As with most maintenance situations tools for one job will often be fine for others as well and second hand need not mean second rate.

It’s a good idea to so do some homework before making a choice, and have a basic list of tools you will need throughout the year for your lifestyle block.

Fencing pliers: For knocking in and pulling out and almost anything else you can think of – these are a definite must. 

Spade: Oddly enough, these make digging post holes much easier – not to mention burying dead possums.

Hammer with claw head: make sure it’s a well balanced one for all kinds of jobs.

Spinning jenny: A gadget to hold wire and unwind it as you pull. It can be an elaborate collapsible job, such as those the stock firms sell, or you can make a simple one yourself. A wire tensioner will also be handy  - this is a kind of lever which has pieces that slot onto the sides of a wire tightener and stays permanently in the fence once the wire is tightened.

Rammer: You want a heavier rather than a lighter one, so ask around.

Saw: A small chainsaw is best. It is easy to carry around and can be used to either clear scrub out of the way or tackle the house hedge.

For most animal health applications, you will need to be able to use or have handling yards with a narrow race to hold animals still. You may even find it necessary to have a head bale for complete immobility for the trickier jobs. You may also need a drenching gun, ear taggers, an elastrator and feet trimmers. A good sharp knife will come in handy in most areas of your block.

Also, a light trailer that will fit your farm vehicle or your quad bike is a sensible investment.

The most important tool you have at your disposal however is good old common sense so remember to keep all tools and implements safely locked away.