Techniques for Building Cattle Fences

Installing Fence Posts

• There are different ways to install fence posts so that they will not pop out of the ground. Either, the fence posts must be made wider on the bottom (the part that is inserted into the ground) and more narrow at the top. Alternatively, the fence posts can be cemented into the ground with a bell-shaped cement block that is completely buried in the soil. On flat land, the posts should be spaced no more than 16 feet apart, but on hilly land, the posts need to be closer together.

Running The Wire

• To run the wire between the posts, attach a loop of wire around an end post using crimp sleeves to create the loop. Walk in the direction of the other posts until you've reached the other end of the fence, then clip the wire and loop it as you did on the first post. If the fence is barbed wire or high-tensile wire, you need eight to 10 wires on a standard fence. For a woven wire fence, you need a woven wire mesh around 56 inches tall, with wires spaced 9 inches apart.

Staples

• Drive the staples into the posts over the wires running between the two end posts. Staples should not be driven into the posts all the way because the wires will need to be tightened and adjusted and this is not possible if they are too secure against the post. Do not drive the staples into the posts vertically so that they intersect with the wire at a 90-degree angle. Instead, the staples should be angled slightly, so that each point of the staple grips a different grain on the post.

Tensioning The Wire

• You should always use protective gloves and protective eye wear when tightening the wire. For a high-tensile fence, use an inline strainer or tightener for the tightening, and a tension indicator to measure the tightness of the wire. The wire should be tightened to 200 pounds. For a barbed wire fence or a wire mesh fence, use a wire gripper or a tension bar. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using strainers and tighteners.

Maintaining The Fence

• Check your wire tighteners once or twice a year to look for loosening wires. Tighten as necessary. Posts my need to be replaced over time, so inspect posts as well. Treated wood posts last longer than untreated wood posts. Keep weeds and vines away from the fence, to prevent the deterioration of the fence.