Maintaining a fence, whether for agricultural, residential, or commercial purposes, is crucial to ensure its longevity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Here are key fencing maintenance tips to keep your fence in top condition, incorporating general best practices and insights relevant to tools like the Strainrite mechanical post lifter:

1. Regular Inspections: Check your fence at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall, to identify issues early. Look for loose or damaged posts, broken wires, rust on metal components, or rot in wooden fences. For wooden posts, probe the base with a screwdriver to detect soft spots indicating rot. Early detection allows timely repairs, preventing costly replacements.
2. Clean and Clear Debris: Remove vegetation, such as weeds, vines, or grass, growing around the fence base, as these can trap moisture and accelerate rot or corrosion. Use a trimmer or herbicide carefully to avoid damaging the fence. Clear debris like leaves or dirt from metal fences to prevent rust buildup, especially in humid climates.
3. Tighten and Repair Wires: For wire fences (e.g., barbed or high-tensile), check for sagging or loose wires. Use a fencing tool or tensioner to tighten wires to the recommended tension (typically 200-250 pounds for high-tensile wire). Replace snapped or frayed wires promptly to maintain structural integrity and prevent livestock escapes. A Strainrite mechanical post lifter can assist in repositioning or replacing posts to ensure proper wire alignment.
4. Treat and Protect Materials: For wooden fences, apply a weather-resistant sealant or stain every 2-3 years to protect against moisture, UV rays, and pests. Choose a product with UV inhibitors for added durability. For metal fences, remove rust with a wire brush and apply a rust-resistant primer or paint. Galvanized steel fences, like those using Y-posts, require less frequent painting but should be checked for coating wear.
5. Post Maintenance and Replacement: Inspect posts for stability, especially after heavy storms or frost heave, which can loosen them. If a post is damaged or rotted, use a tool like the Strainrite mechanical post lifter to extract it efficiently without excessive digging. Its leverage and quick-release chain make post removal quick, allowing you to replace posts with minimal disruption. Ensure new posts are set deeply (at least 2-3 feet for standard fences) and packed with gravel or concrete for stability.
6. Gate Maintenance: Gates endure heavy use, so lubricate hinges and latches annually with a silicone-based or graphite lubricant to prevent squeaking and rust. Tighten loose bolts and check gate alignment to ensure smooth operation. Replace worn hardware to maintain security.
7. Address Soil Erosion: Check for soil erosion around posts, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or runoff. Add soil or gravel to stabilize the base, and consider installing drainage solutions like French drains if erosion is persistent. The Strainrite lifter’s large-area footplate can help during repairs by providing stability on soft ground.
8. Winter Preparation: In cold climates, inspect fences before winter for weaknesses, as snow and ice can exacerbate damage. For electric fences, ensure insulators are intact and clear of snow buildup, which can short-circuit the system. Test voltage (aim for 4,000-6,000 volts) and replace faulty components.
9. Pest and Animal Damage: Check for signs of animal damage, such as chewed wood or bent wires from livestock leaning or wildlife burrowing. Install deterrents like electric tape for large animals or bury wire mesh to prevent digging. For termite-prone areas, treat wooden posts with anti-termite solutions or use pressure-treated timber.
10. Record Keeping and Planning: Keep a maintenance log to track inspections, repairs, and replacements. This helps schedule tasks and budget for materials. Plan major repairs during dry seasons for easier access and better working conditions.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your fence, reduce repair costs, and maintain its functionality. Tools like the Strainrite mechanical post lifter streamline tasks such as post replacement, making maintenance more efficient, especially for heavy-duty fencing projects.

Never mind, just follow our simple Guide.

Fuel Powered Staple Guns

The majority of guns take 3.1/3.15 (same thing) width staples and (whisper it) are all made by the same factory in Taiwan. Our 3.15 staples are suitable for them all and come in three different lengths.

Certain guns take 4.00mm width staples. E.G. Stockade, DeWalt and Milwaukee. These all take only branded, proprietary staples - until now. We offer a 4mm staple suitable for Stockade.

Taped or glued? It really doesnt matter but glued are easier to produce and so less expensive.

Knurled or barbed? Institute tests show that the holding capability of knurled staples is just as good as that of barbed.

So: Check which width staple your gun needs.

Stockade, DeWalt, Milwaukee and DelWalt

Guide to Wooden Post Fence Installation

Materials Needed

• Wooden posts: Pressure-treated or naturally durable (e.g., cedar, oak), 4–6 inches diameter, 6–8 feet long, depending on fence height and soil conditions.HT wire, barbed wire or electric fence wire/rope/tape.

• Staples: Galvanized U-shaped fence staples, 1–2 inches or Electric/Pneumatic Fencing Gun

• Gripples or crimp sleeves: For wire joining and tensioning 

• Concrete mix (optional): For securing corner/end posts in loose soil 

• Post caps (optional): To protect post tops from rot 

Tools Needed

• Post hole digger or auger: Manual or powered  for digging post holes.

• Fence pliers or Strainrite Staple Remover For stapling and wire cutting 

• Gripple tensioning tool or Strainrite ratchet strainer: For wire tensioning 

• Fence tester or Tension Tester

• Level: To ensure posts are vertical 

• Tape measure and string line or Rotosure Measuring Wheel For accurate post spacing ($5–$15).

• Sledgehammer or post driver: For driving posts 

• Shovel and tamping bar: For backfilling and compacting soil 

• Gloves and safety glasses: For protection.

• Chainsaw or saw or Strainrite Chisel: For trimming posts

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Plan the Fence Layout

• Mark the fence line: 

• Determine post spacing: Space line posts 8–12 feet apart for high-tensile or barbed wire, or 15–20 feet for electric fences. Place corner/end posts and gate posts at key points.

• Check regulations: Verify local zoning laws or livestock fencing requirements (e.g., minimum height for cattle is 48 inches).

2. Install Corner and End Posts

• Dig holes: Use a post hole digger or auger to dig 2–3 feet deep (1/3 of post length) and 10–12 inches wide for corner/end posts, which bear the most tension.

• Set posts: Place posts in holes, ensuring they’re vertical with a level. For high-tension fences, brace corner posts with H-braces (diagonal supports) or cross-bracing.

• Secure posts: Backfill with soil, tamping every 6 inches for stability. In loose or sandy soil, use concrete (mix per instructions, allow 24–48 hours to set).

• Tip: Angle corner posts slightly outward (5–10 degrees) to counter wire tension.

3. Install Line Posts

• Dig or drive posts: Dig holes 2–2.5 feet deep for line posts, or drive posts directly into firm soil using a sledgehammer or post driver. Ensure posts are vertical and aligned with the string line.

• Spacing consistency: Measure distances to maintain even spacing. For example, 10-foot spacing ensures 8–10 posts per 100 feet.

• Depth check: Ensure 1/3 of the post is below ground (e.g., 2 feet for a 6-foot post) to withstand wire tension and livestock pressure.

• Tip: Trim posts to uniform height with a saw if needed, and add post caps to prevent rot.

4. Attach the Wire

• Choose wire type: Use high-tensile wire for durability, barbed wire for livestock deterrence, or electric wire/rope/tape for containment with minimal maintenance.

• Start at corner posts: Secure the wire to a corner or end post using staples or a Gripple. Drive staples diagonally to avoid splitting wood, leaving 1/8 inch of play to allow wire movement.

• Unroll wire: Pull the wire along the fence line to the next corner/end post, keeping it taut but not fully tensioned yet.

• Attach to line posts: Staple the wire to line posts at the desired height (e.g., 12–48 inches for livestock, spaced 6–12 inches apart for multiple strands). Ensure staples are snug but allow wire to slide slightly to prevent stress.

• Tip: For electric fences, use insulators  instead of staples to prevent grounding.

5. Tension the Wire

• Use a tensioning tool: For high-tensile wire, use a ratchet strainer or Gripple tensioning tool to achieve 200–250 pounds of tension (check with a tension gauge). For electric fences, lighter tension (50–100 pounds) is sufficient.

• Tension in stages: Tighten each strand incrementally, checking alignment and avoiding over-tensioning, which can damage posts or wire.

• Join wires if needed: Use Gripples or crimp sleeves for secure, conductive joins (as described in prior responses). Avoid knots for permanent installations.

• Tip: Tension bottom wires first to maintain even pressure across strands.

6. Test and Finalize

• Check alignment: Ensure posts are vertical and wires are evenly spaced and taut.

• Test electric fences: Use a fence tester to confirm voltage (e.g., 4,000–6,000 volts for cattle). Check for shorts caused by loose staples or vegetation.

• Secure loose ends: Trim excess wire and secure with staples or Gripples.

• Inspect posts: Ensure no staples are driven too deeply, causing wood splits. Remove and reposition if needed (see prior response on staple removal).

7. Maintenance Tips

• Regular checks: Inspect the fence every 3–6 months for loose wires, staples, or post damage. Re-tension wires as needed, especially after temperature changes.

• Clear vegetation: Trim grass or weeds to prevent grounding in electric fences or rot in wooden posts.

• Replace damaged components: Swap out cracked posts or corroded wire promptly to maintain fence integrity.

Key Tips

• Soil type matters: In clay or rocky soil, driving posts may be faster than digging. In sandy soil, concrete is essential for corner posts.

• Safety first: Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling wire or driving staples to avoid cuts or splinters.

• Livestock considerations: For cattle, use 4–5 strands of barbed or high-tensile wire at 48–54 inches high. For sheep, add closer-spaced wires near the ground to prevent escapes.

• Cost efficiency: Bulk-buy materials (e.g., wire rolls, staples) to reduce costs. For example, a 1,320-foot roll of high-tensile wire covers a quarter-mile of single-strand fencing.

• Gripple advantage: As noted in prior responses, Gripples simplify tensioning and repairs, saving time for large installations.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Post misalignment: Use a string line and level during installation to ensure straightness. Correct leaning posts by re-digging or bracing.

• Wire sagging: Re-tension wires using a Gripple tool or strainer. Check for weak posts that may need replacement.

• Wood splitting: Avoid over-driving staples; use a lighter hammer or pre-drill staple holes in hardwood posts.

• Electric fence failure: Test for voltage drops caused by poor joins or grounding. Use rope connectors or tape buckles for reliable electric fence repairs (see prior responses).

What makes the Stainrite Pigtail Posts so good?

• With insulated pigtail handles these electrified posts can be moved easily without the risk of shock. 
• The Pigtail Posts have a galvanised spring steel shaft making them strong and durable in all weathers.
• The garbed foot (shaped like a wedge) ensures that the posts are easy to put into the ground, sit firmly, and remain in place.
• The Pigtail Post is insulated at the bottom with UV Resistant Polymer so the whole shaft is electric.

Ideal for cattle and dairy fences the Stainrite Pigtail posts will make fencing straight forward and speed up any fencing job. Sturdy, lightweight, and durable these posts come in bundles of 5.

What Stainrite Pigtail Posts do we offer?

We offer the complete range of Strainrite Pigtail Posts online. All Stainrite products are known for their robustness and enhanced features.  The Strainrite Goldfoot is a world wide best seller because of its outstanding durability. The steel foot is well designed with a permanent crimp to the shaft ensuring that it stays in place, whilst being easy to erect and move. With its gold passivate coating this post has enhanced corrosion protection.

From different sizes to weights our range of Pigtail Posts will meet all your fencing needs. Please feel free to view our range of posts or contact us for trade prices.

Special Offers on our super tough snow shovels. See Special Offer section.

These fantastic gloves are handmade in Shropshire.   

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