[desertmum]

Having been let down by various contractors we are thinking of putting up the post and rail fencing for our paddocks ourselves.  But before investing in equipment wondered if anyone else has done this?  We don't have a quad or other vehicle we can put an arm on for the post thumping so would have to use a hand held one.  Anyone done this?  Is it horribly difficult?

We have to move the horse back next week as his temporary-get-him-out-of-the-mud-livery needs her stable back!

Any advise etc welcome.

[clydesdaleclopper]

If you are doing the hand held one don't forget to factor in the cost of the osteopath to put all your sore bits back in the right place

[Justin]

Can you rent a post banger? Or perhaps ask if a neighbouring farmer has one? Our neighbour has an old post banger for his tractor, big swinging arm job, you hold the post with a long pole with a ring on the end. Bit hair raising but did the job for fence posts.

[pharnorth]

Yes we have done it by hand. It is ok for the odd replacement post but unless you are built like Hagrid or have ground like butter you won't want to do a whole line of fencing that way.

[YorkshireLass]

Yes we have done it by hand. It is ok for the odd replacement post but unless you are built like Hagrid or have ground like butter you won't want to do a whole line of fencing that way.

This, plus if you've not done it before it's a knack to get everything straight, lined up, and deep enough without dropping a lump of metal on your head. Best done with two people of the same height/arm length!

[desertmum]

Have decided that with 175m of post and rail needed plus three gates it would probably be prudent to get the professionals to do it.  Was hoping to save some money, but will have to save it elsewhere.

Thanks for all the advise