Materials Needed

1. Auger for tractor or skid loader (we suggest 8”)
2. Ratchet with a ¾” socket (Impact works the best if possible)
3. Saw with metal cutting blade (reciprocating if possible works the best or cut off saw)
4. Post level
5. T-Posts
6. T-Post Driver
7. String
8. Spray can of paint
9. ¾” wrench
10. Concrete (wet or dry whichever you prefer, we use dry in bags.  1 bag per hole)
11. Tape Measure
12. Priefert adjustable fence jig (2 or 3 work very nice)
13. Rubber Mallet (to tamp posts to desired height)
14. A good neighbor or friend

Although everybody has his or her own opinion on how to build fence, this is the way we build fence on the Priefert family 3000-acre working ranch.

Step 1. Preparation

1. Take T-Posts and drive them in at your start and finish points on your fence runs
2. Using your string tie at your start point as close to the ground as possible (without obstruction from grass, weeds etc.)
3. Stretch string as tight as possible to your finish point and tie it there to give you a straight line (if the terrain in not flat you may want to use several t-posts between start and finish posts to hold string off the ground for a true straight line)
4. Once your straight line is established it is time to mark you holes.  Using your upside down paint measure on your holes on whatever distance between posts you have chosen and mark them.
5. Using your auger drill holes where you have them marked.
6. Take your post (and concrete if using bags) and lay them out beside the holes.

Step 2. Achieving your desired post height

1. Take another t-post and drive it in the ground about 2 or 3 steps behind your starting posts and drive another 2 or 3 steps behind your finishing post.
2. Measure from the ground up to your desired post height and tie string tightly at both posts (Again if you have rolling terrain use t-posts between the start and finish posts to tie string rolling with the terrain.)
3. Once you have your height string in place and tightly tied it is time to build fence.

Step 3. The fence building begins

1. Take your post, put it in the hole and attach your post level to it.
2. Line up the top of your post to your height string, (Also making sure your post is up against the bottom straight line string) make sure it is level on all sides. Use the rubber mallet to tamp the post deeper or add fill dirt to raise the post to the desired height. Put your concrete in the hole around the post. (If using bag concrete just add water and tamp it using an old shovel handle or whatever works.)
3. Continue to put in all the posts the same way. Let concrete set for about 24hrs.

Step 4. Installing top rail

1. Determine how much post you want above your top rail (if any)
2. Take your tape measure and measure from the top of each post and attach top rail with Diamond P Connections to determined height.
3. Continue on all posts until the top rail is complete.
4. Determine the gap you desire between rails and measure down from the top rail to your desired gap and attach the remaining rails (This can be made much easier by purchasing the Priefert adjustable fence jig.)  When putting on rails the balled ends come on 6’ and 12’ lengths we suggest alternating these to make the connections staggered for expansion and contraction of pipe with weather changes.

Step 5. Step back and enjoy your great looking fence for years to come!!!