How To Use Fencing Pliers (5 Ways To Use This Tool)

Jessica Stone
by Jessica Stone

When compared to conventional pliers, fencing pliers have much more capability. They are durable, solid, and multi-purpose. Fencing pliers can be used to cut through whatever will fit between their jaws, function as a medium-sized hammer, and their strong claw on the back side can be used to pull fence staples. Additionally, one might use their multi-sized crimp for actual fencing or electrical projects.

Put simply, fencing pliers have the ability to perform the task of multiple types of individual tools that are typically used for fencing purposes. Their soft handgrips in conjunction with the robust steel manufacturing process, make fencing pliers a long-lasting tool that can be used in the building and maintenance of virtually any type of fence.

Fencing pliers are the only device on the market that can twist, pull, stretch, hammer, crimp, and cut fences and fencing materials all in one tool.

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What Are Fencing Pliers?

Although you may already be aware, fencing pliers are an all-in-one hand tool that is used in not only fencing. It can also be utilized in garages, gardening, DIYing, woodworking, and various other projects. Its’ modified steel head allows it to perform multiple tasks without the need for any attachments or extensions.

Fencing pliers are essentially a smaller-sized hammer paired with a plier, which can perform all of the duties of each. Using the different components of fencing pliers, you have the ability to wire grip, cut, pull, hold staples, remove staples, and even drive stapes.

How to Use Fencing Pliers

As a multi-purpose tool, there are many different ways that you can use fencing pliers. It is innovative and very helpful, offering the following uses:

  • Drive staples
  • Cut wire
  • Hammering
  • Fasten and grip wires
  • Pull staples

We’ve outlined each procedure in detail below to help you better understand how to use fencing pliers.

1. Drive Staples

The first way that you can utilize fencing pliers is to drive staples. More specifically, you can insert fence staples into a wooden fence by using the side of the pliers with the flat head and crosshatches.

This process involves hitting the fence staple with the fencing plier’s hammer-like head. As a result, the staples can effectively hold cattle panel, barbed wire, field fence, or any other type of fence in place.

2. Cut Wire

Whether you are performing fencing work with barbed wire or doing electric repair, you will be working with wires. At some point, you’ll need a device that can cut, strip, or bend these wires. Fortunately, fencing pliers can do all of the above. You won’t need to buy a wire cutter, as there is a slot on the pivot of the fencing plier for this purpose.

This slot, found deep within the jaws of the fencing pliers, can cut wire from either side. With this component, you can cut and strip wire accordingly. To use the wire-cutting function on your fencing pliers, you must open up the device and position the wire into the hole where the sharp edges are located. Once you’ve achieved a proper placement, simply squeeze the handle and apply firm pressure on the wire to cut it. If you want to strip the wire instead, apply less pressure and pull on the wire until you’ve stripped it to your liking.

3. Hammering

In addition to driving staples, you can also hammer nails using your fencing pliers. To do this, strike the nail with the head side of the tool to drive them into most types of wood material. Fencing pliers will work best when you need to insert nails into softwood posts. Whereas, hardwood posts may be more difficult and require the use of a nail gun.

As far as hardwood goes, you can still use the fencing pliers, but not for hammering. Instead, you can use the nailer hole to grip the nail while you continue striking with a hammer to ensure that it is driven straight into the wood.

Quick Tip: Fencing pliers can be used to snip off the ends of nails that are protruding too far. That way, you can ensure the safety of your children and pets.

4. Fasten and Grip Wires

If you’re building a fence that involves some form of wire, fencing pliers are a great tool for fastening wire ties. To do this, wrap the wire around your fence posts and position each wire tie around the fencing. Then, use the jaws of the fencing pliers to tightly squeeze the wire enough to wrap it around the fence in a circular motion.

Then, grip the wire firmly with the pliers and turn it in a twisting motion. This will twist the wire into a loop that will tighten with each turn in one direction. This will help ensure the stability of your fence. Additionally, any wire fences that have damage can be tightened effectively with the use of fencing pliers.

5. Pull Staples

If you’re working with fencing, carpentry, or basic home remodeling, you may also have to deal with the removal of staples. Thankfully, fencing pliers can come in handy for this exact purpose. The long-curved tip of the fencing pliers acts as a staple remover by placing it under the center of the staple and pulling outward. Once you’ve positioned the pliers appropriately, firm pressure in the reverse direction should free the staple.

You can also lean the pliers or use the surface the staple is in as leverage to help you pull out even the most tightly driven fasteners. This component of the fencing pliers works exactly like the curved end does on a standard claw hammer.

Another way to pull staples out is by using the “pincher” located in the middle portion of the head. Use this tool to grip the staple, squeeze, and pull away from the surface to remove it.

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Tips for Best Results with Fencing Pliers

Undoubtedly, fencing pliers are an incredibly useful, multi-purpose tool to have in your toolbox. With so many types of fencing pliers on the market, it’s important to select the right one to ensure quality and best results. Consider the following:

  • Comfortability: The first thing to keep in mind when selecting the proper set of fencing pliers is, are they comfortable to use? If you cannot hold the handle with comfort, you will never be able to get the most out of the tool. Choose a fencing plier that is equipped with a comfortable and thick rubber grip on the handle.
  • Multi-Function: As we’ve outlined above, there are many different uses for fencing pliers. To be sure that you are choosing correctly, make a list of all of the tasks you need out of your fencing plier. This will make it easier during your search to select the right tool for your needs.
  • Avoid Moisture: As with any other metallic tool, rusting is always a potential issue. Unfortunately, when a fencing plier rusts, the entire device can be rendered useless. You’ll have jamming problems and the head of a rusted plier simply won’t function properly. Try to avoid any direct contact with moisture or water to prevent the metal part of your fencing pliers from rusting.
  • Handle Distance: The major difference between standard pliers and fencing pliers is the distance between the handles. Fencing plier handles are much further apart than their traditional counterparts. Before you invest in this tool, you may want to verify that you are physically okay with the design and distance of the handles. To operate fencing pliers, you have to squeeze the handles and if you cannot the tool will be virtually useless to you.
  • Good Value: The price of fencing pliers can range from six dollars to over sixty. When you’re looking for the right model, you want to make sure that you are getting a good value for the price. Choose a model that has a durable design, is made of strong materials, and serves the purpose you need it for.

Whether it’s cutting, gripping, pulling, twisting, crimping, hammering, or fastening, choosing the right set of fencing pliers will allow you to enjoy all of the benefits that come along with this innovative tool.

Jessica Stone
Jessica Stone

Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.

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