What size and thickness plastic pipe for 4x4 post?

fishpick · Jul 10, 2022

I want to set a section of PVC or other type pipe in the ground and then be able to place a 4x4 post into the pipe. It does not to be a perfectly tight fit. I can shim it. But the point it to allow me to remove the 4x4 as needed.

This is not structural- it’s for posts in a shooting range.

Any idea what type of pipe / thickness? Fits a 4x4 nicely?

Hay Dude · Jul 10, 2022

I’d use schedule 40 4” PVC and just shave your post corners a little. It would take 5 minutes with a circular saw or just use a sharp axe.
You can put PVC caps on the pipes when not in use to keep them clean and make them easier to find.

jmc · Jul 10, 2022

Diagonal of a 3.5x3.5 square is slightly under 5 inches. Standard plastic pipe charts with ID, OD, wall thickness, and schedule are common online.

Personally, I'd just grab a tape measure or a 4x4 stub and go to a plumbing supplier.

Doughknob · Jul 10, 2022

A^2 + B^2 = C^2
C = sqrt(3.5^2 + 3.5^2)
C = 4.95”

bigtiller · Jul 10, 2022

Doughknob said:
A^2 + B^2 = C^2
C = sqrt(3.5^2 + 3.5^2)
C = 4.95”

Not a single word was written but this ageing D student understands it...It's got to be a first for me.

EddieL · Jul 10, 2022

I would use a 4x4 post sleeve.

ljjhouser · Jul 11, 2022

Considering the cost of 4" or 5" schedule 40 PVC, I might consider schedule 35 vent pvc and set it in concrete so the actual strength doesn't matter. But remember the sizes are a little different. Schedule 35 fittings do not fit Schedule 40 pipe.

bcp · Jul 11, 2022

The holes will get full of dirt and trash, jamming the post. I would go the other way. Short, solid posts, maybe pipe, with a lighter tube, pipe, or post to to slide over it or attach to hold the targets.

Bruce

grsthegreat · Jul 11, 2022

On my target range, i arranged a double row of rail road ties and buried them. left a 4” gap between rows. I can simply make my 2x4 shooting frames and simply place them inside gap.then i place a small x piece of scrap 2x4 at base and screw the upright posts to base. Extremely sturdy. I use the small base crosspiece to straighten the stands….gives me a bit of adjustment.