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Professional Fence Installation Tools
Having the right tools on the truck makes the difference between a profitable job and a frustrating one. NMI Fence Supply stocks the professional-grade fence installation tools that contractors rely on daily — from chain link stretching equipment and post-driving tools to specialty hardware for aluminum, vinyl, and wood fence systems.
Chain Link Installation Essentials
Every chain link installation requires a core set of tools:
- Fence stretcher / come-along — The most critical tool for a proper chain link installation. Attaches to the stretcher bar and pulls the fabric tight against the terminal post. A good come-along with a 15-foot pull capacity handles fences up to 12 feet tall.
- Stretcher bars — Flat steel bars threaded through the end of the chain link fabric before stretching. Available in heights matching standard fence sizes (4', 5', 6', 8', 10', 12').
- Tension bands and tension bars — Secure the stretched fabric to terminal posts. Tension bands bolt around the post and grip the tension bar for a clean, tight installation.
- Hog ring pliers and hog rings — Used to attach chain link fabric to line wire and top rail. Hog ring pliers speed up this repetitive task significantly.
- Tie wire and tie wire twister — Aluminum tie wire secures fabric to the framework. A tie wire twister tool makes consistent, tight connections faster than pliers.
Post Installation Tools
Setting posts efficiently requires the right digging and driving equipment:
- Post hole diggers — Manual clamshell diggers for small jobs, or hydraulic auger attachments for skid steers and tractors on large installations. Two-person gas-powered augers offer a middle ground for medium-sized projects.
- Post drivers — Gas-powered or manual post drivers for driving T-posts and small-diameter posts without concrete. Essential for temporary fencing and agricultural installations.
- Post levels — Magnetic post levels that attach to the post during setting, freeing both hands for bracing and pouring concrete. A must-have for plumb, professional-looking installations.
Specialty Tools
Beyond the basics, specialized tools handle specific tasks:
- Banding tools — For applying steel banding to secure fence panels to posts in commercial and industrial applications.
- Crimping tools — For securing fence ties, sleeve connections, and cable hardware.
- Rail benders — For shaping top rail to follow terrain contours on chain link installations.
- Vinyl fence tools — Post hole routers, panel jigs, and specialized fastening equipment for vinyl fence systems.
Not sure what tools you need for your next project? Consult our fence post spacing guide for installation planning tips.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential tools for a chain link fence installation?
The core tools for chain link installation are: a fence stretcher (come-along), stretcher bars, hog ring pliers with hog rings, tie wire twister, post hole digger or auger, post level, line level, tape measure, and wrenches for fittings. For professional contractors, a gas-powered auger and power tools for cutting pipe significantly speed up the process.
What type of post hole digger is best for fence installation?
For small jobs (under 20 posts), a manual clamshell digger works fine in loose soil. For most professional fence work, a two-person gas-powered auger (with 6" or 8" bit) is the standard. For large commercial projects, a hydraulic auger attachment on a skid steer is most efficient. Soil conditions matter — rocky ground may require a rock bar or jackhammer regardless of the digger type.
How do you use a fence stretcher on chain link?
Thread a stretcher bar through the end of the chain link fabric. Attach the come-along to the stretcher bar and to the terminal post at the opposite end. Crank the come-along to pull the fabric tight — the mesh should be taut with no visible sag between posts but not so tight that it distorts the diamond pattern. Once stretched, attach the fabric to the terminal post using tension bands and a tension bar.
Do I need different tools for vinyl fence installation?
Vinyl fence installation uses many of the same post-setting tools as other fence types. Additional vinyl-specific items include a router for post channels (if not factory-routed), a rubber mallet for seating panels without damage, and a PVC cutting blade for the miter saw. A torpedo level and post level are essential for maintaining plumb in the routed post channels.
What size auger bit should I use for fence posts?
The auger bit should be approximately 3 times the post diameter. For 2-3/8" chain link posts, use an 8" bit. For 4x4 wood posts, use a 10-12" bit. For 6x6 posts or heavy commercial posts, use a 12" bit. The hole should allow at least 2-3 inches of concrete around the post on all sides. Depth should be one-third of total post length plus 6 inches for gravel drainage.
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