Are you looking for a pair of fencing pliers but aren’t sure how to use them? In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to use fencing pliers so that you can get the most out of them. Fencing pliers are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting wire, removing staples, and bending wire. With the right techniques, these pliers can make your life a lot easier when working with fencing. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Do I Need Fencing Pliers?
Fencing pliers are an essential tool for anyone who works with wire fencing. They offer a range of capabilities that make it easier to install and repair fencing quickly, safely, and efficiently. Fencing pliers are designed specifically for grasping and cutting wire fences in tight spaces, as well as twisting and straightening wires.
They are also great for gripping staples and nails, making them incredibly handy when installing or repairing a fence. Fencing pliers can even be used to help tie knots in the wire so your fence will stay secure over time. If you need to work with any type of wire fencing, investing in a good pair of fencing pliers is essential. With the right tools on hand, you’ll be able to get the job done faster, easier, and more safely.
Fencing pliers are good for much more than just wire fences — they can be used for any type of metal work or repair that requires a strong grip and cut. By investing in quality fencing pliers, you’ll have the right tools to tackle almost any project involving metal construction.
Whether you’re installing a new fence or making repairs to an existing one, having these specialized tools makes the job simpler and safer. If you find yourself working with wire fences on a regular basis, these pliers will become an indispensable part of your toolbox.
10 Methods on How to Use Fencing Pliers
1. Cutting Wire
One of the most common uses for fencing pliers is cutting wire. The long, serrated jaws of the pliers make them ideal for cutting through a thick wire, such as barbed wire or high-tensile wire. The jaws can also be used to cut through wire mesh, such as a chicken wire. If needed, the cutting edges can be sharpened with a file or stone.
2. Gripping and Pulling Wire
Fencing pliers can also be used to grip and pull wire. The long jaws of the pliers provide ample space to grip the wire, while the serrated teeth help to grip the wire securely. This makes them ideal for pulling wire that is stuck or for pulling wire that needs to be tensioned. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when pulling or tensioning wire.
3. Twisting Wire
Another common use for fencing pliers is twisting wire. The jaws of the pliers can be used to twist wires together, making them ideal for joining wires or for twisting wires onto posts or other objects. Make sure to use the exact same number of twists on both wires. Otherwise, the joint will be weak. Although you can use the pliers to start the twist, it is usually best to finish off the twist with your hands.
4. Splicing Wire
Fencing pliers can also be used to splice wires together. This is done by placing the end of one wire into the jaws of the pliers and then twisting the other end of the wire around it. This creates a strong connection between the two wires that is less likely to come apart than if they were simply twisted together without using pliers. While this method is not as reliable as a crimp joint, it can be used in situations where the wire needs to be joined quickly and securely.
5. Stripping Wire
Fencing pliers can also be used to strip insulation from wires. This is done by placing the end of the wire into the jaws of the pliers and then twisting the pliers around the wire. This will remove the insulation from the end of the wire, exposing the bare metal underneath. Try to keep the strip as short as possible, and make sure not to twist the pliers too tightly or you may damage the wire. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when stripping wire.
6. Bending Wire
Fencing pliers can also be used to bend wires. This is done by placing the middle of the wire into the jaws of the pliers and then squeezing the handles together. This will cause the wire to bend in whatever direction you are squeezing the handles. If you need to make a sharp bend, you can also use the curved jaw of the pliers to help guide the wire as it is being bent. While this technique is not as precise as using a bending jig, it is still a great way to quickly and easily bend the wire.
7. Looping Wire
Fencing pliers can also be used to loop wires. This is done by placing one end of a length of wire into the jaws of the pliers and then twisting it around itself until it forms a loop. This is often done when making gates or when creating loops in wires that will be used for hanging objects. While this method does not produce the most precise loops, it is usually good enough for most applications. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when looping wire.
8. Making Eyelets
Fencing pliers can also be used to make eyelets in wires or in other materials such as fabric or leather. This is done by placing the material into the jaws of the pliers and then squeezing the handles together. This will cause the material to form a loop, which can be used to hang or secure items. While this method is not as precise or secure as using a grommet or eyelet set, it can be used in situations where the item needs to be secured quickly and easily. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when making eyelets.
9. Crimping Connectors
Fencing pliers can also be used to crimp connectors onto wires. This is done by inserting the end of a wire into one side of a connector and then squeezing the handles of the pliers together to crimp it closed. This will provide a strong connection between the wire and connector that is less likely to come apart than if it were simply twisted together without using pliers. Although this method is more secure than most other types of connections, it is usually best to use a crimping tool for the most reliable results.
10. Removing Staples
Finally, fencing pliers can also be used to remove staples. This is done by placing the jaws of the pliers around the staple and then squeezing the handles together until it comes out. This can be used to remove staples from fences, posts, or other objects. However, it is important to be careful when using fencing pliers for this purpose, as they can easily damage the material that they are being used on. If you are removing staples from a delicate material, it is best to use another type of tools, such as tweezers or needle-nose pliers.
By following these methods, you can use fencing pliers to perform a variety of tasks. Whether you need to cut, grip, twist, splice, strip, bend, loop, make eyelets, or crimp connectors onto wires, fencing pliers are an invaluable tool that should be part of every handyman’s arsenal.
Things to Consider When Using Fencing Pliers
- Wear protective gloves when using fencing pliers to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the metal fence.
- Inspect the area where you will be installing or repairing the fence for any existing problems, such as broken or loose wires, posts that are not securely fastened, or signs of damage from animals or weather.
- When cutting wire with fencing pliers, make sure to leave enough length on each end so that it can easily be looped around a post and tightly secured with a knot; if you cut too short, you may have to start over, and it could create an unsafe situation for livestock in the area.
- Make sure all fences are properly grounded by burying grounding rods in the ground at least 6 inches deep and connecting them to an electrical outlet with heavy-duty wire.
- Keep a pair of fencing pliers close by when you are working on a fence so that if you need to make any adjustments or repairs, such as tightening loose posts, you can do so quickly and safely with minimal disruption to the animals nearby.
- Be sure to lubricate all moving parts on the fencing pliers before use; this will help ensure that they can cut through the wire easily and reduce wear and tear over time.
Conclusion
Fencing pliers are an important part of any toolkit, especially if you’re planning on doing any work with fencing. With their sleek design and serrated jaws, they can make light work of cutting through wire fence tubing. They also have a built-in hammer function that comes in handy for driving nails or tamping down posts.
So next time you’re headed out to the shed or barn, make sure you grab your trusty pair of fencing pliers. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to use fencing pliers! We hope you found it helpful and informative.
