Product Description
OZ-Post® I3-850 Ornamental Post Anchor — 3″ × 3″ Posts — 34″ Length
- Great for Heavy Duty 3" Ornamental Fence & Sign Posts
- Works with both Steel and Aluminum 3" Square Posts
- Strong Enough for Commercial Fencing
- Performs as Well as Concrete in Independent Testing
- Keeps Posts Away from Moisture, Preventing Rust & Corrosion
- Installs in a Variety of Ground Types: Asphalt, Dirt, Sand, Rocky Ground, Stones
- Tough Black Outdoor Powder Coated Sleeve Matches the Look of Ornamental Fence Posts
The I3-850 OZ-Post is a 34" long post anchor that is meant for use with 3" square ornamental steel or aluminum fence posts. The I3-850 anchor is driven into the ground, creating a secure ground connection, and posts are attached using bolts & nuts. This eliminates the messy work of digging post holes and pouring concrete footers. OZ-Post anchors have been tested throughout the years to perform as well as concrete, and they have the added advantage of keeping your posts away from direct contact with the wet soil.
Each anchor is hot-dip galvanized for rust protection, and the ornamental anchors have an exterior-grade powder coated sleeve that holds the post. It is recommended to leave about an inch of the sleeve above the ground, which makes it easier to insert screws to hold your posts in place.
One of the best things about using OZ-Post anchors is that you don't have to wait for your concrete to set, which means that you can get your posts in the ground immediately and start putting up your fence sections. Whether you are a Do-it-yourselfer, or a professional fence installer, you'll appreciate the time and labor savings that come with using these anchors.
OZ-Posts are great for temporary projects too. The post anchors can be pulled out of the ground and reused for different projects.
There are 2 ways to install I3-850 Post Anchors:
1) Use the Manual Driving Kit (MDK-13) and an HSP-I3, which uses its own weight & gravity to do most of the work of driving the anchor down into the ground. This is good for a small to medium number of posts.
2) Rent a jackhammer and purchase a Jackhammer Driver Kit (JDK) and an HSP-I3 Spacer to drive your posts into the ground. This usually takes one person about 4 minutes per post, and is the most efficient way to install all OZ-Post post anchors.
Why Choose This
- Speed & simplicity — Set posts and start hanging panels the same day
- Neat appearance — Black sleeve maintains an ornamental look at grade
- Built to last — Hot-dip zinc coating and elevated post base help reduce corrosion over time
Specifications
| Model / Item # | I3-850 (OZ-Post® Ornamental), Item 30360 |
| Fits Post Size | 3″ × 3″ square steel or aluminum posts |
| Overall Length | 34″ (drive nearly flush; leave ≈ 3/4″ sleeve exposed) |
| Sleeve Length | ~7.47″ sleeve; ~27.53″ below-grade anchor section |
| Material / Finish | 2.5 mm hot-dip galvanized steel body; black powder-coated sleeve |
| Weight | ~8.1 lb (each) |
| Included | I3-850 post anchor (post fasteners sold separately) |
| Driver Options | MDK-13 Manual Driver Kit; JDK-10 Jackhammer Driver Kit — use HSP-I3 hammer spacer |
| Typical Usage | Ornamental steel/aluminum fence runs, ornamental sign posts, wayfinding/street signs |
Installation
Lay out post centers and call 811 to locate utilities. Using a manual driver or jackhammer driver kit with the HSP-I3 spacer, drive the I3-850 to grade leaving ~3/4″ of sleeve exposed. Insert the 3″ post, check plumb, and secure through the sleeve with exterior-grade self-drilling screws. In rocky soils, pre-drilling may be required; solid bedrock typically calls for an alternate footing. Complete the panel install per your fence system’s rail/bracket instructions.
Resources: Manufacturer’s Warranty
Buying Guide
- Choosing size: For smaller posts, see I2-850 (2″ × 2″) or I25-850 (2-1/2″ × 2-1/2″).
- Tools & accessories: For multi-post runs, a jackhammer driver kit is fastest. Use the HSP-I3 hammer spacer to keep the driver centered in the sleeve.
- Finish match: Black sleeve complements most black ornamental systems; apply touch-up at fasteners if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need concrete?
- No. This is a drive-in system designed to eliminate digging and concrete in qualifying applications.
- How much sleeve should show above grade?
- Leave roughly 3/4″ exposed so you can drive fasteners and maintain a clean finished look.
- Are screws included?
- Post attachment fasteners are typically purchased separately; choose exterior-grade self-drilling screws sized to your post wall.
- Which spacer do I need with a driver kit?
- Use the HSP-I3 hammer spacer when driving this model with a jackhammer driver kit.
- Will it work in asphalt or rocky ground?
- Often yes—many installs can be driven through asphalt and around small rocks; solid rock usually requires pre-drilling or a different footing.
Comparison
| Option | Strengths | Considerations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| I3-850 (34″, 3″ × 3″) — this item | Sized for heavier 3″ posts; neat black sleeve; no concrete | Requires HSP-I3 spacer when using a driver kit | Light commercial runs, taller panels, signage |
| I25-850 (34″, 2-1/2″ × 2-1/2″) | Same depth for mid-size posts | Not for 3″ posts | Residential/LC ornamental systems |
| I2-850 (34″, 2″ × 2″) | Deeper embedment for 2″ posts | Smallest of the three | Standard 2″ ornamental systems |
| Concrete-set post | Traditional method; customizable footing | Digging, cleanup, cure time | Sites where code/soil demands a footing |
Not sure if I3-850 is the right match for your post size, fence height, and soil conditions? Contact us and we’ll help you choose the correct anchor, spacer, and driver kit for a clean, long-lasting installation.
