Strainer Posts and Tying Off Fence Wire

Every tight wire fence pulls hard on its end posts. Strainer posts and their stays (or braces) take that load. If the strainer moves, the whole fence goes slack.

1. Where strainers go

At every end, corner and gateway, and at changes of direction or big dips. Long straight runs often have a strainer part way along too.

2. Assemblies

• Box or H brace: two posts with a horizontal rail and a tensioned diagonal wire.
• Angle stay: a strainer with a diagonal stay into the ground.

Follow the fencing supplier's or your state agriculture department's guide for post depth and spacing.

3. Tensioning

Use a proper wire strainer tool. Tension to the wire maker's recommendation, not as tight as you can.

4. Safety

Tensioned wire stores a lot of energy. If it breaks or slips it can whip back. Wear gloves and eye protection, stand to the side, and never stand in line with the wire.

5. Quick summary

• Strainers at ends, corners, gates and big changes.
• Solid assemblies, properly dug in.
• Tension to the maker's figure, and keep out of the wire's path.

General information only. Check the maker's instructions, and ask your council about approvals.

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