6 Fence Staple Hammers For Cedar Posts That Prevent Post Splitting

There’s nothing quite like the look of a new cedar fence line, but there’s also nothing more frustrating than hearing that sickening crack as you drive a staple into a brand-new post. Cedar is beautiful and rot-resistant, but its soft grain makes it notoriously easy to split with a clumsy hammer swing. The right fencing stapler isn’t a luxury; it’s the tool that protects your investment in time and materials.

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Why Cedar Posts Split and How the Right Tool Helps

Cedar’s strength is also its weakness. The same straight grain and soft fibers that make it easy to work with also make it prone to splitting, especially under the concentrated force of a fence staple. When you use a standard hammer, you’re delivering an uncontrolled, high-impact blow. If the staple isn’t perfectly perpendicular, one leg drives deeper or at an angle, acting like a tiny wedge that pries the wood fibers apart.

A dedicated fencing stapler changes the entire dynamic. Instead of a blunt, uncontrolled impact, these tools drive the staple straight and true with a single, contained motion. This prevents the staple from twisting or tilting on impact. Many powered staplers also offer depth adjustment, allowing you to set the staple perfectly without crushing the wood—a common cause of splitting.

Furthermore, many specialized fencing staples are designed with "divergent points," where the tips of the staple legs are cut at opposing angles. As the staple is driven into the post, these points splay outward, hooking into the wood grain in opposite directions. This not only provides superior holding power but also directs the force away from the center, dramatically reducing the wedge effect that causes splits.

DeWalt DCFS950B: Precision Depth for Soft Woods

When you’re working with a soft wood like cedar, controlling the depth of the staple is everything. This is where the cordless DeWalt stapler truly shines. Its tool-free depth adjustment lets you dial in the exact power needed to seat the staple securely without over-driving it and damaging the post.

Think of it this way: you can set it for a "soft" drive that leaves the staple just proud enough to allow the wire to move, or sink it flush for a permanent hold. This level of precision is nearly impossible to replicate consistently with a hammer. For a hobby farmer already invested in the DeWalt 20V battery platform, this tool makes a ton of sense for putting up a new paddock or a large garden enclosure. It turns a tedious, post-splitting chore into a fast, repeatable, and professional-looking job.

Milwaukee M18 Fencing Stapler for Rapid Fencing

The Milwaukee M18 stapler is all about speed and power. If you have a long run of fence to put up and a limited window of time to do it, this tool is your best friend. It drives staples with incredible speed, letting you move from post to post without the fatigue of swinging a hammer or managing an air hose.

With cedar, however, that power needs to be respected. The tool can easily send a staple too deep if you’re not paying attention, which can crush the wood fibers. It requires a bit more finesse and a lighter touch than you’d use on a dense locust or oak post. But for the hobby farmer who needs to fence a multi-acre pasture quickly, the efficiency gain is undeniable. You learn to feather the tool against the post, letting its power do the work without causing damage.

STOCK-ade ST400i: Power with Staple Control

The STOCK-ade ST400i is a different class of tool altogether. This cordless, gas-powered stapler is built for serious fencing projects where both power and reliability are non-negotiable. While it has the brute force to drive 2-inch staples into the hardest, oldest posts, its real benefit for cedar is the sheer quality of the drive.

This tool is engineered to sink staples perfectly straight, every single time. There is no wobble, no tilt—just a clean, direct drive that minimizes the stress on the wood grain. When paired with high-quality divergent point staples, it offers an incredible combination of holding power and split prevention. It’s an investment, for sure. But for someone managing a larger property with varied terrain and fencing needs, the ST400i provides professional-grade performance that simply can’t be matched by less specialized tools.

Freeman PFS9 Pneumatic Stapler‘s Gentle Touch

Pneumatic tools offer a unique advantage: absolute consistency. The Freeman PFS9, powered by an air compressor, gives you the most repeatable staple drive of any tool on this list. You set the pressure (PSI) on your compressor’s regulator, and the tool delivers that exact same amount of force with every single shot.

This is a game-changer for cedar. You can test on a scrap piece, dial in the perfect pressure that sinks the staple without a hint of damage, and then replicate that result on every post down the line. It takes the guesswork completely out of the equation. The obvious tradeoff is portability. You’re tethered by an air hose, making this the ideal tool for working on corrals near the barn, building trellises in the garden, or any job where you don’t have to drag a compressor across a back field.

Malco FST2 Staple Hammer for Manual Accuracy

Sometimes, the best tool is the simplest one that does the job right. The Malco FST2 isn’t a power tool; it’s a smarter hammer. This manual tool features a magnetic head that holds the fence staple for you, ensuring it’s perfectly aligned before you ever swing.

This simple feature solves the biggest problem with manual stapling: the wobbly, off-center first strike that starts a split. With the Malco, you can give the staple a gentle tap to set its points in the wood, then deliver a confident, straight blow to drive it home. It provides the tactile feedback that power tools lack, allowing you to feel how the wood is responding. For small jobs, repairs, or anyone who values deliberate precision over speed, this is an excellent and affordable way to prevent post splitting.

Estwing Fencing Pliers for Versatile Small Jobs

No fencing discussion is complete without mentioning a good pair of fencing pliers. While not a dedicated stapler, the Estwing is the multi-tool every property owner should have. It features a milled hammer face, a staple puller, wire cutters, and pliers—all in one.

For small-scale work with cedar, this tool gives you the ultimate control. You can hold the staple with the pliers and gently tap it in with the hammer face, ensuring it goes in straight and doesn’t split a delicate or aging post. It’s the perfect tool for replacing a few popped staples after a hard winter or for putting up a short run of garden fencing. It’s slow, methodical work, but when preserving your posts is the top priority, that’s exactly what you need.

Selecting a Stapler: Power vs. Manual Control

Choosing the right tool comes down to balancing the scale of your project with the level of control you need. There is no single "best" option, only the best option for your specific situation. The fundamental choice is between powered speed and manual precision.

Powered staplers—whether battery, gas, or pneumatic—are about efficiency and consistency over long runs.

• DeWalt offers the best depth control for soft woods.
• Milwaukee brings unmatched speed for large projects.
• STOCK-ade provides professional-grade power and reliability.
• Freeman delivers absolute repeatability when you’re working near a compressor.

Manual tools, on the other hand, trade speed for tactile feedback and absolute control.

• The Malco Staple Hammer makes manual hammering far more accurate and less likely to cause splits.
• Estwing Fencing Pliers are the indispensable tool for repairs and small, delicate jobs where every single staple counts.

Ultimately, your goal with cedar is to drive the staple straight and to the correct depth. A powered stapler with depth control mechanizes this process, while a good manual tool forces you to slow down and achieve it through skill and feel. Consider the size of your job, your budget, and how much you value speed versus hands-on control to make the right choice for your farm.

A good fence is a long-term investment in the safety of your animals and the integrity of your property. By choosing a tool that respects the nature of cedar, you’re not just building a fence faster or easier; you’re ensuring those beautiful posts remain strong and split-free for many years to come.