The Ultimate Garden Fencing Tools List: Essential Equipment, Materials & Tools Needed to Build a Wooden Fence

A

An adze is a kind of axe, a specialist cutting tool for the tenons on a fence arris rail. Although it might look like an axe, it is far more specialised. The adze has a sturdy wooden handle with a metal handle inserted at a right angle. The blade is perpendicular to the handle, unlike an axe, where the blade is in line with the handle. An adze is used mainly by professionals to shape wooden arris rails and fence posts and is one of the valuable tools needed to build a wooden fence.

B

A bucket and a bin are vital pieces of kit on a fencing tools list. Tidying as you go along means you have less to do at the end of your fencing project. Bolt cutters are a special tool used when erecting wire and mesh boundary fences, but if you have some bolts and they need cutting, then this is your fencing tool of choice.

C

A claw hammer, crimping tool and chalk line are essential fencing tools and a must-have for every fencer’s tool bag. You need a claw hammer when putting up wooden garden fence panels for driving and removing nails, doing minor demolition work, and digging small holes. The crimping tool is for use on wire and mesh fences, while a chalk line is necessary to mark out the placement of your boundary fence.

D

A digging bar, or solid-forged fencing bar, does as the name describes in tough or compact ground. Whether you are using a manual or power-driven digging bar to pry out rocks and tree roots, once your fence post is in place, the digging bar becomes a compacter, compressing the soil around the post for stability.

A drill, cordless or corded, is a fundamental tool for anyone erecting a boundary fence or garden building. It is non-negotiable, so make sure you choose the correct drill for the work you are undertaking as these are the tools needed to build a wooden fence and without them, you will struggle.

E

Your essential garden fencing equipment toolbox must include an edging tool. The tool is for defining your edges, who does not want defined edges – not us!

F

Fence pliers, also known as fencing pliers, are multifunction tools that incorporate a hammerhead that acts as a hammer, a claw to poke out nails, and wire cutters with a gripping jaw. The fencing pliers also have a staple puller attachment that removes fence staples and a crimping jaw to tension wire. Fence pliers are a great all-rounder.

Feather edge board cutters are designed specifically to cut featheredge fence panels or featheredge wooden side gates. They are designed to enhance the safety and precision when cutting this type of fence panel. If you are installing featheredge fence panels, this tool is for you.

Fence post drivers are vital and the most important tool beginning with ‘F’, they come in two sizes and make driving in fence posts a dream.

G

You really need to use gloves, especially when installing gravel boards. These are wooden or concrete boards placed at the base of your fence to protect your panels from moisture and pest attacks. They also act as a debris shield and extend the life of your boundary fence.

H

A hack saw is another essential tool that can be used when you are installing metal fences. The hack saw’s fine blade is also useful for cutting plastic or composite fencing materials.

I , J

An impact driver is an industrial fencing tool that drives in screws and bolts with high torque and rotational force to place more significant fixings in place. Impact drivers are also handy for working in a tight space as they are lightweight and compact.

A jigsaw is a DIY enthusiast’s friend. It is a versatile tool for cutting curves, shapes, and straight lines in all sorts of materials. If you are installing a window in your shed, a jigsaw is handy. Read more about shed window installation here.

K,L

All knees eventually need knee pads; our advice is to use them from the get-go and prevent knee trouble later. A ladder is vital to any DIY installation. You need a ladder and a level for any installation from the fence to the garage. These are basic tool requirements for anyone planning to do anything that requires height and a level view.

M

Mesh wire cutters and a concrete mixer are self-explanatory and equally important on the roster of garden fencing equipment. If you are laying paving slabs for a stable concrete shed foundation, you might need a mixer, or you might not. Read the blog to find out.

N

You will need nails when building a fence, a shed, a garden building or even a planter. Here are the types of nails you need and what they are used for:

• Aluminium nails - especially suited to hardwood, nails made of aluminium do not stain the wood as they do not rust or weather
• Galvanised nails - zinc coated to prevent rust, these nails are perfect for outdoor use
• Stainless steel nails - these nails are also ideal for outside use but are more expensive than galvanised nails

O

An orbital sander is an easy-to-use versatile tool for wooden surfaces. If you require a smooth surface on the exterior of your shed, garden office or summer house, the orbital sander is up to the job, suitable for both professional and DIY projects.

P

The job of a post rammer is to ram in your fence posts. Also known as a post driver or post pounder, this is a heavy-duty tool that is particularly useful in wet ground to ensure your fence posts are uniformly and evenly placed in the ground. Fence post concrete is a no-brainer when it comes to stability. A quick-drying concrete mix means you can complete your fencing project quickly without compromising the outcome.

Q

A quick clamp is a particularly good tool for lone DIYers. You can clamp and fix bracing rails or a temporary fence brace. Two hands are always better than one, but if you cannot get anyone to help you, a quick clamp might help.

R

A rake is a gardening tool that can help you prepare your ground for your new fencing. Raking the ground helps uncover rocks and debris that can make your fencing installation difficult.

S

All the Ss, no fencing tools list is complete without screwdrivers, sand, screws, a string line and a spade, these self-explanatory tools make life so much easier. Much like nails, screws come galvanised, made in stainless steel or aluminium. While screws are often used inside your garden building, shed or garage, manufacturers make them rustproof. All you need is a set of screwdrivers, and you are sorted. Here is a definition of what each type of screw and screwdriver you need:

• Flathead or slotted screwdriver and matching screws - this tool has a flat head that fits into a linear notch on the top of a matching screw
• Phillips screwdriver and screw - the screwdriver features a cross-shaped tip that fits into screws with a matching recess

There are many other kinds of screwdrivers, but these are most used in fencing. A string line is an important yet cheap-to-own item that allows you to level your fence posts, and a spade is also a non-negotiable tool that speaks for itself.

T

For anyone who does not know, a tarpaulin is a heavy-duty cover used as a temporary protective covering that guards against inclement weather and protects tools and materials mid-project. Known as a ‘tarp’ in the US, this handy bit of kit is a vital part of your fencing tools list.

The same is true of a tape measure, which is made for precise measurements during fence planning. Accurate measurements avoid expensive mistakes and ensure that your fence is functional, practical, and aesthetically pleasing.

U,V

A utility knife or fencing knife is a must-have item for garden fencing equipment. With a utility knife, you can cut fencing material, trim wires, and make precise cuts in roofing felt.

The same is not true of Vise-grip pliers, but you try finding a fencing tool beginning in ‘V’. Vise-grip pliers are handy as the material that covers the hand means your hand will not slip if it is wet, but other than that, standard plier will work just as well.

W

Keep hydrated, fencing folk! Water is not just for drinking; you need it for your fence post cement mix and to water your plants. Wellington boots are always useful, and a wheelbarrow is among the tools needed to build a wooden fence. It also makes a handy seat for your tea break.

X,Y

An X-Atco knife is a precise cutting tool with a pen-like design that you almost certainly do not need as it is used in crafts and hobbies, but you never know; you might need one. The same is true of a Yoke Vise, which is really used by plumbers, so if you are digging out pipes and moving drains, then a Yoke Vise might come in handy.

& Z

Everyone needs a zip tie. They are perfect for attaching plant pots to your newly fitted garden fence. Buy a zip tie just to say your A-Z of fencing tools is complete!

We can help with all your fencing tools and installation needs, whether you need to secure fence posts, repair sagging fences or shop for the best tools to get a perfect finish. The Buy Fencing Direct team will give you tailored advice to help you measure and achieve success with your project and keep safety and efficiency in mind.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements and ensure your garden fencing tools are perfectly suited to the job:

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