The Fence Post

High Tensile Tough

Ever wondered how to put up high tensile field fencing? Installing a field fence can pose many challenges if you don't know how to do it. Watch this instructional video below from Stay-Tuff and learn how: to keep your animals safer; make your fence last longer; add value to your property! It will guide you through the steps, from planning to completion.

 1. Planning your field fence

• Take time to sketch a map and layout the fence, locating corners and gates.
• Think about your future fencing needs.
• Make sure you have all the necessary tools to complete the job.
• Note any natural obstacles - streams, gullies, etc.
• Clear the fence line, removing brush and any obstacles.

2. Set the posts

• Install end, corner, and brace posts.
• Build horizontal brace members to support tensioning of wire.
• Remove knots to tie off horizontal wires to end posts.

• Tension the fence sections using a stretcher-bar.
• Splice lengths of fencing together.

4. Attach the fence to posts

• Staple horizontal fence wires to wood posts.
• Secure fence to metal T posts with T post ties.

Now sit back and enjoy!

Very Proudly American Made 

From scrap to wire rod to finished woven and welded wire mesh fence materials - Oklahoma Steel and Wire does it all. Barbed and barbless wire, welded wire fence and panels, field and farm fence, high tensile deer and wildlife fence, sheep and goat fence, and 2" x 4" and V-mesh horse fence.  

Excellent Advice

This instructional video from Bekaert points out important aspects of installing different types of high tensile agricultural fences - smooth wire, barbed wire, hinge joint field fence, fixed knot fence, and horse fence. Safety considerations, the importance of planning for your fence, and fence post selection are covered. Clear instructions on how to install a brace are also presented.

The Advantages of High Tensile Wire

• Are you thinking about using field fence to enclose your animals and property?
• Agricultural fencing is available in two types of wires: low carbon and high tensile. What's the difference?
• Is there an advantage to using one over the other?

Low Carbon Wire - easy to work with, but...

For years, traditional field and farm fence have been made using low carbon wire. Low carbon wire used in fencing is usually made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.10%. It is easy to work with but is prone to stretching and sagging. It requires regular maintenance and is weaker than high tensile wire.

High Tensile Wire - inherently Stronger

This wire has become very popular due to its advantages. It is made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.28%. Higher carbon content makes high tensile wire stronger. Its higher psi rating gives it a higher breaking strength. To get the same strength, you can use a lighter gauge high tensile wire in place of a heavier low carbon wire. You can complete your project at a lower cost.

• Lighter weight also means easier handling and installation. Fewer posts are required so you can increase the spacing between posts. If installed properly, high tensile fences require little maintenance. Re-tensioning is not necessary.

• During installation high tensile fencing requires less tension to make it tight. The wire is stiffer and will not stretch and sag. This characteristic gives it flexibility - it will give and bounce back when animals lean against it.

This video shows quite dramatically the differences between these two types of wire:

Supplies, Directions, & Handy Tips

Here's a video demonstrating how you can install field fence so that it's straight and will last a long time. See our other blog articles "How To Install Wood Fence Posts" and "How To Build Strong Bracing For Fences" for additional helpful information.                              

And! What you probably don't want--