How to Use a Fence Tool

Use a fence tool when installing or repairing barbed wire fence.

A fence tool is essentially a multi-tool as it incorporates several fencing tools into one easy to use and carry design. Pounding, cutting, prying, twisting and pulling are some of the tasks for which a fence tool is well-suited. Available for purchase from many hardware, home and big box stores, fence tools can be particularly useful when installing or repairing wire fence such as barbed wire.

Things You'll Need

• Fence tool
• Wood fence post
• Barbed wire

Instructions

1. Open the jaws of the fence tool and clamp them shut around a length of wire. Position the jaw just below the barb of a barbed wire fence for additional leverage. Pull with the fence tool to stretch wire from one post to another.

2. Drive U-shaped fence staples with the hammer of the fence tool. Place a U shaped fence staple over the wire and the sharp points of the staple are contacting the wood post. Drive the staple into the post with the flat hammer end of the tool to secure the fence to the post.

3. Repair a length of wire fence with the fence tool. Overlap two ends of wire fence that are broken. Clamp the wires in the jaws of the fence tool and turn to twist the two ends together several times to repair the fence line.

4. Cut metal wire fence with the fence tool wire cutters. Open the fence tool so that the wire can be inserted down between the wire cutters at the base of the jaws. Close the jaws and apply pressure to both handles to cut through the metal wire.

5. Remove old staples from fence posts with the horn end of the fence tool. Position the tip of the horn under the U-shaped staple. Rotate the handles of the fence tool upward causing the point of the horn to drive down under the staple and loosen it. Raise and lower the fence tool to continue working the horn under the staple until it can be removed.

References

• Cool Tools: Fence Pliers
• Cushman: Fence Pliers