Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Fence installs need digging power, a way to set posts straight and a trailer for materials. Call 811 before every dig.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Post hole digger and digging bar | Small jobs and tight yards | Varies by brand |
| Gas auger or a rental | Faster holes on longer runs | Varies by brand |
| Circular saw and miter saw | Cutting rails and pickets | Varies by brand |
| Cordless drill and impact driver | Fastening rails and gates | Varies by brand |
| String line, line levels and post levels | Straight, plumb runs | Varies by brand |
| Measuring wheel | Quoting fence length | Varies by brand |
| Fence pliers and a come-along | Wire and chain link stretching | Varies by brand |
| Utility trailer | Hauling posts and panels | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most fence companies buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Skid steer with auger attachment rental | Long runs and hard ground | Varies by brand |
| Post driver | Driven posts for chain link and farm fence | Varies by brand |
| Air compressor and fence stapler or nailer | Picket installs | Varies by brand |
| Concrete mixer | Setting many posts | Varies by brand |
| Tear-out tools and a dump trailer | Removing old fence | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Concrete mix and gravel. Setting posts.
- Exterior screws and nails. Every job.
- Gate hinges, latches and drop rods. Gate repairs.
- Post caps and brackets. Finishing.
- Marking paint and flags. Layout and 811 marks.
What a fencing kit costs
None of the 8 starter kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
None of the 5 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
The auger, trailer and saws swing the total most. Many installers rent the auger and skid steer for long runs.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most fence companies buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our fencing suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the fencing services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Insureon: Insurance cost for contractors as a group, checked October 9, 2026
- 811: What is 811, checked October 8, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.