I've already introduced many of you to the fencing pliers, fence stretchers, a couple types of wire twisting tools, solar electric fence chargers, and I think I neglected to show a picture of the notching tool used for the white fence rails. Two more tools today; first the crimp sleeves which allow you to connect two high tensile fence wires. They are made of aluminum and require a special crimping tool used to crush the sleeve around the two pieces of wire inside it to connect them. High tensile wire is not very malleable and difficult to twist so this is a handy way to connect two strands of wire.
The coolest fencing tool of all though, and it even has a cool name, is the spinning jenny. It is used to wind up or unwind wire and works especially well with high tensile wire.
Note: It takes its name from the original spinning jenny, which helped revolutionize the textile industry in the 18th century by allowing a weaver to spin rovings of wool or cotton into thread on eight spindles at the same time by turning one crank connected to a wheel.
My first attempt of re-using the wire from the old fence onto the new fence ended in a tangled up mess and I knew I needed a plan "B" or I'd be an old crank by the time this project was completed. I remembered using a spinning jenny years ago. An online search found that numerous companies make them and I ordered a standard one made for unwinding new rolls of wire for around $80. The circular insert that allows you to wind up an existing fence cost another $40. It took me longer than I care to admit to finish assembling the jenny but it was all very much worth it.
I screwed it to a pallet and placed it in the back of the gator, drove to the field, gave it a crank and started winding up fence wire. Worked slick. It even has a brake with a spring which helps keep the tension just at the level you want it. Once wound up, all I had to do to install the rolled up wire onto the posts was park the gator at an end post and start walking with the wire in one hand and using the other hand to place the fence on the insulators. Once I dig a little trench and install the underground insulated wire that goes under each gate it will allow me to have the entire perimeter electrified and access to current which I can then subdivide the pasture into smaller temporary paddocks. Mission accomplished.
Have a blessed sabbath day tomorrow.
First photo: The crimping tool squeezes the sleeve that then connects two strands of wire.
Second photo: The spinning jenny.
