The Budget-Friendly Harbor Freight Tool That Makes Fence Repairs (And More) A Breeze

With certain types of fences, there's a whole bunch of tools you need to keep handy for installation or repair. On the other hand, if you've got a barbed wire fence or a wood and wire mesh fence (one of the best options for a backyard garden), then a single tool is often all that's necessary. Commonly known as fence pliers, they have so many useful functions they're practically an entire fencing toolkit. The Pittsburgh 10-Inch Fence Pliers/Staple Puller from Harbor Freight is an example that costs just $9.99. It is indispensable for wire fencing repairs and can perform a host of other tasks around the yard or homestead.

Before we look at the functionality, let's have a quick look at the construction. The main body is forge-hardened steel, which gives both strength and durability. Thick, rubberized handles give good comfort and allow a firm grip in all weathers. At a glance, the Pittsburgh 10-Inch Fence Pliers look like a pretty simple tool, but in this case, looks are surprisingly deceptive.

Classic rural or livestock fencing consists of twisted or barbed wire, or perhaps wire mesh, plus wooden posts and staples to hold the wire in place. Harbor Freight's budget-friendly tool can be put to use with each of these elements. There's a spike on the back that can be forced between staples and posts if they need to be removed. The curved head and long handles maximize leverage, reducing the amount of effort necessary. There's a hammer section at the front to knock new staples in. At the top of the head and the top of the arms, there are three different sections for gripping or twisting wire, and on either side of the central pivot are wire-cutting notches that are surprisingly powerful and effective.

So this one tool can handle just about every facet of wire fence repair or installation. It can also be handy in lots of places around the yard or garden where you want to cut, twist, bend, or attach wire. About the only thing it can't do is install the posts, but the other great value Harbor Freight tool you need if you're installing a fence from scratch should be available from the same place you get your Pittsburgh 10-inch fence pliers.