 

[brightspark]

Make up a jig and set your studs in while you pour saves a job later and can stick some t pieces on the bottom.

yep fasten them to a piece of plywood fill the hole with postcrete and push it in give it a tap down and spirit level on it job done

 

[Agroshield]

...fasten them to a piece of plywood...

With a tight fitting hole through it and a nut above and below it so the studs stay parallel. Or two identical templates with a timber in between them.

You do not want the studs to toe in or toe out or the post won't go over them.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

With a tight fitting hole through it and a nut above and below it so the studs stay parallel. Or two identical templates with a timber in between them.

You do not want the studs to toe in or toe out or the post won't go over them.

Yup that's what I'd do

 

[Justme]

I would be more worried about how long they have had the bags as it does go off.

 

[Rudi McAnichal]

I would be more worried about how long they have had the bags as it does go off.

I had always assumed this occurred just because of moisture being absorbed through the packaging material, and that cement in plastic bags ought to be OK for ages, but apparently there can be H&S issues as well. Shall not worry too much about it myself, as I only work with cement occasionally, but here is what one manufacturer says:

Can my cement still be used once it has passed its use by date?
We strongly recommend that you do not use any cement that has exceeded its use by date. The use by date on cement is related to health and safety regulations about ‘chromium VI’ which can cause allergic dermatitis. After the use by date on the bag we are unable to guarantee that ‘chromium VI’ is below the required legal limit, which could increase the risk of skin irritation. See the material safety data sheet for the product you have purchased for more details.
https://tarmac-bluecircle.co.uk/trade/faq/

 

[Revs1972]

so what is the actual difference between postcrete and the other types of premix-just add water types ?
I can get a bag of postcrete for around £4.75 , with multipurpose coming in around £6.50 a bag. High strength was around £7.50.


Its for concreting in a guide post for sliding gate, and to form a base for the electric motor to sit on. What would the recommended type be (CBA to get the separate elements )

 

[8ob]

so what is the actual difference between postcrete and the other types of premix-just add water types ?
I can get a bag of postcrete for around £4.75 , with multipurpose coming in around £6.50 a bag. High strength was around £7.50.


Its for concreting in a guide post for sliding gate, and to form a base for the electric motor to sit on. What would the recommended type be (CBA to get the separate elements )

If you mix Fondu cement with OPC you get quick set, much cheaper than postcrete if you need a larger quantity.

Bob

 

[Agrismith]

so what is the actual difference between postcrete and the other types of premix-just add water types ?
I can get a bag of postcrete for around £4.75 , with multipurpose coming in around £6.50 a bag. High strength was around £7.50.


Its for concreting in a guide post for sliding gate, and to form a base for the electric motor to sit on. What would the recommended type be (CBA to get the separate elements )

Mostly the factory it comes out of
There are some different spec within a brand but the post stuff will all be similar

 

[Brad93]

Post Crete is crap. Doesn’t set like proper concrete.

 

[Fraserb]

Post Crete is crap. Doesn’t set like proper concrete.

We've done a fair bit with post crete over the years, its different to normal concrete as its far finer stone but certainly wouldnt say its crap. On one job we had cows walking over the postcrete 1 hour after it had been laid without issues.

 

[Agrismith]

We've done a fair bit with post crete over the years, its different to normal concrete as its far finer stone but certainly wouldnt say its crap. On one job we had cows walking over the postcrete 1 hour after it had been laid without issues.

I think a lot of people tip it in the hole and poor water on top or vice versa
Definitely better results if you mix the as you tip then give a good stir once in the hole
Best stuff is the tubs of rapid set but alot more expensive

 

[Fraserb]

I think a lot of people tip it in the hole and poor water on top or vice versa
Definitely better results if you mix the as you tip then give a good stir once in the hole
Best stuff is the tubs of rapid set but alot more expensive

Ive mixed it in the holes before when doing odd posts, other jobs I just give it a rough mix in the barrow first, seems to help.

 

[brightspark]

if theres a fair few to do I only use half a bag in each to set them and I have a stack of sand and cement and gravel and cement mixer so just top em over with that its cheaper

 

[Brad93]

I think a lot of people tip it in the hole and poor water on top or vice versa
Definitely better results if you mix the as you tip then give a good stir once in the hole
Best stuff is the tubs of rapid set but alot more expensive

Rapid set in the tubs is a different kettle of fish.

post Crete won’t hold a steel gate post or anything with any tension on it, even after a good 4-5 hours of setting.