How long does it take for fence post cement to dry and set before i can start nailing on the boards?

I am in the Chicago area and it rained a few days ago.... I am also using molds and wood 4x4's

Answer:

If you are using quick crete you should be alright 24 hours later. Pnuematic tools offer less pounding on your fence which can increase the movement of your posts and therefore loose some of its tightness. Although your best bet is to look at the base of your posts and very lighty shake them and see if you concrete is still loose. Good luck.

You want a durable fence so why in the world would you rush to nail and put pressure on fresh concrete after you go to the hard work. Just wait a minimum of 3 days, that is 72 hours from time of pouring, so if you finished on Tuesday at 4:00PM DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING EARLIER THAN FRIDAY AFTER 4:00 PM. Very simple and fundamental. Once you cracked the fresh concrete, you simply ruined it, period. DO NOT DO IT!!!.

You can pour the cement one day and let it dry over night --You should be able to nail the boards onto it the next day. Wait for a day with (no rain) to pour cement. We just built a fence and poured the cement and it set up real well by the next day--but it was not raining. Good Luck on your fence

you lost me at molds. If you poured your holes monday, they should be ready to pound on by saturday, that's conservative given the rain and all.