Apparatuses and methods for setting posts of columns in to the ground are provided. Expandable metals in response to hydrolysis that tend to fill in spaces and cavities, even over time, which is a useful feature when setting columns into the ground. A hydrolyzing fluid can be supplied, as necessary, to cause the hydrolysis of the expanding metal, or supplied by ground water. Upon hydrolysis, the expanding metal expands around the column to adhere and grip the column securely, while the metal may also expand outwardly to increase cross-sectional bulk lending to a more overall stabilization of a set column. The expandable metal may be provided as a solid sleeve drivable into the ground with a post, as an auger that can be used to turn a column into the ground or, as a rod that can be driven through the interior of a column into the ground.