5 Tips for Building Fence in Hard-to-Reach Places
Posted by Rohrer Manufacturing on 5th May 2017
Fence building tips using a post driver
If you’ve got a fence-building project planned for a flat, easy-to-access section of your property, lucky you! Many landowners, however, aren’t so fortunate.
Remote or difficult terrain is a common challenge on ranching and farming properties, which can pose a significant hurdle for landowners who want to build their own fences in these rugged conditions.
We all want to work smarter, not harder. And the back-breaking work of building fence on significantly sloped terrain or packed soil falls into that “harder” category. Thankfully, it’s not an insurmountable task.
Below, we share five time-saving techniques that will help keep your costs in check -- without sacrificing safety or quality.
1. Let the land be your guide
When building a fence on uneven or remote terrain, follow the contours of the land. This means that the fence line will follow your terrain in a smooth line that is parallel to the ground rather than level. The contoured method works best when the slope is slight rather than dramatic. Don’t look at the unique features of your land as limitations. Rather, consider them opportunities to get creative in your design.
2. Opt for low-maintenance materials
The maintenance required for fencing can range from simple daily upkeep to backbreaking annual work. While fencing can require constant attention, it often is the kind of task that gets pushed to the bottom of a "to-do" list. Cutting the time it takes to handle routine maintenance will let you get to the end of that "to do" list a lot faster. Since fences are not apt to be moved, plan for well-built, low-maintenance construction.
3. Invest in high-quality materials
As much as you may love the nostalgic look of wood fences, they are time-consuming to maintain. Installation of T-post fencing offers better reliability and versatility. T-posts range from light-duty and garden zone fence posts, to heavy-duty studded versions with larger anchor plates to provide greater holding power.
4. Build with the future in mind
Permanent fences — those intended to last for 25 to 50 years with minimal repairs — should be well constructed and made of good materials. This is true whether fencing an area for the first time or replacing old, damaged fences. A maintenance program is a must. Look ahead to the day when these fences, too, may have to be replaced.
Fences will naturally loosen over time with seasonal changes and will require tightening. Manual clearing or use of herbicides will keep weeds from covering fences.
A carpenter’s apron is very handy for holding clips, insulators, staples and small tools, and a good pair of gloves prevents hand injury and helps in gripping wire. Specialized fencing pliers are an excellent investment for anyone who builds or maintains fences.
5. Invest in the right tools for the job
Determine if you want to use a hydraulic, manual or air-powered fence post driver.
Manual drivers are a heavy, labor-intensive option that can require multiple hands to maneuver, which can make using them in challenging conditions even harder. Hydraulic drivers are easier to use, but can cost thousands of dollars to purchase. They also tend to be bulky. A lighter, more compact unit can be operated by a single person. It also makes back-breaking work of driving fence posts a breeze—particularly in remote operations.
Man Saver by Rohrer Manufacturing
When it comes to buying a post driver, Rohrer Manufacturing has a variety of air-powered models to choose from. When you purchase a Man Saver from Rohrer Manufacturing, you can rest easy knowing you are getting a revolutionary patented, American-made, pneumatic air-powered fence post driver at an affordable price. When you want the best in post drivers, treat yourself to the best customer experience in the business with Rohrer Manufacturing.