With the variety of specialized power tools on the market, it can be difficult to know them all. One of these amazing tool inventions is a fence post driver, also known as a post pounder, post rammer, or post knocker.
It is used in installing fence posts; a fence post driver helps to make sure that the posts of the fence are uniformly and securely placed in the ground.
How Does a Fence Post Driver Work?
A Fence Post Driver applies an even downward force over the entire top of the post so it pushes down and into the ground. You can think of it as a powered sledgehammer used to slam a post into the ground to become stationary.
Why use a Fence Post Driver?
You use a Fence Post Driver tool to push fence posts into the ground. It’s much easier and faster than digging a hole or hitting the post with a hammer. It’s like a big, strong machine that you put on top of the post, and it pushes the post into the ground with a lot of force. This saves you a lot of time and hard work, especially if you have to put in a lot of posts for a big fence.
3 Types of Fence Post Drivers
Manual
The design of Manual Fence Post Drivers leverages human power with mechanical advantage, so it is much easier than using a sledgehammer. Because it is human-powered, there is no fuel or cords to worry about, and they are smaller.
Manual Fence Post Drivers are the most cost and space effective, though they require more manual labor than other types of Fence Post Drivers.
You need to lift and use power to slam the post driver down on the post. It is like you are smashing it into the ground yourself. The tool is a unique shape where it remains on top of the post and you just slide it up and slam it down hard.
Gas-Powered or Electric
A gas-powered post driver is a tool that runs on gasoline and uses a motor to bang posts into the ground quickly. It’s like a powerful hammer that drives the posts down without you having to do the heavy hitting. It’s great for building fences because it makes the job much faster and less tiring.
However, lighter options are preferred as you still need to lift the tool on top of the post to drive it in. But the machine takes the rest.
Pneumatic or Hydraulic
These types of Fence Post Drivers are powered by compressed water or air. They are usually used for industrial projects due to their extreme cost. However, they are more environmentally friendly than Gas-powered models and easier to use than manual models.
An example of a popular pneumatic post driver is the Rhino PD-55 air operated post driver. They also have a popular Rhino HPD-60 Hydraulic Post Driver option you can see on their website.
Choosing the Best Fence Post Driver
Considering the advantages and disadvantages of the common types of Fence Post Drivers, you might be wondering what the best choice for your project is. This will vary, but here are some of my favorite models.
Titan Post Drivers
Titan Post Drivers are popular because they offer a strong combination of power, efficiency, and ease of use, making them appealing to both professionals and homeowners. Their range of models caters to diverse needs, from lightweight drivers for small projects to heavy-duty ones for larger commercial jobs.
They’re known for their reliability and durability, often featuring advanced engines and ergonomic designs that reduce fatigue, which is crucial for tasks that involve driving multiple posts. This reputation for quality and versatility makes them a go-to choice for many in the fencing and construction industries.
Some popular Titan models are:
- PGD2000X Driver: Suitable for professional use with a high impact rate.
- PGD3200X Driver: Another professional-grade driver that can handle heavy-duty tasks.
- PGD3200XPM Driver: This model offers an even more powerful motor for demanding jobs.
- PGD2000 Driver: A slightly less powerful version than the PGD2000X, but still suitable for professional use.
- PGD3200 Driver: Similar to the PGD3200X but may have different features or specifications.
- PGD2875H Driver: Designed for home use, still robust but lighter and easier to handle.
- PGD2875 Driver: A versatile home model, good for various post sizes.
- PGD3875 Driver: A farm and home model that offers a balance between power and usability
Manual MTB Fence Post Driver 
The MTB Fence Post Driver is your basic manual Fence Post Driver. The base model weighs 12 lbs. which is sufficient to drive in most residential fence posts. It can also be purchased in 18 lbs. and 34 lbs., the heavier the manual post driver the more force you can get.
Keep in mind heavier also means more work for you!
How to Use a Fence Post Driver:
Using a Fence Post Driver is very straight forward. Your model will have specific instructions, but here is the general idea for manual and powered varieties.
Manual
- Place your fence post sharp side down where you want it.
- Position the Fence Post Driver over the post, making sure it is squarely on it and straight.
- Rest the Fence Post Driver on the post and use the handles to pull downward. If necessary, you can use your bodyweight.
- Once the post has reached the desired depth, remove the Fence Post Driver, and move onto the next post.
Gas Powered
- Get your power tool ready by putting in gas, hooking up any cables, and changing any batteries.
- Check the machine for faults to ensure it is in good working order.
- Place the fence post in the desired location.
- Hover the Fence Post Driver over the fence post until you are satisfied with the angle and position.
- Rest the tool on the post.
- Use the lever, button, or switch to activate the Fence Post Driver. Turn off again when desired depth is reached.
- Repeat, as necessary. Remember to use caution when handling a power tool to prevent injury!
Read our related post “10 Best Gas Powered Post Drivers” here.
Final Thoughts
With all the different Fence Post Drivers on the market, there is no reason to resort to the backbreaking, old fashioned sledgehammer method. Most models are very straightforward to use – especially manual ones. Simply choose the right one for your project and follow a handful of simple steps.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.