Image of a house with a fence around it denoting the tools of a fence builder

For any profession, tools are of immense importance. It is with the right tools that any professional can excel in that particular field. Of course, we are not arguing that tools are the only aspect to consider. In the field of fence building, which is a career with good demand, tools, in any case, play a significant role. That is why we place such a high value on the tools of a fence builder. There can be certain tasks for which you would not require tools. That is rare. But then again, to do the same tasks efficiently, you would somehow or other need to use tools. So, in this article, we are going to tell you all about the tools of a fence builder.

What do Fence Builders do?

Before we tell you about the tools of a fence builder, let us have a look at what a fence builder does in particular. This may be a help for you in gaining a complete grasp of what this is all about. 

A fence installer is someone who oversees the whole fence-building procedure. Basically, it goes from initial measurements to ongoing maintenance. A fence builder may start by determining the location of the fence line. After that, it is to get any obstacles out of the way, drill post holes, cut the material to fit the job, erect the fence, and make any necessary repairs.

However, fence builders may provide their customers with a work schedule as well as a labor and supply cost estimate in the initial step. A fence installer would often discuss with a customer to learn about the job’s specifics, such as the number of gates and fence size. In some cases, you may need to install locks or other home security measures on the property as well.

Fence builders may need to have specific skills in order to carry out their responsibilities. A fence builder often requires fundamental business skills, arithmetic ability, and problem-solving abilities. Of course, fence builders can learn such skills over time while they engage in the trade. 

Now, you have good knowledge of what fence builders do in general. So, let us now move to the main content that we hope to discuss through this article. 

What are the Tools of a Fence Builder?

Alright. So, now, we can discuss the tools of a fence builder and get an understanding. For your ease, we thought of listing them out to start with.

  1. Post-hole digger
  2. Shovel
  3. Saws
  4. Fence pliers
  5. Fence tensioners
  6. Tamping tool
  7. Wire cutter
  8. Post-pounder
  9. Claw hammer
  10. Tape measure

Of course, you would be pretty anxious to know about all these in detail. Do not worry. We will tell you all about them lengthily. Just keep reading!

1. Post-hole digger

This is obviously a must-have in our list of tools of a fence builder. A post-hole, or a post-hole pincer, or a post-hole clam digger, is a tool that consists of two articulated shovel-like blades that form an incomplete hollow cylinder. It is about a foot long and a few inches wide. Also, it consists of two long handles that can open (parallel) or close (convergent) the blades.

This is primarily for digging holes in the ground. You can dig holes ranging in size from a few inches to roughly a foot in diameter. This may be for tasks such as installing fences and signposts or planting saplings. You can operate this tool by stabbing it into the ground with the blades open. After that, you can shut the blades using the handle. It grabs the dirt between the blades. The soil is then placed by the side when the tool is removed. The procedure continues until the hole is sufficiently deep. 

What you should keep in mind basically is that you should always purchase tools that are of high quality. There is actually no use in purchasing a product that you cannot really utilize for a long time. Obviously, these types of tools must surely be durable. 

XtremepowerUS 1500W Industrial Electric Post Hole Digger Fence Plant Soil Dig Powerhead include 6″ Digging Auger Bit Kit

As a post-hole digger, this is a suggestion from us for you to buy. In general, this is a good one for a fence builder to have. The drill bit is of high-strength manganese steel. So, it can endure impact, extrusion, material wear, and other abrasive conditions. Its robust black paint that resists rust and corrosion ensures its longevity. For extra protection, this has a safety lock mechanism that prevents inadvertent activation. And its vibration-proof handles provide maximum stability for anyone working with this. Considering all of the above, this would surely be a good choice for you. 

2. Shovel

A shovel is a tool that you can use to dig, lift, and move bulk items. That might be dirt, coal, gravel, snow, sand, or something like that. However, for a fence builder, it might most probably be soil. 

The material of shovel blades are often sheet steel or hard polymers. And they are quite durable. For the shovel handles, the manufacturers usually use wood or fiberglass. 

Sheet steel hand shovel blades often feature a seam or hem on the back to create a socket for the handle. This fold is also there to give the blade more stiffness. Typically, the handles are riveted in place. Where the shovel moves dirt and heavy objects, a T-piece is frequently there at the end of the handle to help the operator grip and control.

Doubtlessly, fence builders need shovels big time. But we need to tell you that there are various different types of shovels as well. To suit the type of task that you carry out at a particular time, you need to choose the shovel that you are going to use. 

All the same, you need to have sturdy and durable tools. Of course, you are not buying any tool for the use of a month or two. You surely need to use them for a long period of time. That is why it is important to purchase good-quality tools all the time. 

Ashman Square Shovel 27 Inches in Length with D-Cup Mini Handle Square Shovel, Sturdy Build and Easy to use, Material with Firm and Comfortable Durable Handle, Built to Last

This shovel is actually a good choice for a fence builder. As you would know shovels are common in many fields. And most professionals need them. Nonetheless, a fence builder can choose this Ashman shovel to make use of, in the fence building tasks. This shovel’s grip gives a solid and comfortable grasp, making it ideal for fence building or any other construction work. Also, its blade is robust, solid, and resilient, and it serves as the torchbearer for the entire shovel, guiding it into the earth. Depending on this shovel’s worthiness, we thought of recommending this to you as it is ideal for your work. 

3. Saws

As one of the tools of a fence builder, fence builders need to have saws as well. In fact, there are different types of saws. Primarily, a fence builder would need chainsaws and circular saws. 

During the construction of fences, you will have to use a chainsaw to cut boards and other supplies. The cuts will be much easier to make if you have a nice chainsaw. When you have a chainsaw, you can cut through even thick boards with reasonable ease. You should use caution when operating the chainsaw, but it will be well worth the investment. An electric type would be easy to operate when it comes to chainsaws. The brushless motor is quite efficient, so you should be able to complete your task without having to recharge it. 

And the next type is the circular saw. You may cut any boards for your fence with this circular saw. However, you would need a fast-cutting saw. You could cut with a handsaw, but a circular saw will be more efficient in the long run. You will surely be able to complete your board cutting in a timely manner and stay on track with the use of circular saws.

Whatever the case is, you would definitely have to use saws for your professional work. So, it is surely worth the buy.

POPOMAN Cordless Circular Saw, 4-1/2″ Saw with Laser Guide, 20V 2.0Ah Battery, 1H Charger, 9.5″ Base Plate, Max Cutting Depth 1-11/16” (90°), 1-1/8” (45°), Wood, Plastic and Metal Cuts – MTW80B

As we told you, fence builders may need both circular saws and chainsaws in general. This is a circular saw that we think would be ideal for you. This cordless circular product is really of high quality. This has a blade guard and safety switch design both help to minimize accidents while in use, ensuring a safer cutting task. So, you would not have to worry about your safety when you are working with this at all. And there is a laser guide in it as well. This helps you get the most accurate cut. 

4. Fence pliers

Wire fence pliers can make the job of installing wire fences a lot easier. This is specifically for the installation and disassembly of wire fences. It is actually pretty easy to use, and you will be able to utilize it for a variety of applications. You will be able to cut wires as well as extend them to the right length.

You might be able to use it instead of a claw hammer for some wire fencing needs because it features a hammer strike face that works well for these tasks. When you have fence pliers on hand, extracting and putting fence post staples will be as straightforward as feasible.

Usually, it is chrome vanadium steel that manufacturers use to make these fence pliers. They will be as long-lasting as possible so that you can use them with confidence. If you do not want to use fence pliers, you can get by without them. Yet, this is extremely useful for constructing and installing a wire fence. So, it is a lot better if you could have one for you. It surely helps you in your profession of fence building.

Malco FP2 10 in. Fencing Pliers

This is a durable fence plier that any fence builder can make use of. This has good handles and all other positive things that you can expect from a fence plier. On Amazon, this Malco fence plier has received a lot of positive reviews from its customers from all over the world. And the ratings are also pretty good. So, this surely would be a good one for you to go for. One happy customer has commented, “Great quality. Works great” on Amazon. And that small review tells a lot.

5. Fence tensioners

Next in our list of tools of a fence builder are fence tensioners. You would need a fence tensioner when you are constructing and installing a wire fence. Of course, a fence builder needs to have fence tensioners for certain. If not, it would not really be practical enough to create the tension for a fence without using a specific tool that is there for that purpose. 

Basically, a tension tool has a well-functioning gearing mechanism in it. Every time you use this, you will get consistent tension. This ensures that your fencing is constant across its whole length. You want all of your wires to be the same length, so having a tool like this is quite useful.

It is important that you get a good handle for your fence tensioners. Always, having a firm grip on your fence tensioners is of immense importance. 

Fence Shock Electric Fence Wire Strainer, 10PCS Heavy Duty Inline Wire Tensioner, Wire Ratchet Tensioner for Electric Fence, Farm Fence

This fence tensioner has used a rust-resistant material to manufacture it. And this is sturdy as well. So, you would not have to worry about the durability of this item basically. This has high stability and is pretty easy to install. Surely, a fence builder can benefit from this great product.

6. Tamping tool

In terms of the tools of a fence builder that you need to have, you would need to make sure you have a nice and good tamping tool. The earth around the corners of your posts must be thoroughly tamped. The integrity of the fence will be jeopardized if things are not adequately planned. Overall, a tamping pole is really easy to use, and you should have no issue tamping the soil.

You can use the chisel on one end of a tamping pole to break up the soil. Also, you can use it to remove obstructions such as rocks and other debris. The pole’s other end is there to compact the earth around the post. It is actually simple to grasp, and you would have no trouble using it to its maximum capacity at all. 

Tamping tools must be sturdy and long-lasting. It is then only will you be able to use it without worrying about it breaking. And it must be long enough to provide the appropriate amount of leverage for tamping the earth. So you should obtain one to guarantee that you can properly tamp down the earth with.

AMES 2233400 9-Pound Steel Tamper with Hardwood Handle, 48-Inch

Here is a suggestion for a tampering tool from us. This consists of a 9 pound 8-inch x 8-inch steelhead. Also, for more strength, this has a hardwood handle and a thicker lower portion. The buyers of this product have admired the factors such as sturdiness, ease of use, and value for money on Amazon. According to all these, this tapering tool seems to be a good choice for a fence builder. 

7. Wire cutter

In more technical terms, we can refer to wire cutters as diagonal pliers also. Perhaps, you can call them diagonal cutting pliers or cutting pliers as well. Wire cutters can cut copper, brass, iron, aluminum, and steel. Because the jaws are not firm enough, lower-quality models are not appropriate for cutting tempered steel, such as a piano wire. Attempting to cut such material frequently may result in indentations in the jaws or a piece breaking out of one or both jaws, resulting in damaging the tool.

When working with wire fencing, wire cutters are an essential tool. Of course, if you use wood to build a particular fence, then you would not have to use a wire cutter. But it always is a great addition to your toolset. Nevertheless, you can cut the ends of the wire that you are springing up with the wire cutters. It will provide you with the clean cuts you require while also allowing you to work more quickly.

It is not a wise choice to try to build wire fencing without wire cutters. To cut the wire, you would need the correct tools. Surely, you would be able to cut the wire and set it where it needs to be with ease if you use good wire cutters. It is also useful when you need to make some changes to rolling fencing.

Wire cutters are a relatively inexpensive tool. You won’t have to shell out a lot of cash for this instrument. Wire cutters are available at any hardware store, as well as several department stores. If you are going to use wire fencing of any kind, make sure you get a wire cutter before you start building your fence.

IGAN-170 Wire Cutters, Precision Electronic Flush Cutter, One of the Strongest and Sharpest Side-Cutting pliers with an Opening Spring, Ideal for Ultra-fine Cutting Needs.

This is sharp and strong. And this has a carbon steel design as well. Therefore, this is actually a durable product that a fence builder can make use of. Also, it has a tight and firm grip. So, you can comfortably use it without any issue. Of course, it is important that you get the ability to use this type of tool for a long time. There are plenty of happy customers of this product all over the world. And they have rated very well for this on Amazon. 

8. Post-pounder

A post pounder, or let us call it a post driver, post rammer, post knocker, or fence driver, is a tool that you can use to drive fence posts into the ground. Usually, strong steel is the material of its pipe. Its handles are welded to the sides and closed at one end. A post pounder is generally for the use of one person. However, there are larger versions that require two people.

As we told you, you would need a good post pounder to properly drive your fence posts into the ground. There are various different sorts of post-pounders on the market, so you should think about them all before making a purchase. There are two types of post-pounders: manual and motorized that run on gasoline, in the main. The difficulty with gas-powered post-pounders is that they do not run as cleanly as manual ones and are more expensive. If we compare them to manual post-pounders, you may have to pay more than three times the price for a one like that. This is a lot more money and you can accomplish the same task with a manual tool too. 

If you have a lot of fence posts to pound in, you might want to consider a gas-powered type. You may be able to save a large amount of time as a result of this. All you have to do now is think about your budget and what sort of tasks that you would have to undertake. Make the most cost-effective decision that meets your requirements. If you have a business of your own, you would perhaps need the better type as a matter of fact.

MTB Fence Post Driver with Handle, 12LB Black T Post Pounder Hand Post Rammer for U Fence Post Wooden Post

To have as one of the tools of a fence builder, this is a good post-pounder that a fence builder can have. This actually is scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, chip-resistant, rust-resistant, and weather-resistant. And therefore, you would not have to worry about the durability of this tool. On Amazon, the customers of this product have admired factors such as durability, sturdiness, ease of use, and value for money. So, this would surely be a good product for you to utilize for your fence building tasks. 

9. Claw hammer

A claw hammer is a tool that you can use to drive nails into or remove nails out of other objects. Commonly, a claw hammer is necessary for woodworking and a lot of other fields. And of course, fence building also requires fence builders to have a claw hammer as one of the tools of a fence builder. And  Because the steel in its head is rather fragile, it is not ideal for hard pounding on metal surfaces; the ball-peen hammer is better suitable for such metals.

If you’re constructing a wooden fence, you would not be able to do without a claw hammer. To construct the fence, you would need to nail together a lot of planks. A claw hammer is still necessary for numerous phases in the construction of wire fences. It surely is a great ally in helping you get everything set up correctly.

And just like it is for other tools, it is important for your claw hammer to have a firm and sturdy hammer. Durability is, nevertheless, a pretty important fact all the time when it comes to a hand tool. 

KURUI 16 oz Claw Hammer & 560PCs Hardware Nail Assortment Kit, framing Hammer Set with Anti-Slip Handle, Anti-Corrosive Galvanized 280 Picture Hanging Nails & 280 Finishing Nails for Household and DIY

This is an assortment that includes a claw hammer as well as a set of nails of 8 different types. Of course, this is ideal for all kinds of work. And in fact, it is perfect for a fence builder as well. Many customers of this product have rated this really well saying that this was ergonomic, easy to hold, and worth its cost. “Hands fit nicely around the hammer. It feels great. The grip is wonderful. You don’t have to continually hammer because, in a few strokes, you are done.” This is how a buyer of this claw hammer has reviewed it on Amazon.

10. Tape measure

Without question, a tape measure is a pretty common tool that many professionals would have to use on various occasions. Although we have mentioned tape measure as the last of our list of tools of a fence builder, perhaps, this is what a fence builder may need in the first place. Obviously, you would need to do the measuring before you get into anything else. You would probably know that when there is a good start, it is more like you have completed half of your work. Just think what would happen if you notice that your measurements are wrong after you completed almost all your work. So, perhaps the measuring stage is important more than any other phase in your work. That is why tape measures are that important. 

As fence builders, you must ensure that you cut the boards to the appropriate length. If you are dealing with a wire fence, you would want to make sure everything is evenly spaced. It will be much easier to get the measurements perfect if you have a tape measure. 

Overall, tape measures are fairly simple to use. You can take them almost everywhere with you. They can simply fit in a toolbelt and will be able to fasten to your belt loop. You would be able to pull it out and do some fast measurements anytime you need it.

The majority of common tape measures can measure up to 25 feet. Different models of tape measures might have minor differences. But having a good one is always vital. All the same, make sure to double-check the measurements before you start working on them. 

LEXIVON [2-Pack] 25Ft/7.5m Tape Measure, DuaLock & AutoLock | 1-Inch Wide Blade with Nylon Coating, Matt Finish White & Yellow Dual Sided Rule Print | Ft/Inch/Fractions/Metric (LX-204)

In terms of tape measures, this is a good one that we can recommend to you. Although you might not consider tape measures to be of significant importance, they surely are, as we previously told you. So, a tape measure is a must-have for any fence builder. Of course, this is a must-have for any professional in the field of construction as well. So, make sure that you have a good tape measure. And this is obviously a good one for you to choose. You would not have to worry about the quality of this product. Its durability, performance, precision, and longevity are of a good standard.

Conclusion

Alright. In this article, we drew your attention to the tools of a fence builder. We think that this has been an informative read for you. However, if you further need to read about some other tools certain professionals use, you can read about them as well. Of course, you can read about the tools of a plumber, electrician, carpenter, masonry worker, HVAC technician, ironworker, glazier, solar installer, and so on. Finally, we wish you all the best in your career!