Fencing Tools and Equipment

What hand tools belong in every fence kit?

A good kit covers measuring, cutting, tying, driving and digging. You will use these tools often, so buy quality items that fit your hands.

Buy tools one at a time and use them for a season, so you learn what you reach for most. A well-made tool can last decades.

• Fencing pliers for cutting, pulling and stapling
• Wire cutters, tension tools and crimping or splicing tools
• Hammer, staples and a tape measure
• Post hole digger or digging bar and a shovel
• Level, string line and marking paint
• Gloves, eye protection and sturdy boots

What do you use to set posts?

Posts can be driven, dug or auger-set. A manual post driver is inexpensive and uses a weight you lift and drop. Hydraulic, tractor-mounted and skid-steer-mounted drivers speed up large jobs. Augers dig holes quickly in soil that allows it.

Choose equipment to match your soil, post type and number of posts. Rocky or very hard soil can make some tools unsuitable. Ask neighbors and local fence builders what works on your ground.

For a short fence line, a hand post driver and patience may be enough. For long runs, consider renting or hiring.

• Hand driver for short lines
• Auger for soft soil
• Tractor or skid steer driver for long runs
• Rent before you buy

What tools help with wire and tension?

Wire needs to be stretched and held. Come-alongs, stretchers and tensioners help set tight wire, and crimps or knots hold it. Wire can snap or whip, so wear eye protection and stay clear of the line.

Know the type of fence you are building. Woven wire, barbed wire, high-tensile wire, electric polywire and board fence each call for different tools and methods. Extension fencing publications explain each.

Stretching wire is easier with a helper who understands the plan, and a clear signal between you prevents accidents.

• Wear eye protection near tight wire
• Stay out of line with stretched wire
• Release tension slowly
• Check knots and crimps before letting go

What do you need for electric fence?

An electric fence needs an energizer, grounding, insulators and a way to test voltage. A tester shows whether the fence is working and where faults lie. Choose an energizer designed for your fence length, animals and vegetation conditions.

Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and local rules, and use only equipment made for fencing. Never connect an energizer to household current in a way that is not designed. Post warning signs, and keep children away.

Test the fence regularly and fix grounding or insulation problems early. Weeds touching a line can drain voltage.

What equipment helps haul and move materials?

Posts, wire and rolls are heavy. A UTV, trailer, wheelbarrow or tractor with a loader can save your back. A wire spinner or dispenser keeps rolls from tangling and reduces the chance of injury.

Move materials in small loads, secure them well and protect your hands. Do not carry heavy rolls on slopes without help.

Use a cart or sled to move rolls across rough ground, and ask for help lifting posts and rolls.

• Wire dispenser or spinner
• Cart or sled
• Small loads
• Help lifting posts

What safety gear should you wear?

Wear eye protection, gloves, long pants and sturdy boots. Use hearing protection when running drivers, augers or saws. Stay clear of tight wire, and keep other people back when stretching.

Call before you dig so you do not hit buried lines. Contact your state's utility locating service to learn how to request marking, and do so before any digging. Mark property lines with the help of a survey if you have any doubt, since fence disputes can be costly.

Wear a hard hat or head protection when using an overhead driver.

When should you hire fence work?

Long runs, difficult ground or specialized fencing such as high-tensile systems may be better done by an experienced crew. Get written estimates, check references and clarify who owns the fence line.

Rules about boundary fences, livestock enclosure, liability and cost sharing vary by state and county. Ask your county extension office, county clerk or a licensed attorney about local requirements.

Keep a simple sketch of your fence layout with gate positions and wire types for future repairs.

• Get written estimates
• Check references
• Clarify who owns the line
• Check local fence rules

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.