7 Heavy Duty Tacker Supplies For Poultry Netting Installation

A sagging poultry fence isn’t just an eyesore; it is an open invitation for predators to exploit gaps and compromise the safety of the flock. Selecting the right fastening equipment transforms a grueling weekend chore into a precise, efficient task that ensures long-term enclosure integrity. Establishing a secure perimeter requires balancing the right tool power with the durability of the fasteners themselves.

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Arrow T50: The Classic All-Purpose Staple Gun

The Arrow T50 is the industry standard for a reason: it is simple, repairable, and widely compatible with standard staple sizes. For small-scale chicken runs where wood framing consists of standard pine or cedar, this tool provides sufficient driving power without the bulk of pneumatic systems.

Because it relies on a manual spring mechanism, it remains the most cost-effective entry point for new hobby farmers. It handles light-duty poultry netting and small-gauge welded wire with ease. If the primary goal is maintaining a small coop or garden border on a strict budget, the T50 is the only tool needed.

However, note the physical toll of manual stapling; extended use over long runs of fence can lead to hand fatigue. For those managing massive perimeter expansions, this tool should be treated as a secondary asset rather than a primary workhorse. It is perfect for the occasional repair but limited for heavy-duty, large-scale construction.

DEWALT DWHTTR350: For Power and Tougher Woods

When the enclosure design involves salvaged pallet wood, old-growth oak, or pressure-treated lumber, manual spring-powered tackers often fail to drive staples flush. The DEWALT DWHTTR350 features a high-leverage mechanism that provides noticeably more force than entry-level guns.

This model is designed for farmers who value durability and consistent penetration. Its jam-resistant magazine ensures that the workflow stays steady, preventing the frustration of stuck staples while working in tight corners of a chicken run. The ergonomic grip also makes a significant difference when fastening several dozen feet of netting.

Invest in the DWHTTR350 if the fencing project is substantial and requires driving staples into dense, resistant wood. It occupies the “prosumer” space perfectly, offering power that exceeds household-grade tools without requiring an air compressor. This is a reliable, lifetime-purchase tool for the serious hobbyist.

Arrow HT50 Hammer Tacker: The Pro’s Choice for Speed

Speed is the primary advantage of a hammer tacker when installing hundreds of feet of netting along a wooden perimeter. Unlike a spring-actuated gun, the HT50 utilizes the kinetic energy of a swinging motion to drive the staple, allowing for a “swing-and-set” workflow that cuts installation time in half.

This tool is exceptionally well-suited for attaching poultry netting to tall post-and-rail fences where one hand must hold the wire taut while the other secures it. It excels in vertical applications, minimizing the physical exertion required to staple along the length of a post.

While hammer tackers are unmatched for speed, they offer slightly less precision than a traditional trigger-activated staple gun. Be prepared for the occasional stray staple, especially when starting out. For the efficiency-minded farmer, the trade-off of minor precision for major time savings is almost always worth it.

BOSTITCH BTFP71875: Best Pneumatic Option

For the farmer with an existing air compressor, the BOSTITCH BTFP71875 is the gold standard for heavy-duty fencing. Pneumatic tools remove the physical strain of manual stapling entirely, allowing for rapid, flush installation regardless of how dense or hard the wood surface is.

This tool is intended for major builds—such as permanent exterior runs or large predator-proof enclosures. It delivers consistent pressure, which ensures that every staple is set to the exact depth required to hold wire netting without crushing or tearing the mesh.

The main drawback is the tether of an air hose, which can be cumbersome in field conditions. However, the sheer speed and lack of physical fatigue make this an indispensable investment for large-scale farm projects. If there is a plan to build multiple structures, this pneumatic tacker will pay for itself in saved time and reduced labor.

Stanley TR150 SharpShooter: A Reliable Backup

The Stanley TR150 is a workhorse that occupies the middle ground between budget models and professional-grade tackers. It features an easy-squeeze handle and a bottom-load magazine that is intuitive to refill, making it an excellent “loaner” tool or a reliable backup for the primary tacker.

It performs reliably on standard-gauge poultry netting and is light enough to use in awkward, overhead positions. While it may struggle with ultra-dense, aged hardwood, it handles soft-to-medium woods effortlessly. It is a predictable, steady performer that avoids the mechanical complexities found in more expensive models.

Keep the TR150 around for those quick, unplanned repairs that occur throughout the season. Having a second, capable stapler ensures that a jammed primary tool doesn’t halt the entire day’s progress. It is a sensible addition to the farm shed for those who prefer having a functional spare on hand.

T50 Stainless Steel Staples: Essential for Outdoors

The strength of the tool matters little if the staples rust away within a single season. Stainless steel T50 staples are the non-negotiable choice for any outdoor poultry netting installation, as they resist corrosion from rain, snow, and acidic moisture found in animal bedding.

Galvanized staples are acceptable for temporary interior projects, but they will eventually break down when exposed to the elements, leading to fence failure. Stainless steel provides the longevity needed to ensure that the enclosure remains secure for years without needing to be re-stapled.

While they carry a slightly higher upfront cost, the investment protects against the recurring chore of fixing loose wire. Always match the staple material to the harshness of the local climate. For a long-term farm, stainless steel is the only way to avoid unnecessary maintenance cycles.

Grip-Rite Fence Staples: Best for Thick Wood Posts

When attaching heavy-duty hardware cloth or thick, vinyl-coated netting, standard T50 staples may be too thin to provide adequate holding power. Grip-Rite fence staples—often called U-nails—are designed to span the wire and bite deep into thick wooden posts.

Use these for the main structural supports of the poultry yard where the fence experiences the most tension. These are typically driven with a standard framing hammer rather than a tacker, providing a level of security that a spring-loaded staple gun simply cannot match.

Incorporate these at corner posts and gate frames where the wire is pulled tight. By combining a tacker for the runs and U-nails for the structural posts, the fence gains maximum durability against both predators and heavy weather. This hybrid approach is a hallmark of a well-built, professional-grade enclosure.

Choosing the Right Staple Size for Your Posts

Staple sizing involves two dimensions: the crown width and the leg length. For poultry netting, a wider crown helps span the mesh wire, preventing the staple from cutting through the netting strands. A 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch leg length is usually the sweet spot for driving into standard 2×4 or 4×4 lumber.

If the wood is particularly soft, deeper legs offer better pull-out resistance, but watch for the staple curling or buckling upon impact. If the wood is very hard, shorter legs prevent the staple from stalling mid-drive. Always test on a scrap piece of wood from the same supply pile before starting the actual fence.

• For softwoods (pine, spruce): Longer legs (1/2″) provide extra grip.
• For hardwoods (oak, cedar): Shorter, thicker legs perform best.
• For thin wire mesh: Use a wider crown to ensure the staple captures the wire, not just the space next to it.

How to Get Your Poultry Netting Tight and Secure

To achieve a professional finish, the wire must be tensioned correctly before the first staple is driven. Start by anchoring one end of the netting securely to a heavy corner post, then use a fence stretcher or a simple lever bar to pull the wire taut toward the next anchor point.

Once tensioned, staple the wire only at the top and bottom rails initially, leaving the middle sections for the final pass. This technique allows for minor adjustments as the work progresses. Never pull the wire so tight that the mesh deforms; just enough tension to remove the sag is ideal for structural integrity.

Always space staples consistently—every 6 to 8 inches is usually sufficient for poultry. In high-wind areas, reduce that spacing to 4 inches to prevent the wind from buffeting the wire and fatiguing the fastener points. Consistent spacing distributes stress evenly across the entire run of the fence.

Tacker Safety and Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Staple guns are high-tension tools that require respect to avoid injury. Always keep the tool pointed away from the body and ensure that hands are well clear of the strike plate during operation. Never test-fire a staple gun against a hard, non-porous surface, as it can cause the staple to ricochet.

Maintenance is straightforward: keep the interior magazine free of dust, debris, and metal shavings, which can cause jams. A light application of dry silicone lubricant on the plunger mechanism will keep the action smooth throughout the season. Avoid using heavy grease, as it attracts dust and eventually clogs the firing channel.

Finally, store all tools in a moisture-free environment, especially when using stainless steel staples, to prevent the magazine from rusting. If a tool loses its punch, check the internal spring for fatigue; often, replacing the tension spring is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire unit. A well-maintained tacker is a tool that serves the farm for decades.

Properly fastening poultry netting is the foundation of a low-stress farming environment. By pairing the right tacker with the appropriate staples, enclosures remain secure against predators and weather, allowing the farmer to focus on the daily tasks of animal care.