Fence pros know that having the right tools handy can make or break your business. Getting the job done efficiently lets you and your crew move on to the next job quickly without sacrificing quality. While there’s plenty of debate about essential tools for the fence-building industry, we like one professional’s approach.
Joe Everest, The Fence Expert, is a trusted voice in the industry, and he has years of quality insights on his YouTube channel. In this video, he doesn’t cover every tool you could possibly need in your truck on a job site. Instead, he lists five essential tools he keeps in his truck at all times.
We’ll look at what he’s got to say and then offer a few ideas of our own to help you build your fencing business.
Top 5 Tools According to The Fence Expert
Investing in your fencing business is about more than just booking a job. Having the right tools available helps you perform at your best and gives your customers the confidence that they’ve got the right person on the job.
According to The Fence Expert, here are the top five tools you should have on your truck.
1. Measuring Wheel
Measuring wheels make it easy to roll out a fenceline to give your customers an accurate quote. Good measurements allow accurate lumber and hardware orders and ensure your team has everything ready when you begin. It also reduces waste, maximizing the profitability of your business.
When choosing a wheel, purchase one with the capacity you need. The most common have a 999 ft. range, but some have a much more extensive range for those big jobs. Whichever you choose, a reliable measuring wheel helps you create a quote and layout for your fencing jobs.
2. Impact Driver or Drill
An impact driver or drill is another essential tool to keep with you in your vehicle. Unless you’re using pneumatic tools for larger construction projects, an impact driver is typically enough for small to medium-sized jobs.
Choose one with a brushless motor for the most efficient operation and a one-handed chuck for simple bit changes on the job. As with any battery-operated tool, you’ll want to have several batteries ready so you don’t miss a beat.
3. Reciprocating Saw
We love a good reciprocating saw for quick cuts. These versatile tools have several attachments for different substrates and timber lengths. Choose one compatible with the batteries you’ve already purchased for your impact driver.
4. Adjustable Pliers
A good set of adjustable pliers makes any fencing contractor’s job easier because they’re flexible enough to fill several functions. Twisting wire ties, pulling nails, and installing or removing nuts and bolts are just a few!
5. Level
Levels help ensure your work is level and plumb, a necessary construction element. They come in many lengths, so keep a few handy to meet your needs. It’s best to have one that can work with angles and straight runs.
6. String Line
Joe’s bonus tool, a string line, is ideal for keeping the top line of your fence consistent. One hack is to buy a chalk line and leave the chalk in the bag. This way, you can stretch your line and reel it back in without worrying about tangles.
Fencing Tools That Didn’t Make the List
We think some other tools are essential for a successful fence builder to have on hand beyond the list from Joe Everest’s video. Here are a few different tools you should consider if you have extra space on your rig.
Auger or Post-Hole Digger
When digging holes for fence posts, a post-hole digger is a manual way to make the job easier. Augers are another approach to digging post holes, especially if you need to dig lots of them. Some excellent manual and gas-powered tools are on the market to meet your needs.
Laser Level
A laser level is a high-tech replacement for a string line, making aligning fence pickets easy. Calibrated correctly, this tool ensures a perfectly level line every time. For longer spans, you can also set your tool sideways for perfectly straight lines every time.
Experts say that green lasers are better for outside as red washes out in the outdoors.
Nail Gun
A pneumatic nailer is worth investing in when you’re working on a large-scale project or just need to move more quickly. We’ll save the screws vs. nails for another day and recommend a couple of tools designed for fencing and siding contractors. Each of these tools requires an air compressor as well.
Grip-Rite® has a couple of siding and fencing nailers that fit the bill.

GRTCS250
The GRTCS250 is a 15-degree coil nailer for siding and fencing. Its large-capacity magazine handles various lengths of fasteners up to 2-½ in., which means less reloading and more building.

GRTCS2350Z
The GRTCS250Z is a lightweight 0-degree coil nailer with a large-capacity magazine. Its selectable trigger and tool-free depth adjustment allow you to calibrate the tool to meet your specific needs.
Gate Hardware Kits
Nationwide Industries® released an award-winning line of gate hardware kits in 2024. Each kit includes everything needed to install high-quality gate hardware without special tools. Kits are designed for wood, vinyl, ornamental, and chain link fences.
Save time and reduce waste with Nationwide Industries Gate Hardware Kits.
Let Nationwide Industries make building your business easier with our line of Gate Hardware Kits
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, we think having the right tools can make all the difference.
At Nationwide Industries, we’re invested in the growth and success of your fencing business. Our line of gate hardware kits is the perfect addition to your toolkit and takes the guesswork out of choosing the right components for each job.
Find out Where To Buy our products and happy building!