As Summer is now here, farmers are preparing themselves for the busy time ahead. From moving cattle to cutting silage, there are a variety of tasks that farmers will be undertaking in the farmyard and fields.

As these tasks may require contractors or additional help, all farms are expected to have a lot of traffic from various machines in the coming weeks. As a result of this extra activity, fencing may get damaged and need to be repaired quickly.

Farmers need to be on-hand with the right tools to fix any breaks or damage to their fences or get FRS fencing onsite to do the repairs.  We would recommend that farmers and contractors keep a DIY fencing kit in an easily accessible place for emergency fixes.

In addition to the polyposts, staples and a reel of wire, we have outlined below some essential fencing equipment that will ensure farms can make repairs quickly and safely.

1. Gripples: These are used to join and tension all types of fencing wires. Mostly used for fast and easy installation or repair of high tensile steel wire, sheep wire and electric wire. 
2. Gripple Tool: This is for tensioning the wire. It is very simple to use, first rotate the dial to the required tension and open the handles fully. Put the mouthpiece onto the gripple unit and grip the wire. Once you bring the handles together the wire will start tensioning.
3. Wire Strainers: A very handy tool to have for all types of fencing. They are used to strain wire and join common fencing wires. 
4. Sheep Wire Clamp: Sheep wire can be difficult to manage but the clamp tightens the sheep wire and pulls all strands together.
5. Claw Hammer: A claw hammer has two sides; the blunt end is used to strike, and the claw can be used to pry.
6. Spinning Jenny: When replacing wire, it can be difficult to keep it straight, a spinning Jenny convenient way to uncoil high tensile steel wire.
7. Wire Cutters: These are easy to use and a safe way to cut all types of wire.
8. Fencing Pliers: This is a multipurpose tool. It can be used as a wire cutter, a staple puller, or a hammer.
9. Fault Finder: This is a great device to have when rotating paddocks. It will help you find faults in the electric fence. Simple hold the device to the wire and it will give you a voltage reading, the severity of the fault and the direction of the fault.

All the above tools can be purchased at FRS Fencing stores nationwide.  FRS Fencing have serviced the contract fencing needs of farmers for 40 years and provide top quality DIY fencing materials and supplies coupled with expert fencing advice. For more information about the equipment you may need for a DIY fencing kit you can contact your local FRS Fencing office.

Find a list of your local FRS Offices here.

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