Fence repair tools are essential for any farmer or homesteader because fixing fences is rarely a simple task. Whether you’re handling routine maintenance or making a quick repair to a damaged section, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here are nine fence repair tools I always keep nearby when tackling a fence-repair project.
1. Speed Up Fence Assembly with a Powerful Electric Drill
After expounding on the virtues of electric drills in a previous column, I have to rank them as one of the most important tools for fixing fences. From drilling holes to screwing things together, an electric drill is essential.
2. Set Posts Securely in the Ground with a Manual Post Driver
During fence repairs, it’s inevitable that you’ll eventually need to move or replace fence posts, and having a post hole digger or an auger on hand is the way to go for digging new holes.
3. Loosen Stubborn Soil with a Heavy-Duty Digging Bar
Few tools are more useful on a fence-fixing project than a digging bar, my tool of choice for loosening the dirt around posts, prying the posts out of the ground, and later tamping dirt back into place. Being 5 or 6 feet long and made of steel, they’re heavy, but they’re worth it!
4. Move Dirt Efficiently with a Reliable Shovel
Replacing old fence posts or adding new ones requires moving a lot of dirt. Even if you use a specialty tool for actually digging the hole, you’ll want a shovel on hand for shifting the dirt around and adding it back into the hole once the post is in place.
5. Never Get Stuck—Bring a Variety of Drill Bits
Remember that summer when you accidentally bought square-head screws instead of your usual star-head screws? It’s not uncommon for fences to have been assembled from a variety of screw types (whatever happened to be handy), so you can save yourself some trips back to the tool shed by bringing along a variety of drill bits …
6. Drive Staples and Nails with a Solid Fencing Hammer
… and also a hammer! Just when you think you’ve got all the drill bits you need, you’ll discover that one part of the damaged fence is held together by nails. Know your types of hammers and use a claw hammer to remove old nails, and bring along a few new ones if you like to use them.
7. Tackle Multiple Fence Fixes with Heavy-Duty Fence Pliers
Even massive fences that surround acres of land are made up of tiny components, and these can be troublesome at times. Maybe you tied that knot in the rope a little too tight when you first installed the fence, or maybe you need to hold on to a nut while you tighten a bolt. I always have multiple pairs of pliers on hand, including at least one pair of locking pliers (commonly called vise-grips) that clamp in place and hang on tight without any effort on my part.
8. Haul Your Gear Easily with a Durable Wagon
As you can see, fixing fences requires a lot of tools! You’ll want a wagon of some sort (perhaps a yard cart or even a tractor-pulled trailer) to carry all your supplies to and from the work site.
9. Protect Your Eyes—Always Wear Safety Goggles
Although not technically a “tool,” plastic safety goggles are great for protecting your eyes from flying objects (because you never know when you might need to break up a piece of concrete holding an old post in place).
Fence Repair Tools: Final Thoughts
Having the right fence repair tools on hand can save you time, frustration, and even prevent future damage. Whether you’re maintaining wire fencing, fixing a broken post, or tightening sagging lines, these tools make the job faster and more efficient. Investing in a solid set of essentials now means you’ll be ready the next time your fence needs attention, because on the farm, it’s not a matter of if repairs are needed, but when.
This article about fence repair tools was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
