JONES ACE HARDWARE
Q.How does the price of high tensile compare with barbed
wire?
A. High tensile is considerably less expensive because you can spread your
line posts up to 100 feet whereas with barbed wire they are every 8 feet to 10
feet. This also means less work setting posts. You can probably install a 6-wire
high tensile fence cheaper and easier than a 4-wire barbed wire fence.
Q.Is high tensile difficult to install?
A. No. It is easier than barbed wire. You need fewer posts and do not have
to tie off at corners because you go around them. You also do not have to fight
the barbs! See High
Tensile Installation Guide or you are invited to borrow a short video on
installation from your local Tractor Supply store.
Q.How long will my high tensile fence last?
A. Studies show that high tensile shows no red rust for up to 50 years!
Q.How much maintenance does it require?
A. High tensile will expand with the summer heat. Simply use your ratchet
handle to put additional tension on each strand. In the winter you'll use the
same tool to reduce the tension slightly. This is the only maintenance your high
tensile fence will need.
Q.How strong is this fence?
A. 12.5 gauge high tensile wire is very strong. It will not begin to
elongate until 1,350 pounds of pressure and has a breaking point of about 1,650
pounds. This is for each strand. Remove fallen trees from the fence and it
springs back.
Q.Can I electrify this fence?
A. Yes. While building the fence you can install insulators on all or
several wires and electrify the fence to keep out predators. The electric system
(hot wires) requires that the line post tube insulators, corner and end post
wraparound insulators be put on the wires before affixing the in-line strainers.
The tube insulators will slide down the fence line with ease and then are
stapled to the line posts. Then simply connect to the fence controller as shown
in this figure:
A. Fence controller
B. Insulated (20,000V) lead-out wire, 10-14 gauge, from fence terminal
C. Insulated (600V to 20,000V) ground wire, 10-14 gauge, from ground
terminal
D. 1/2 inch holes for lead-out and ground
wire
E. Protective cover
F. Insulated (20,000V jumper wire, 10-14
gauge
G. Ground system
Q.What do I need to install a high tensile fence??
A. Non-Electric Fence Designs: cement, pressure treated wood posts,
twitch sticks, high tensile wire, crimping sleeves, crimping tools, poly spacers
& clips, fencing staples, tension springs, wire strainer & crank
(handle).
Electric Designs - Additional items: fence controller, ground rods, high
strain insulators and/or poly batten/tube "wrap-around" insulators,
underground/insulated wire
Q.What size posts should I use and how far apart should I space them?
A. The layout of your fence will vary based on the type of animal to be
confined. See High
Tensile Fencing Designs to see the recommended post lengths and suggested
spacing for specific uses.