Install a Woven or Barbed Wire Fence

Before installing a barbed wire fence, there are a few things you need to think about to ensure the project is completed safely and correctly.

• Check local building codes
• Identify property line (surveyor)
• Identify underground utilities
• Obtain proper tools
• Sketch a map of the project
• Consider long-term additions
• Make sure you have the correct product
• Will this addition improve resale value?
• Obtain cost share from government agency or adjacent landowner

Unroll fence or barbed wire and position it alongside the fence line. Roll past end post to ensure enough wire to wrap the product.

• For a woven wire fence, cut and strip vertical wires and tie off horizontal wire around the end post. For best results make sure the horizontal line wires are parallel to the post. End wrap with the tail pointing down and trim excess.
• For a barbed wire fence, determine your desired height of the lowest strand and tie off around end post. You will repeat this step for the second strand of barbed wire after you have secured this first stand.
• Stretching a woven wire fence: Decide if you will stretch the fence to the end post or center stretch.

Staples in line posts should be installed loosely to allow the line wire to move back and forth when loads are applied to the fence.

When putting up a barbed wire fence, decide if you will stretch the barbed wire to the end post or center stretch.

• Stretching to the end post: After unrolling barbed wire past the end post, secure the wire grips to the barbed wire 5 - 8 feet inside the end post. Attach a one-ton come-along to the end post and then to the wire grip. Carefully start to stretch the barbed wire, making sure it doesn't catch on objects on the ground or kink. Don't apply too much pressure to the barbed wire. There should be a bow in the wire. Carefully tie off around the end post and slowly release the tension. Secure this strand to the line posts with staples (for wood posts) or t-post clips (for steel posts). Then repeat.
• Stretching to the center: For this type of installation you will need 2 wire grips and a one-ton come-along. Secure the wire grips to both ends of the barbed wire. Attach the one-ton come-along to the wire grips. Carefully apply pressure to the barbed wire using the come-along. With the barbed wire stretched, crimp with a crimp tool and sleeves. Secure this strand to the line posts with staples (for wood posts) or t-post clips (for steel posts). Then repeat.
• For repairs: Crimp the repair wire to the broken wire with a crimp tool and sleeves or hand wrap and repeat the process above.