8 Tools for Maintaining Livestock Electric Netting

Keeping livestock safe and contained requires a reliable barrier, and electric netting is the gold standard for flexible, rotational grazing on small-scale farms. However, a sagging, shorted-out net is little more than an expensive training obstacle for curious predators and stubborn stock. Equipping yourself with the right maintenance tools ensures your fence delivers a consistent, deterrent shock every single day.

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Why Electric Netting Maintenance Matters

Electric netting relies on a psychological barrier rather than a physical one. If the voltage drops below critical levels—usually around 3,000 volts for sheep and goats—animals will quickly learn they can push through or jump over the mesh. Regular maintenance keeps the system hot and prevents costly escapes or predator incursions.

Heavy vegetation, sagging lines, and broken filaments are the primary culprits behind weak fence performance. When grass touches the live horizontal strands, it bleeds power directly into the ground, draining the energizer’s battery and dropping overall voltage. Staying on top of maintenance means less time chasing escaped livestock and more time growing your pasture.

Preparing Your Fence Line for Installation

A successful setup begins long before the first post is pushed into the dirt. Setting up electric netting over tall weeds or uneven terrain is a recipe for immediate grounding issues. Clearing a clean path ensures the bottom live strand remains suspended just above the soil without touching vegetation.

Walking the intended boundary allows you to identify dips, rocks, and thick brush that could interfere with the fence. Mowing or trimming a narrow path along the perimeter makes installation smoother and prevents immediate power loss. Taking this extra step saves hours of troubleshooting later when the energizer is turned on.

Fence Tester – Gallagher Smart Fault Finder

Finding a short on a long run of electric netting can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. A dedicated fence tester measures the voltage and shows the direction of the current flow, pointing you directly toward the short-circuit. Without one, you are left guessing which section of the net is touching wet grass or a fallen branch.

The Gallagher Smart Fault Finder stands out because it combines a voltmeter and current meter in one rugged, cordless unit. It detects the direction of the fault along the wire, saving valuable time by guiding you step-by-step to the exact spot where power is leaking. The large, easy-to-read LCD screen displays voltage and amperage clearly, even in bright sunlight.

Before buying, note that this tool requires direct contact with the fence wire to get an accurate reading, meaning it cannot be used from a distance. It is powered by a standard 9V battery, which should be checked regularly before heading out to remote pastures.

• Voltage range: Up to 13 kV
• Power source: 9V battery (included)
• Key feature: Arrow indicators point directly to the fault

This tool is indispensable for hobby farmers managing multiple paddocks or long fence runs where manual inspection is too slow. It is not necessary for those with only a single, tiny backyard pen where a simple pocket tester would suffice.

Grass Trimmer – Stihl FSA 57 Cordless Trimmer

Keeping the fence line clear of fast-growing weeds is a continuous chore throughout the spring and summer. A lightweight grass trimmer allows you to maintain a clean path directly under the bottom live strands of your netting. Regular trimming prevents vegetation from grounding out the electrical pulse.

The Stihl FSA 57 Cordless Trimmer is the ideal choice for small-scale farmers due to its lightweight design and quiet, exhaust-free battery operation. It delivers the cutting power of a small gas unit without the hassle of mixing fuel or pulling starting cords. The adjustable shaft and loop handle make it highly maneuverable around tight corners and fence posts.

While highly efficient, the battery life is limited to about 25 minutes of continuous cutting with the standard AK 10 battery. For larger properties, purchasing a spare battery is recommended to avoid mid-task interruptions.

• Cutting width: 11 inches
• Weight: 7.7 lbs (with battery)
• Line type: AutoCut C 3-2 nylon head

This trimmer is perfect for part-time farmers who need a reliable, low-maintenance tool for clearing paddock perimeters. It is not suited for clearing thick, woody brush or reclaiming overgrown pastures, which require a heavy-duty gas brushcutter.

Wire Splicer – Gripple Torq Tensioning Tool

Over time, livestock netting can suffer from broken conductive wires due to animal impact, falling limbs, or general wear. A wire splicer allows you to quickly mend broken strands and restore electrical continuity across the entire net. Strong, clean splices prevent weak spots that could sag and ground out.

The Gripple Torq Tensioning Tool makes splicing and tensioning fence wire incredibly simple and consistent. It works in tandem with Gripple joiners to grip and pull wire tight with minimal physical effort. The built-in gauge measures the exact tension applied, preventing over-tightening that could snap delicate netting filaments.

This tool requires compatible Gripple wire joiners, which must be purchased separately based on your wire gauge. There is a slight learning curve to threading the wires correctly into the joiner before applying the tensioning tool.

• Tension range: Up to 880 lbs
• Compatibility: Works with small to medium Gripple joiners
• Material: Lightweight, glass-filled nylon construction

This tool is a lifesaver for anyone managing extensive netting setups that require frequent repairs or adjustments. It is overkill for backyard keepers who only use one or two nets, where simple manual knots can suffice for basic repairs.

Dead Blow Mallet – Halder Simplex Sledge Hammer

Driving fence posts into dry, compacted, or rocky soil can quickly damage plastic step-in posts or wooden corner stakes. A dead blow mallet delivers a high-impact strike without the rebound, protecting the post tops from splintering or shattering. It maximizes the force of each swing while reducing strain on your wrists and shoulders.

The Halder Simplex Sledge Hammer features a split-cast iron housing and interchangeable insert heads, making it incredibly versatile for farm work. The soft metal or composite inserts allow you to strike hard surfaces without causing damage or sparks. Its vibration-dampening design ensures that the energy is transferred directly into the post rather than back into your arms.

This is a heavy tool, so selecting the correct weight for your physical capability is important for safe operation. The replaceable inserts wear down over time with heavy use and will eventually need to be swapped out.

• Head diameter: 80 mm (3.1 inches)
• Weight: Approximately 7.1 lbs
• Handle material: High-quality hickory

This mallet is ideal for farmers who frequently move rotational grazing nets across hard, clay-heavy, or rocky pastures. It is not necessary for those with soft, sandy soils where posts can easily be pushed in by hand or foot.

Ground Rod – Premier 1 Galvanized Ground Rod

An electric fence is a complete circuit that requires a solid connection to the earth to deliver a shock. If your grounding system is weak, the electricity cannot return to the energizer when an animal touches the wire, resulting in a harmless tickle instead of a memorable deterrent. A high-quality ground rod is the foundation of any effective electric netting setup.

The Premier 1 Galvanized Ground Rod is specifically designed to provide a highly conductive, rust-resistant connection to the soil. Its galvanized coating prevents corrosion, which is the leading cause of grounding failure over time. The T-handle design makes it much easier to insert and extract from the ground during rotational pasture changes.

In dry or sandy soils, a single ground rod may not be enough to ensure a strong shock. You may need to link multiple rods together spaced ten feet apart, especially during dry summer months when soil moisture is low.

• Length: 3 feet (for portable setups) or 5 feet
• Material: Hot-dip galvanized steel
• Connection: Integrated clamp for easy hookup

This rod is perfect for mobile rotational grazing setups where easy installation and removal are crucial. It is not the right choice for permanent, high-power energizer systems that require multiple heavy-duty eight-foot copper ground rods.

Multi-Tool – Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool

When you are out in the middle of a pasture, walking back to the barn for a pair of pliers or a wire cutter is a massive waste of time. A reliable multi-tool carried on your belt allows you to perform on-the-spot repairs, cut tangled netting, tighten loose clamps, and strip wire insulation. It is the ultimate utility tool for daily fence checks.

The Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool is widely regarded as the gold standard for outdoor work due to its robust construction and accessible design. It features 17 tools, including premium replaceable wire cutters, needle-nose pliers, and a hard-wire cutter that easily handles fencing materials. All blades lock into place for safety, and the most-used tools can be opened with one hand.

The wire cutters are replaceable, which is excellent because cutting hard fencing wire will eventually dull or nick the blades. Keep the tool clean and lightly oiled to prevent rust, especially after working in wet pasture conditions.

• Closed length: 4 inches
• Weight: 8.5 oz
• Materials: 420HC stainless steel

This is an essential everyday carry tool for any active hobby farmer who needs to handle unexpected repairs on the go. It is not suitable for heavy-duty structural fence building, which still requires full-sized fencing pliers and dedicated wire cutters.

Netting Reel – Premier 1 Sheep & Goat Reel

Deploying and rolling up electric netting can quickly turn into a tangled, frustrating mess if done by hand. A dedicated netting reel keeps the fence organized, prevents knots, and vastly speeds up the process of moving livestock to fresh pasture. It protects the delicate conductive filaments from being stretched or broken during transport.

The Premier 1 Sheep & Goat Reel is engineered specifically to handle the bulk and weight of electric netting. Its large-diameter drum prevents tight coils that can damage the internal stainless steel conductors. The sturdy steel frame and smooth winding mechanism make it easy to spool up to 164 feet of standard netting in under a minute.

This reel is designed specifically for standard-height netting; extra-tall poultry netting may be too bulky for a single standard reel. It requires a mounting bracket or stand if you plan to use it as a stationary payout point.

• Capacity: Up to 164 ft of standard netting
• Frame material: Powder-coated steel
• Spool material: Heavy-duty UV-stabilized plastic

This reel is highly recommended for anyone practicing intensive rotational grazing who moves their netting multiple times a week. It is not necessary for farmers who set up their netting once in the spring and leave it in place until winter.

Grass Shears – Fiskars Swivel Grass Shears

While a gas or battery trimmer is great for clearing long stretches, there are always delicate areas around posts, gates, and energizer connections where power tools are too clumsy. Manual grass shears allow for precise, quiet trimming right up against the plastic posts and delicate netting strands. They help maintain a clean contact-free zone without the risk of accidentally slicing through the fence wire.

The Fiskars Swivel Grass Shears feature a unique 360-degree rotating head that allows you to cut at any angle, reducing wrist fatigue during extended use. The precision-ground steel blades cut all the way to the tip and stay sharp through heavy use. A loop handle protects your fingers from thorny weeds and rough soil while you work close to the ground.

These shears are designed for grass and soft weeds; attempting to cut thick woody stems or fence wire will damage the blades. The spring-action mechanism requires regular cleaning and oiling to prevent sticking when working in wet grass.

• Blade length: 5 inches
• Cutting mechanism: Swivel loop handle with spring action
• Material: Hardened steel blades

These shears are perfect for detail-oriented farmers who want to keep their fence lines immaculate around gates and energizers. They are not meant for clearing large sections of fence line, which is a job best left to a string trimmer.

Troubleshooting Common Electric Fence Faults

When your fence tester registers low voltage, the first step is to perform a visual inspection of the entire line. Look for areas where the netting has sagged into the grass, or where wind has blown debris onto the live strands. Often, a single heavy weed touching a middle strand can drain enough power to drop the voltage of the entire system.

If the line is clear but the voltage is still low, disconnect the energizer from the fence and test the energizer terminals directly. If the energizer outputs high voltage on its own, the problem lies in your fence line or grounding system. If the energizer output is low, the issue is likely a dying battery, a faulty solar panel, or an internal component failure.

Grounding issues are the most common cause of weak fences, especially during dry summer spells. If the soil around your ground rod is dry, pour a bucket of water over it to temporarily improve conductivity. For long-term solutions in dry climates, consider adding extra ground rods or switching to a positive/negative (ground-return) netting setup.

Off-Season Storage Tips for Electric Netting

Leaving electric netting out in the winter elements is a sure way to shorten its lifespan. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ice can stretch the plastic mesh and snap the delicate stainless steel conductors. Taking the time to properly store your netting in the autumn ensures it will be ready to perform when spring grazing begins.

Before rolling up the netting for the winter, ensure it is completely dry to prevent mold and rot. Clean off any mud, manure, or tangled vegetation that could degrade the plastic fibers over time. Roll the nets onto reels or fold them carefully, tying the bundles securely to prevent them from becoming a tangled mess in storage.

Store your rolled netting in a dry, rodent-proof location such as a sealed plastic bin or a hung storage rack. Mice and rats love to chew on plastic netting for nesting material, which can ruin a costly roll of fence in a single winter. Keep your energizer indoors in a temperature-controlled space, and keep the battery charged periodically to maintain its health.

Maintaining livestock electric netting doesn’t have to be a daily struggle when you have the right tools in your barn. By keeping your lines clear, your connections tight, and your grounding system robust, you protect both your investment and your animals. With these eight essential tools on hand, you can confidently manage your rotational grazing setup season after season.