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Posted: 4/24/2024 2:23:33 PM EDT
What do you all use and like?
I have been very pleased with my Klein tools, but, unfortunately, they don't make fencing pliers. Channellock is the only US-made product I see, but they seem small and underwhelming. What else should I consider? |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 2:31:05 PM EDT
[#1]
A pair of Dewalt Lineman's pliers. Not a fan of fencing pliers, and the lineman's pliers are more versatile.
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Posted: 4/24/2024 2:44:25 PM EDT
[#2]
I've had the Chanellocks for a couple years and they've been fine. Over that time we've installed about 1,000 feet of woven wire and demolished about 1.5 miles of electric.
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Posted: 4/24/2024 2:58:25 PM EDT
[#3]
Lineman pliers and Knipex CoBolt Robust mini bolt cutters. These bolt cutters are great, a definite wrist saver.
8" Bolt cutters |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 3:04:08 PM EDT
[#4]
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Posted: 4/24/2024 3:12:27 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lew: A pair of Dewalt Lineman's pliers. Not a fan of fencing pliers, and the lineman's pliers are more versatile. Agreed. |
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Posted: 4/24/2024 3:32:47 PM EDT
[#6]
The red handled are Crescents, made in Taiwan, the other pair I found on my property no markings and a lot of sandpaper to bring them back to usable shape, maybe made in USA.
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IN, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2024 6:50:53 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SigOwner_P229]
[#7]
The crescent fence tool...get the made in USA ones (still available on ebay)...they are the best designed fence pliers ever made.
ETA, people that say they don't like fence pliers probably haven't used the crescent pliers with the wire wrapping groove in the top...it makes all the difference and I'm surprised all the Chinese knockoff artists haven't copied it... ETA, apparently they also make a version without the groove. You want the version with the groove down the top. The ones on the left in the photo the next post up do not have the groove. ETA2, part number 1934 and variations means no groove. 936, 1936, 193610, and variations means groove... |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 7:45:24 AM EDT
[#8]
Originally Posted By abnk: What do you all use and like? I have been very pleased with my Klein tools, but, unfortunately, they don't make fencing pliers. Channellock is the only US-made product I see, but they seem small and underwhelming. What else should I consider? I too bought the the Channellock brand because I saw the "Made in the USA!" labeling, and I would agree with your underwhelming review. At some point I may have abused them, I don't recall, but the cuttering "blades" have nicks in them and now they won't cut through barbed wire on the first cut every time. Not a deal killer, but annoying. They're not junk, but I was hoping paying a little extra for US made would have avoided that issue. That said, my neighbor builds a shitload of fence and loves his Channellock pliers, so maybe I just abused mine? |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 7:48:17 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By sublimeshooter: Lineman pliers and Knipex CoBolt Robust mini bolt cutters. These bolt cutters are great, a definite wrist saver. 8" Bolt cutters With all the Knipex hype I've read on ARF, I bought a small set of Knipex linesman pliers at a pawnshop. They're nice, but they're just too small for barbed wire cutting. I'm tempted to but one of their big linesman pliers to try. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 8:05:15 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Buckshot4U]
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SigOwner_P229: The crescent fence tool...get the made in USA ones (still available on ebay)...they are the best designed fence pliers ever made. ETA, people that say they don't like fence pliers probably haven't used the crescent pliers with the wire wrapping groove in the top...it makes all the difference and I'm surprised all the Chinese knockoff artists haven't copied it... ETA, apparently they also make a version without the groove. You want the version with the groove down the top. The ones on the left in the photo the next post up do not have the groove. ETA2, part number 1934 and variations means no groove. 936, 1936, 193610, and variations means groove... Can you do some more explaining on the "wire wrapping grove"? I don't think I'm following you. I've got my Grandpa's old Crescent fencing pliers. They are the cat's ass for pulling steeples out of old posts. They do a decent enough job driving steeples into wood posts that I normally won't take the time to go get a hammer. They are great for stretching wire. The killer for me is that for me they are to big/long to be very useful for tying off barbed wire or clipping fence. Admittedly, I'm sure there are techniques where my issues could be overcome. In any case, an 8ish" long linesman pliars is the sweet spot for me when it comes to 1 tool that can fit in the pliars pocket of my pants and do just about everything needed for fencing duty (assuming that I'm not using wood posts that require steeples - which I am not). |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 8:14:59 AM EDT
[#11]
Not to spam the crap out of the thread, but one last review: Back in HS, I spent 1 summer working for a fencing contractor full time. At that time I bought nothing but US made Craftsman tools, so I bought 2 pair of their linesman pliers - a 6ish" and an 8ish". Those things were total POS's that you couldn't cut warm butter with. I was too hard headed to buy something else, so I stuck it out all summer, but cutting barbed wire meant attempting to make a cut, then using the jaws to snap off the wire. 0/10 stars, would not recommend to a friend. And that was back quite a few years before they sold out to the ChiComs and completely bastardized their name.
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Posted: 4/25/2024 8:18:02 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 50-140: The red handled are Crescents, made in Taiwan, the other pair I found on my property no markings and a lot of sandpaper to bring them back to usable shape, maybe made in USA. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/103648/IMG_0386-3196869.jpg Indispensable on the farm. I have a couple of pairs I’ve had for years. Probably Crescent. Keep them in the farm truck. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:08:09 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SigOwner_P229: The crescent fence tool...get the made in USA ones (still available on ebay)...they are the best designed fence pliers ever made. ETA, people that say they don't like fence pliers probably haven't used the crescent pliers with the wire wrapping groove in the top...it makes all the difference and I'm surprised all the Chinese knockoff artists haven't copied it... ETA, apparently they also make a version without the groove. You want the version with the groove down the top. The ones on the left in the photo the next post up do not have the groove. ETA2, part number 1934 and variations means no groove. 936, 1936, 193610, and variations means groove... I like these for wrapping wire.  Pictured Wire wrapper |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 9:26:12 AM EDT
[#14]
Klein lineman’s pliers and a good flat screwdriver. I have have an ancient set of USA made Redbarb pliers that I used to use. I’m not sure where my wife has hidden them. But with steel tpost they are more cumbersome than useful. A good pair of flat jaw vice grip pliers is actually more useful with a flat screwdriver for twisting ties. A good set of cable crimpers is also nice for tight splicing broken wires. Especially when you don’t have extra wire on you.
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Posted: 4/25/2024 10:42:48 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Buckshot4U: Can you do some more explaining on the "wire wrapping grove"? I don't think I'm following you. I've got my Grandpa's old Crescent fencing pliers. They are the cat's ass for pulling steeples out of old posts. They do a decent enough job driving steeples into wood posts that I normally won't take the time to go get a hammer. They are great for stretching wire. The killer for me is that for me they are to big/long to be very useful for tying off barbed wire or clipping fence. Admittedly, I'm sure there are techniques where my issues could be overcome. In any case, an 8ish" long linesman pliars is the sweet spot for me when it comes to 1 tool the can fit in the pliars pocket of my pants and do just about everything needed for fencing duty (assuming that I'm not using wood posts that require steeples - which I am not). Do they really call them steeples where you are from? Or did you mean staples? Really am just curious not being mean. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 11:32:34 AM EDT
[Last Edit: abnk]
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By trlrdrdave: Do they really call them steeples where you are from? Or did you mean staples? Really am just curious not being mean. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By trlrdrdave: Originally Posted By Buckshot4U: Can you do some more explaining on the "wire wrapping grove"? I don't think I'm following you. I've got my Grandpa's old Crescent fencing pliers. They are the cat's ass for pulling steeples out of old posts. They do a decent enough job driving steeples into wood posts that I normally won't take the time to go get a hammer. They are great for stretching wire. The killer for me is that for me they are to big/long to be very useful for tying off barbed wire or clipping fence. Admittedly, I'm sure there are techniques where my issues could be overcome. In any case, an 8ish" long linesman pliars is the sweet spot for me when it comes to 1 tool the can fit in the pliars pocket of my pants and do just about everything needed for fencing duty (assuming that I'm not using wood posts that require steeples - which I am not). Do they really call them steeples where you are from? Or did you mean staples? Really am just curious not being mean. I was not going to say anything because I didn't want a lighthearted comment to be mistaken for ingratitude, but now that you opened the can: Or (c) do your fences actually have steeples?  Joke aside, thanks to all for the posts. |
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OK, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2024 2:44:45 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By trlrdrdave: Do they really call them steeples where you are from? Or did you mean staples? Really am just curious not being mean. I've always heard them called steeples here. Steeples are for fences, staples are for play.
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Posted: 4/25/2024 4:58:38 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SigOwner_P229: The crescent fence tool...get the made in USA ones (still available on ebay)...they are the best designed fence pliers ever made. ETA, people that say they don't like fence pliers probably haven't used the crescent pliers with the wire wrapping groove in the top...it makes all the difference and I'm surprised all the Chinese knockoff artists haven't copied it... ETA, apparently they also make a version without the groove. You want the version with the groove down the top. The ones on the left in the photo the next post up do not have the groove. ETA2, part number 1934 and variations means no groove. 936, 1936, 193610, and variations means groove... I used the Crescent pliers with the groove, not the knockoff. The problem isn't the wrench itself, it's the concept: I can not only do more around the property with the lineman's pliers- carrying around just one tool- I can do the intended fencing-related operations easier and faster with the lineman's pliers. I can even do those operations faster than my buddy who's been using fencing pliers most of his life. I am not alone in my thinking around here, either. |
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NM, USA
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Posted: 4/26/2024 12:07:49 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lew: I used the Crescent pliers with the groove, not the knockoff. The problem isn't the wrench itself, it's the concept: I can not only do more around the property with the lineman's pliers- carrying around just one tool- I can do the intended fencing-related operations easier and faster with the lineman's pliers. I can even do those operations faster than my buddy who's been using fencing pliers most of his life. I am not alone in my thinking around here, either. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lew: Originally Posted By SigOwner_P229: The crescent fence tool...get the made in USA ones (still available on ebay)...they are the best designed fence pliers ever made. ETA, people that say they don't like fence pliers probably haven't used the crescent pliers with the wire wrapping groove in the top...it makes all the difference and I'm surprised all the Chinese knockoff artists haven't copied it... ETA, apparently they also make a version without the groove. You want the version with the groove down the top. The ones on the left in the photo the next post up do not have the groove. ETA2, part number 1934 and variations means no groove. 936, 1936, 193610, and variations means groove... I used the Crescent pliers with the groove, not the knockoff. The problem isn't the wrench itself, it's the concept: I can not only do more around the property with the lineman's pliers- carrying around just one tool- I can do the intended fencing-related operations easier and faster with the lineman's pliers. I can even do those operations faster than my buddy who's been using fencing pliers most of his life. I am not alone in my thinking around here, either. This, I use fencing pliers occasionally, but generally I'm better off with vampliers and bolt cutters. One of the things I do the most with actual fencing pliers is untwist slick wire to get tie wire for other things. But then I didn't have that much land and use a lot is cattle panels on metal pipe fencing. Biggest downside to actual fencing pliers is the inability to easily stuff in a random pocket |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 8:24:41 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By trlrdrdave: Do they really call them steeples where you are from? Or did you mean staples? Really am just curious not being mean. You'll have to excuse my native Ozarkian dialect! They are refered to as "stee-pulls" in my neck of the woods. Luckily, everyone in my area has used steel oilfield pipe for set posts for past 25 years, so the only time we use "steeples" is when we're out servicing a crappy old fence that runs through the woods and is still stretched to trees. |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 8:27:59 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Buckshot4U]
[#21]
I was putting away tools and misc. equipment, so I went through my various tool buckets and tool chest, just to see what all I had. Most of the pliers without any coating on the handles are hand me downs from Gramps.
 Attached FileI took a closeup of the damaged Channellocks I refered to earlier, as well as the Crescents. They were rusted up enough that I couldn't quite make out the model #.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 9:05:37 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 50-140: The red handled are Crescents, made in Taiwan, the other pair I found on my property no markings and a lot of sandpaper to bring them back to usable shape, maybe made in USA. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/103648/IMG_0386-3196869.jpg Not to derail, but Evaporust is the answer to rusty tools. Works amazingly well. |
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OK, USA
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Posted: 4/29/2024 11:07:00 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Oldgold: Indispensable on the farm. I have a couple of pairs I’ve had for years. Probably Crescent. Keep them in the farm truck. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Oldgold: Originally Posted By 50-140: The red handled are Crescents, made in Taiwan, the other pair I found on my property no markings and a lot of sandpaper to bring them back to usable shape, maybe made in USA. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/103648/IMG_0386-3196869.jpg Indispensable on the farm. I have a couple of pairs I’ve had for years. Probably Crescent. Keep them in the farm truck. I tried something similar. I found them to be a little too small for 12.5 gauge. I carry an 11mm box wrench now. Get a bit more leverage and I can run it over the barbs. |
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IN, USA
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Posted: 4/29/2024 3:36:01 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Buckshot4U: Can you do some more explaining on the "wire wrapping grove"? I don't think I'm following you. This pic sort of shows it. The top of the pliers is squared off with a groove cut in it. That groove is deep enough that you just hook a tail of wire over the fence, close the pliers around it and spin and the groove guides the wire into a neat wrap. The method is much like the above pictured wire wrapping tool but better leverage and you don't need multiple tools. If I were in the business of building fence I would have a truck full of specialty tools, but I'm in the cattle business and repairing fence when I find it is what I'm doing. Thus, the key is having the tool on me when needed so a multi-purpose tool in each truck & ATV suits me better than a whole box of tools back at the barn. I've never found another fence pliers that does a darn with wrapping wire and that's why I like the Crescent. |
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Posted: 4/29/2024 8:37:39 PM EDT
[#25]
I have the Channellock pliers. I was gifted them. They are underwhelming. They cut great but for twisting and bending a pair of vice grips are easier and quicker to deal with.
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USA
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Posted: 4/29/2024 8:42:51 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DADGAD]
[#26]
About the only thing I find them good for is pulling staples, but in general I think they are mostly useless. I just carry a hammer and a few different pliers.
ETA - All I ever really work with is wood posts with metal Ts between and rolled fencing. |
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Posted: 4/30/2024 7:52:42 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SigOwner_P229: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFeMnsDOH3I0AOTp65BezxqJNV9liW1_41kXdYCTOPEA&s This pic sort of shows it. The top of the pliers is squared off with a groove cut in it. Thanks for the explanation. |
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Posted: 4/30/2024 1:13:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Kitties-with-Sigs]
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 50-140: The red handled are Crescents, made in Taiwan, the other pair I found on my property no markings and a lot of sandpaper to bring them back to usable shape, maybe made in USA. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/103648/IMG_0386-3196869.jpg That pair on the left looks like the ones I have. They were my dad's so at least as old as I am (almost 60). I think the handles of mine are blue though. Edited. Cuz my brain said left and my hands typed right. 
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Posted: 4/30/2024 1:17:14 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By trlrdrdave: Do they really call them steeples where you are from? Or did you mean staples? Really am just curious not being mean. Old timers called them steeples here too. Not just for fencing. It was just their way of saying "staple." I haven't heard that in a long time, as we've all become super edumacated now.  |
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Posted: 4/30/2024 1:21:03 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By WoodHeat: Not to derail, but Evaporust is the answer to rusty tools. Works amazingly well. Will it take off caked on, crusted up corrosion? Like...a tomcat we were trying to catch, peed on my favorite needlenose pliers in a box in the shed/garage. I didn't know it for a year.  I threw them in the dumpster a couple of days ago, but I would dig them out if this could save them.
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Posted: 4/30/2024 2:56:40 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TexCorriente]
[#31]
There is a rusted pair of fencing pliers in every ranch vehicle we have it seems. A buggy will be bare of screwdrivers, bolt cutters, post drivers and every other useful and necessary tool but the fence pliers always turn up.
That is mostly because they are always handy enough in a pinch, but not very appealing otherwise and don't get grabbed for projects not out fencing in the pasture so they don't walk off. There is even a Plammer somewhere on the place. As a kid I built many miles of fence, and good linesman pliers were faster and less fatiguing for me. If anybody is looking for a good, made in the US example Moore Maker is quality stuff: Moore Maker fence pliers EDIT: These barb wire grip rings are also handy: barbwire grip ring thingy |
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Posted: 4/30/2024 3:14:16 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TexCorriente]
[#32]
@SigOwner_P229 :
Could I pick your brain about running cattle in Indiana? Wife and I went to Purdue and she is from Elkhart, and I'd like to move up there one day. I miss the big trees and colder winters. Gotta be 60 miles from Elkhart so her mother is too afraid to drive over. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SigOwner_P229: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFeMnsDOH3I0AOTp65BezxqJNV9liW1_41kXdYCTOPEA&s This pic sort of shows it. The top of the pliers is squared off with a groove cut in it. That groove is deep enough that you just hook a tail of wire over the fence, close the pliers around it and spin and the groove guides the wire into a neat wrap. The method is much like the above pictured wire wrapping tool but better leverage and you don't need multiple tools. If I were in the business of building fence I would have a truck full of specialty tools, but I'm in the cattle business and repairing fence when I find it is what I'm doing. Thus, the key is having the tool on me when needed so a multi-purpose tool in each truck & ATV suits me better than a whole box of tools back at the barn. I've never found another fence pliers that does a darn with wrapping wire and that's why I like the Crescent. |
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IN, USA
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Posted: 5/1/2024 9:42:55 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TexCorriente: A buggy will be bare of screwdrivers, bolt cutters, post drivers and every other useful and necessary tool but the fence pliers always turn up. That is mostly because they are always handy enough in a pinch, but not very appealing otherwise and don't get grabbed for projects not out fencing in the pasture so they don't walk off. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TexCorriente: A buggy will be bare of screwdrivers, bolt cutters, post drivers and every other useful and necessary tool but the fence pliers always turn up. That is mostly because they are always handy enough in a pinch, but not very appealing otherwise and don't get grabbed for projects not out fencing in the pasture so they don't walk off. I guess I never thought of it like that but there's definitely some truth to that. Fence pliers are mostly useless for other tasks so they don't walk off very often. I do have to say, if you're thinking of moving to Indiana you will have to reprogram your brain on what a "buggy" is. Here buggies are pulled around by horses driven by people in plain clothes and a hat... Originally Posted By TexCorriente: @SigOwner_P229 : Could I pick your brain about running cattle in Indiana? Wife and I went to Purdue and she is from Elkhart, and I'd like to move up there one day. I miss the big trees and colder winters. Gotta be 60 miles from Elkhart so her mother is too afraid to drive over. Ag land in the flat lands of Northern Indiana is far too expensive to make money running cattle unless you'rea feedlot located there for the close proximity to feed products. In the rolling hills of Southern Indiana we are more like Kentucky with lots of perennial pastures and thus a large cattle industry. You won't see much cattle up around Elkhart except for small family farms that do it either for homesteading/self-sufficiency reasons, 4H/youth reasons, or family farms that do it just because that's what they have always done. |
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USA
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Posted: 5/10/2024 2:54:47 PM EDT
[#34]
Vise grips
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