If you are interested in starting your fencing contractor career, it’s vital to understand the type of fencing tools you need for each project. Having the right fence building tools makes the fence installation process much easier.
Professional, high-quality fencing tools make a considerable difference due to their reliability and durability. These tools can endure repeated use and have a long lifespan if you take good care of them.
In this post, we look at what you need to know about tools to build a fence and the benefits of using a dedicated fence app.
Let’s dig in!
Fence Stretching Tools
Stretching sagging fence wires is no easy task and attempting to do it by hand is not enough. Fence stretching tools typically stretch sagging wire fences, including smooth and chain link fencing.
When stretching a fence, it’s important to note that tighter isn’t always better. Overstretching a fence places unnecessary pressure on the posts, especially at the end of the line. Similarly, if your fence slacks too much, it puts pressure on the wire, resulting in premature failure and high maintenance costs.
One of the most common fence stretching tools is a fence stretcher bar. This tool uses steel bolts and bars to clamp down wires running horizontally on any fence with a woven style, ensuring the mesh pulls evenly.
Here are some additional fence stretching tools to consider:
Fence Tensioner
This tool is mostly used for installing or building a wire fence. There are many fence tensioner types, so ensure you select a tensioner with an easy-to-use handle and an effective built-in gearing system.
Come-along
This tool helps to tension heavy-duty fences. You need a come-along in your toolbox if your project involves a large wire fence. Most come-alongs have impressive lifting capabilities, with some lifting up to 4,000 pounds, making them ideal for commercial and residential fencing projects.
Fence Post Tools
For beginner fencing contractors, there are several standard fence-building tools that you should have no matter the nature of the project. From a claw hammer to heavy leather gloves, here are some must-have fence post tools for fencing contractors:
Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are a crucial tool when working with wire fencing but aren’t ideal for building and installing a wooden fence. These are primarily used to cut off excess pieces of wire fencing, allowing you to make clean cuts and work faster. They are very affordable and can be found at any hardware store and in some department stores.
Crimping Tool
This handy little tool lets you crimp wires into place. You’ll want a compact crimping tool that can reach tight areas and has comfortable handles. You can purchase wire cutters that can double as a crimping tool to save on money and toolbox space.
Electric Fence Tester
If you are working with an electric fence, an electric fence tester will help you pinpoint the exact spot that has issues, allowing you to save time. This tool measures different fence sections’ voltage to ensure it works optimally.
Chainsaw
Sometimes, you might have a fencing job in a location without electricity, which is why having a small chainsaw comes in handy. Chainsaws are ideal for trimming braces and posts, which saves you time switching between different tools. When working with a chainsaw, exercise extreme caution.
Tamping Tool
To maintain the fence’s integrity after installing new posts, you must tamp the soil around the post corners. Tamping tools are pretty easy to use and don’t require any experience. You should consider a tamping tool with a chisel that lets you break up soil while the other end tamps the soil.
Tools for Digging Fence Post Holes
Digging holes for fence poles is a significant part of the fence-building process. Digging is usually a labor-intensive activity, but with the right fence digging posts, you can dig many holes without even breaking a sweat.
Here are some standard tools for digging fence post holes that every fencing contractor should consider owning:
Post Hole Digger
A heavy-duty hand post hole digger helps you dig holes to the proper depth; some even come with rulers for additional accuracy. Consider getting a post-hole digger with cushion grips to make the handle more comfortable, allowing you to use the tool for extended periods without feeling any roughness.
Alternatively, you can use the digger with a tractor by attaching a post-hole auger to save you lots of time.
Shovel
A good-quality all-purpose shovel will serve you well for fencing installations. You can use the shovel to transport extra rubble after digging and installing a fence. The shovel can also even out some areas to ensure the fence sits level on the ground. You should consider getting a durable steel digging shovel strong enough to dig through the hardened ground.
Post-pounder
This tool is used to drive the fence posts into the ground. Several types of post-pounders are available in the market, but most are powered by gasoline, making the process relatively simple. The gas-powered option is not cheap, so most fencing contractors prefer a manual post-pounder.
Fence Measuring Tools
Placing fence posts at the wrong intervals leads to a shoddy job, which could make the client have you repeat the entire process. Proper fencing tools are essential for every fencing contractor to ensure they correctly place posts.
Here are some standard fence measuring tools:
String Line
When installing a fence, you want to ensure that the fence and posts are straight. The string line tool helps you mark starting and finishing points. Before pulling the string line, clear any obstructions between the two points to ensure you have a straight line and all fence posts have the same height.
Laser-guided Mapping Tools
You can leverage fencing apps that come with laser-guided mapping tools to help you mark and install each post directly behind the last one. Laser-guided mapping tools allow you to work much quicker since you don’t have to deal with string line tools.
Grow Your Fencing Career with the Right Tools
As a fencing contractor, it’s essential to have the proper fencing tools to ensure you deliver the highest quality of service. On top of physical fencing tools, you should consider getting a software tool to help you plan your fencing projects for maximum productivity. At JobNimbus, we offer the best contractor software for fencing projects, giving you better organization, increased job capacity, and profitability.
With the best fencing tools, you’ll be able to grow your business and beat your competition.
If we missed any must-have fencing tools or you simply want to share your favorite fencing tool, feel free to leave a comment.
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5 Responses
I love that you talked about how due to their dependability and durability, professional, high-quality fencing tools significantly differ from cheaper alternatives. To increase safety, my family and I want to have fencing installation around our home, but we’re not sure if we should do it ourselves or hire a professional contractor. We were hunting for a solution when we came across your essay. We will undoubtedly soon hire a contractor as a result of this excellent information. Thanks.
I like how you mentioned how professional, high-quality fencing tools significantly differ from less expensive alternatives due to their dependability and durability. My family and I want to install fencing around our home to increase safety, but we’re not sure if we should do it ourselves or hire a qualified contractor. We came across your essay while looking for a solution. This is excellent information, and we will undoubtedly hire a contractor soon. Thanks.
Im starting my fence company and came here to see what tools are needed. I have to say this was awesome. Thank you.
I can understand how overstretching a fence, particularly near the end of the line, puts extra pressure on the posts. This is useful since my dad just bought a house with a big backyard and is looking at hiring a fencer to guard the perimeter and give the family privacy. Finding a trustworthy fence contractor who can provide high-caliber work and long-lasting fencing solutions is important to him because he understands the significance of boundary delineation and the need to create a secure outdoor area.
I’ve been considering a career in fencing contracting, and this article is a goldmine of information. The breakdown of different fence stretching tools is really helpful. It’s true that having the right tools makes a huge difference in efficiency and quality. I’ll definitely be keeping these tips in mind as I start my journey.