The Fence Post

Learn how to effectively repair a barbed wire fence by watching this informative YouTube tutorial.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Fence Maintenance

Proper fence maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and functionality of your barbed wire fence. Regular maintenance helps to identify any issues or damages early on, preventing them from becoming more severe and costly to repair. By understanding the importance of proper fence maintenance, you can ensure the safety and security of your property.

One of the key reasons why proper fence maintenance is important is to preserve the fence's structural integrity. Over time, barbed wire fences can experience wear and tear due to weather conditions, animal activity, or accidental damage. Regular inspection and maintenance allow you to identify weak spots, broken strands, or loose posts, which can be promptly repaired to prevent further damage.

Also, proper fence maintenance helps deter unwanted intruders and secure your property. A well-maintained barbed wire fence acts as a physical barrier, discouraging trespassers and protecting your assets. By regularly inspecting and repairing your fence, you can ensure that it remains an effective deterrent against unauthorized entry.

Lastly, proper fence maintenance can save you money in the long run. By addressing minor repairs early on, you can prevent them from escalating into major issues that require costly repairs or even complete fence replacement. Regular maintenance also extends the lifespan of your fence, delaying the need for a full replacement.

Overall, understanding the importance of proper fence maintenance is essential for any barbed wire fence owner. By implementing regular inspection and maintenance routines, you can extend the lifespan of your fence, enhance its functionality, and ensure the security of your property.

Now, here's the innovative way to repair a barbed wire fence. How simple is this?

Want a more traditional way?

Tools and Materials Needed for Repairing a Barbed Wire Fence

Repairing a barbed wire fence requires a few essential tools and materials to ensure a successful repair. Before you begin the repair process, gather the following items:

1. Pliers: Pliers are necessary for bending and twisting the wire during the repair process. Choose pliers with a comfortable grip and strong jaws.

2. Wire cutters: Wire cutters are essential for cutting the barbed wire strands. Opt for sturdy wire cutters that can handle the thickness of the wire.

3. Fence stretcher: A fence stretcher is used to tighten the wire and ensure it is properly tensioned. This tool is especially useful when repairing a broken strand or tightening loose sections.

4. Gloves: It is important to wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp barbs on the wire. Choose gloves that provide a good grip and offer sufficient protection.

5. Replacement wire: Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace a section or multiple strands of the barbed wire. Ensure you have enough replacement wire on hand.

6. Fence clips or staples: Fence clips or staples are used to secure the wire to the fence posts. Make sure you have an adequate supply of these fasteners.

7. Hammer: A hammer may be required to drive in fence staples or to make adjustments to the fence posts.

By having these tools and materials ready, you can efficiently repair your barbed wire fence and ensure a secure and functional result.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing a Broken Barbed Wire Strand

Repairing a broken barbed wire strand requires a systematic approach to ensure a proper and long-lasting repair. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Assess the damage: Start by inspecting the fence to identify the exact location and extent of the damage. Determine whether the wire needs to be repaired or replaced.

2. Remove the damaged wire: Use wire cutters to carefully remove the damaged section of wire. Be cautious of the sharp barbs and wear protective gloves.

3. Prepare the replacement wire: Cut a new piece of barbed wire slightly longer than the section you removed. Use pliers to bend one end into a loop, which will make it easier to attach to the fence posts.

4. Attach the replacement wire: Place the looped end of the replacement wire around one of the fence posts and secure it using fence clips or staples. Pull the wire tightly and attach the other end to the remaining post.

5. Ensure proper tension: Use a fence stretcher to tighten the wire and ensure it is properly tensioned. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the fence.

6. Trim excess wire: Once the wire is securely attached and tensioned, use wire cutters to trim off any excess length. Be careful not to leave any sharp edges.

7. Test the repair: Give the repaired section a gentle tug to ensure it is secure and properly tensioned. Check for any signs of weakness or loose connections.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively repair a broken barbed wire strand and restore the functionality of your fence.

Incorporating Safety Measures During the Repair Process

Repairing a barbed wire fence involves working with sharp objects and potentially hazardous materials. It is crucial to prioritize safety during the repair process to prevent injuries. Here are some safety measures to incorporate:

1. Wear protective gear: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy footwear, to protect yourself from potential injury.

2. Use caution with sharp objects: Handle wire cutters and pliers with care, as they have sharp edges. Avoid placing your fingers on the wire's barbs to prevent cuts or punctures.

3. Secure the work area: Make sure the area where you are repairing the fence is clear of obstacles and tripping hazards. Keep children and pets away from the work area to prevent accidents.

4. Work in daylight or well-lit conditions: Repairing a fence in low-light conditions increases the risk of accidents. Choose a time of day when there is sufficient natural light or use artificial lighting to ensure good visibility.

5. Be mindful of your surroundings: Note any overhead power lines or other potential hazards in the vicinity of the fence. Keep a safe distance to avoid accidents or electrocution.

6. Take breaks and stay hydrated: Fence repair can be physically demanding. Remember to take regular breaks and stay hydrated to prevent fatigue and maintain focus.

By incorporating these safety measures, you can minimize the risk of accidents and injuries while repairing your barbed wire fence.

Tips for Preventing Future Damage and Extending the Lifespan of Your Fence

Preventing future damage to your barbed wire fence is essential for maintaining its longevity and functionality. Here are some tips to help you protect your fence and extend its lifespan:

1. Regular inspection and maintenance: Schedule regular inspections to identify any issues or damages early on. Promptly address any broken strands, loose posts, or weak spots to prevent further damage.

2. Clear vegetation around the fence: Overgrown vegetation can put pressure on the wire, leading to damage or strain. Regularly trim any plants or bushes growing near the fence to maintain proper clearance.

3. Protect against animal activity: Animals, such as livestock or wildlife, can cause damage to a barbed wire fence. Install additional deterrents like electric wires or wildlife-friendly fencing to prevent animal-related damage.

4. Reinforce weak spots: Areas that are prone to damage, such as corners or gates, should be reinforced with additional support. Use sturdy posts, braces, or tensioning devices to enhance the strength of these vulnerable sections.

5. Apply rust-resistant coatings: Barbed wire fences are exposed to the elements, making them susceptible to rust and corrosion. Apply rust-resistant coatings or paint to protect the wire and prolong its lifespan.

6. Monitor fence tension: Regularly check the tension of the wire to ensure it is adequately tightened. Loose or sagging sections can compromise the effectiveness of the fence and make it more prone to damage.

By following these preventive measures, you can minimize future damage to your barbed wire fence and significantly extend its lifespan.

The Easy Way

The first video shows the welded wire being installed on T posts at a berry farm; the second video shows the mesh being installed on wooden posts. 

Now, in a Suburban Setting on Wooden Posts

Keeping Mice, Chipmunks, Rats, and Squirrels Out

Hardware cloth saves the day again. Your compost bin will be safe from all kinds of rodents when you employ these tips and techniques. 

Giving Chipmunks the Heave-ho

An excellent method of using bird netting to make sure your seedlings and young plants aren't devoured by these little rascals.

Panel Smart

If you are building a fence with a purpose around your home or business then you should consider welded wire fence panels. This type of fencing is the strongest that you can find. Because it is so strong, it is often used to enclose livestock and large animals. Also, many zoos use wire fence panels for their animal cages for display and to keep everyone safe. The wires and cross sections of the wire fence are welded together, to create a fortress that cannot be penetrated.

Stands Up to the Elements

You can get welded wire fencing in different types of thicknesses, depending on how strong you need it to be. Unlike a chain link fence, you can get welded wire fence panels designed exactly to the measurements that you need. In fact, all fence panels from Louis Page are custom-made. The welded wire fence panels are made of weather resistant material, so it will not be damaged or destroyed in even the most severe weather.

Panels or Rolls?

Fence panels are strong and highly weather resistant. But so is fencing that comes in a roll. A quick note about the difference between panels and rolls. Panels are easier to install. They come custom made to your specifications, need minimal to no cutting or cutting tools, and they can typically be installed by two people. All these attributes make panels ideal for quick installations with minimal work crews. Wire fence rolls are terrific for jobs that have larger work crews, professional installers, and materials like posts, rings, pliers, and everything else you need to make a fence. Most of our customers that buy fence rolls are using them on work sites for safety and protection reasons. That's not to say homeowners and landscapers aren't buying fence rolls, because they are! For projects like gardens that require protecting fruits and vegetables from deer, deer fencing is ideal. The gauge of the deer fence is strong enough to keep deer out and easier to manipulate because of its gauge size. But when it comes to pools (and other projects), fence panels are the answer.

Welded Wire Fence Panel Install Tips

If you are planning to install your fence on your own; here are a few tips that you should follow:

Tension

One of the most common mistakes that people make when installing their wire fence panels is low tension. If the fencing is not tight enough, it can sag or bow. This will take away from the security and durability of the fence. If you are using it to enclose large animals, the chances of them escaping are high. For tensioning the mesh, you simply need a pair of pliers.

T-Posts

It is important to understand that not all posts are built the same. You should use a steel t-post. If you are worried about the way that your fence is going to look, you should look into green metal posts. If you are going to be using the fence for livestock, you can consider an electric fence; however, you would need to install a T-post made of PVC, as it doesn't require any insulation between the electric wire and the fence.

Animals

If you are going to be using your fence to contain animals, you need to make sure that you are getting a fence large enough for the animals. Before you install the fence, you should take into consideration that your animals will grow and so may your herd. You also want to make it large enough to keep wild animals out of the enclosure.

If you need to install a strong fence on your property for safety purposes or to enclose large animals, fence panels are the best solution and/or welded wire fencing, rather than a chain link fence. Welded wire panels and fencing are strong, pleasing to the eye, and easy to install. Of course, fence panels are the easiest to install.

Ideal Alpaca Fencing

The best fence for alpacas is a type of classic horse fence. It's a woven wire mesh that is Galvanized Before Weave (GBW). This 12½ gauge mesh has openings that are 2 inches by 4 inches and 60 inches high (5ft.) and comes in a 200 foot long roll. This wire fence has 16 horizontal wires spaced 4 inches apart. Vertical wires have 2 inch spacing. Along with use for alpacas, this 2" x 4" mesh woven non-climbable horse fence is also ideal for fencing in ostrich, emu, large dogs, goats and other animals.

Making Sure Your Alpaca is Secure

This fence features strong steel wire that's Class 3 galvanized for maximum rust protection. Woven non-climbable fence mesh features an attractive appearance as well as long life. Before the wires are woven into the mesh, the entire finished product is drawn through a bath of molten zinc (830°F.) This galvanization-before-weave creates a mesh that emerges with a thick coating tightly bonded to the wire. Each strand of wire is protected and more importantly, each vulnerable woven area is thoroughly sealed, assuring that this wire will endure.

And the benefits of that Class 3 zinc coating?

• Lowest cost over the long run
• Damage resistance--the zinc patina guards the metal underneath
• Has the luster of stainless steel, but is much less expensive
• Offers consistent results
• Ensured longevity

Smooth

The woven knots are both rust-resistant--they will not hold water, and they're smooth--protecting both animals and people from injury. Stiff "square" knots, formed by a third piece of wire woven around each intersection hold horizontal and vertical wires securely, yet allow for ease of erection over uneven land. 

The square deal knot prevents the fence from buckling or sagging. It also provides extra vertical strength and rigidity while at the same time allowing flexibility. 

Notes on Alpacas

• From the Camelid family; however, like llamas, they're generally much better-natured than camels
• Their wool is prized; finer and more plentiful than a llama's
• Well-suited to small farms and homesteading
• Alpaca wool is softer than cashmere and much warmer than sheep's wool
• Alpacas are not guardians in the way that llamas are
• Their manure can be directly put on the garden
• 5 alpacas per acre depending on the fertility of the pasture
• Alpacas always need companions
• Males and females kept strictly separate unless breeding

Here's a helpful video showing the reasoning behind appropriate enclosures for alpacas. It finishes with this expert's view of the ideal alpaca fence, detailed above. 

Generally known as Horse Fence