What are the best fencing tools you’ll need?

If you working in the fencing industry, you know how important it is to use best fencing tools for the job. Having the right equipment in your van means the job can be finished quickly. It can also be done to a high standard!

In this article, we take a quick look at different fencing tools and their uses. Whether that is for making holes, attaching panels or wire, or providing an excellent finish.

Thanks to our partnerships with various suppliers, tradespeople can also save money on their tools. Read on to discover how a Checkatrade membership could help you get essentials like fencing tools… for less!

What are the different types of fencing tools?

If you’re just starting out in the fencing industry, either upskilling as a fencing contractor or starting a fencing business, there can be a lot of information to get to grips with.

In addition to the basics of running a business, you’ll need to know about the best fencing tools on the market. There are different tools for different jobs. So here are types you’ll need to own.

• Tools for making post holes
• Hand tools
• Power tools
• Tools for finishing

Within the different groups of tools, there is much variation. Knowing what the job is means you’ll need to have a wide selection.

Getting to grips with fencing tools and their uses means that when you’re working on site, choosing a tool will be second nature.

For example, panelled fences are naturally installed in a very different way from wire. And replacing a fence will require different tools from installing a new one from scratch.

So read on to see what tools you’ll need for each job, and some of our favourites currently available.

What are the best tools for making post holes?

One of the key tasks for someone that works in fencing is putting posts down. For all types of fencing, posts are an essential element.

Depending on what you’re putting the posts into, you’ll need to know the different methods required. For example, putting posts down into broken ground or soil is not the same as having to put them down in concrete.

It will also depend on what materials you’re using. A metal post, a concrete post, or a wooden post all need their own technique.

As a result, they all require different tools. But here are our thoughts on some of the best tools for making holes for posts to go in.

• Post hole digger – a dedicated/specialised tool
• Spade – for moving earth
• Post driver – to help bed the post in
• Auger – to help break ground
• Core drill – to bore into concrete

You may need less, you may need more, but having access to these tools is a good place to start when you need to set out the posts for fencing.

What are the essential tools you’ll need?

Any good tradesperson has a broad range of general tools that cover a range of jobs. The same goes for anyone working in fencing.

Alongside tools needed for making holes and placing posts, you’ll need a good selection for putting the fence in place. Whether that’s wooden beams, panels, wire or anything else – you’ll need access to a good variety of tools.

Having the right equipment for the task in hand makes a big difference!

Hand tools include:

• Claw hammer
• Sledgehammer
• Screwdrivers
• Saw
• Tensioning fence tool
• Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Earth rammer
• Ratchet handle

Power tools include:

• Drill
• Sander
• Measuring tape
• Jigsaw (optional)

While this is not an exhaustive list of the best fencing tools, it’s a good place to begin if you’re just starting out in fencing.

How can you get the best finish?

Depending on the type of fence you’re fitting, you’ll need to leave a nice finish for your customer.

If it’s a wire fence, then you won’t need to worry as much about how it looks. However, with a wooden fence, adding a beautiful finish is an important step.

While you could simply use a paintbrush and stain, as a fencing professional, you could choose to go that bit further. Sanding down panels can be time consuming but is sometimes necessary. Especially if it is a case of repairing a fence rather than fitting a new one.

Here are some tools and extras to keep handy to help you get the best finish.

• Sander (such as the Silverline Random Orbit Sander)
• Fencing stain
• Selection of brushes
• Fence sprayer (such as the Ronseal Precision Pump)

You could of course choose to use pre-prepared fence panels – making finishing even easier!

How can Checkatrade members save money on essentials?

At Checkatrade, we’re the home of quality tradespeople. As a result, we’ve teamed up with a number of partners so that our members can get their business essentials for less.

Tradespeople working in the fencing industry can save on their tools from:

• Selco
• Tradepoint

To find out how much you can save, simply access the Offers and Discounts section of our Member’s Area. You’ll be able to see our current member benefits and claim your discount codes to use online or in store.

Members of the Association of Fencing Industries can also save money on a range of materials and services. It means that with Checkatrade and the AFI, a career in the fencing industry can be truly supported – and importantly, cost that little bit less!

FAQs

What are the best fencing hand tools?

The most versatile tools are the best tools. As a fencing contractor, you really can’t go wrong with a good selection of fencing pliers, offering several tools in one.

What tools do you need for wire fencing?

As well as your trusty fencing pliers, a wire tensioning tool and heavy duty tackers are also useful to have in your toolkit.

What are the functions of fencing tools?

As we’ve been looking at such a wide range of fencing tools in this article, there are many different functions they all play. As a skilled and trusted tradesperson, you’re already familiar with the main tools and techniques. Each tool has a different function, and you no doubt will have your favourites!