[rickoshay501]

I want to erect a metal sign post using concrete. What is the processs , I know I start by digging a hole.

[creahands]

How tall is post?

What size sign?

Let us know and we can help u.

Chuck

[rickoshay501]

The post is ten feet and I plan for the post to be eight feet above the ground. I want to use cement to secure the post. The sign is a parking sign (18" x 12"). I've never done this project before. Can you advise me with the procedure.

Thanks

[creahands]

The posts used by public works dept in my area are driven in ground from 24'' to 30''. No concrete.

If in sidewalk, concrete is broken to receive post and patched after installed.

Good luck

Chuck

[RR_Sign_Man]

A parking sign could be hit by a car (more than once), so you might want to consider anchoring a separate base section of signpost, and attaching the post to that. A "breakaway" or "lap splice" arrangement like that might involve just replacing bolts rather than the entire signpost.
Otherwise, you could try this: You didn't mention what type of post (round, square, U-channel), but we'll assume its outside diameter is about 2.5". Dig down 30"-36'' and install a 6'' OD galvanized pipe. I know that's deeper than the 8 feet of post you wanted to have above ground, but the recommendation is to have about one-quarter of a post's length in the ground, so 2.5 feet for a 10-foot signpost.
Trowel in your cement (concrete) around the exterior of the pipe and let it set. Now drop the signpost into the pipe, and fill the pipe interior with cement. The type of soil you have will effect the overall strength, but I think the pipe would be "thick" enough to avoid movement, kid of like a soil plate (look that one up) on a post that's just driven into the ground. Be careful not to dig too deep or too wide. (Whatever dirt came out should be replaced with concrete.) Back-fill whatever isn't concrete with dirt.
Support the post until the concrete is well set up. You might want to not mount the sign until the concrete is solid, just so a rogue wind doesn't overload the new base. Other than maybe having to repair or replace a bent post (I hope that doesn't happen to you), you should be all set.
Have fun. :cool:

[RR_Sign_Man]

A parking sign could be hit by a car (more than once), so you might want to consider anchoring a separate base section of signpost, and attaching the post to that. A "breakaway" or "lap splice" arrangement like that might involve just replacing bolts rather than the entire signpost.
Otherwise, you could try this: You didn't mention what type of post (round, square, U-channel), but we'll assume its outside diameter is about 2.5". Dig down 30"-36'' and install a 6'' OD galvanized pipe. I know that's deeper than the 8 feet of post you wanted to have above ground, but the recommendation is to have about one-quarter of a post's length in the ground, so 2.5 feet for a 10-foot signpost.
Trowel in your cement (concrete) around the exterior of the pipe and let it set. Now drop the signpost into the pipe, and fill the pipe interior with cement. The type of soil you have will effect the overall strength, but I think the pipe would be "thick" enough to avoid movement, kind of like a soil plate (look that one up) on a post that's just driven into the ground. Be careful not to dig too deep or too wide. (Whatever dirt came out should be replaced with concrete.) Back-fill whatever isn't concrete with dirt.
Support the post until the concrete is well set up. You might want to not mount the sign until the concrete is solid, just so a rogue wind doesn't overload the new base. Other than maybe having to repair or replace a bent post (I hope that doesn't happen to you), you should be all set.
Have fun. :cool: