"Straight away you can tell it's a very simple idea but it's really something that provides a solution to a problem.
"If you have to create a step over a fence it's typically done with a wooden stile -- you've got to literally build it," Owen says. "But with the Post Step you bolt steps on to a post and you're done."
Bachler came up with the idea for the Post Step when he came across a wooden stile someone had made to connect neighbouring properties.
His father has orchards so Bachler is well aware of the problems and damage that can be caused by climbing fences.
"I've been involved in the metal industry for 30 years, so naturally I thought about making it in steel," says Bachler, who owns Bachler Steel, based in Wellington and with an office in Upper Hutt.
He wanted to improve on the negative aspects of traditional stiles; that they are permanent fixtures, the wood can rot, and so can wooden fence posts once they have been nailed, screwed or had bolts attached. They are cumbersome and comparatively expensive to make.
His observations led him to a design that is compact and resilient, will fit almost any wooden or concrete post, is inexpensive and can be easily shifted if needed.
The Post Step is clamped on so it doesn't damage wooden posts, which could lead to rot.
His idea is that any property owners who have fences can carry the Post Step with them and install them where needed, be it for a day or permanently.
Bachler's knowledge of metal means he also understands the nature of wire, which he says doesn't like to be stretched once it has been tensioned, so using a stile to climb a fence prolongs its life.
The success of the invention came as a bit of surprise to Bachler, but with help from Tru-Test he is already well down the track to making a product for the market.
He is also designing and making a step that will work on Australian steel fence posts, thus increasing his potential market.
To register your interest in the final product send an email to bachler.s@xtra.co.nz
