Post alignment tool
View Patent ↗An alignment tool for aligning fence posts and a method for aligning fence posts are provided. The alignment tool can include an alignment plate with an aperture adapted to receive a fence post. The alignment plate is interconnected to a lever arm to facilitate the application of a torque to a fence post received by the aperture of the alignment plate at a desired location along the length of the fence post. The alignment plate can additionally include one or more notches adapted to receive an edge of a fence post. By applying a force through the lever arm, the portion of an edge of the fence post received by the notch can be crimped and/or otherwise aligned at a desired location along the length of the fence post. The lever arm can comprise a post pounder, resulting in a tool that is capable of performing multiple functions.
1. An apparatus for adjusting posts, comprising:
an alignment plate, including:
an outer periphery; and
a closed aperture contained within the outer periphery of the alignment plate, wherein the aperture is of a cruciform shape, and wherein the aperture is adapted to receive a post and to enable a torque to be applied to the post;
at least a first notch formed in the outer periphery of the alignment plate, wherein the at least a first notch is adapted to receive an edge of the post to realign the edge;
a lever arm, wherein a first end of the lever arm is fixed to the alignment plate, wherein the alignment plate defines a first plane, wherein a longitudinal axis of the lever arm is at least one of parallel to and in the first plane, wherein the lever arm further comprises a T-post pounder with a bore portion capable of receiving the post, and wherein the bore is terminated by a stop.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a second notch formed in the outer periphery of the alignment plate that is adapted to receive an edge of a post, wherein the first notch and the second notch are formed on opposite sides of the alignment plate.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lever arm further comprises a handle.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lever arm comprises a plurality of handles adapted for driving a post.