How to Add Barbed Wire to the Top of a Fence
How to Add Barbed Wire to the Top of a Fence
A fence with barbed wire requires little up-keep and provides a safe fence for animals. Not only does this keep animals from leaning on a fence, it also discourages them from chewing on fence boards. When animals learn to stay away from a fence, they will not damage the fence or hurt themselves. When installing a strand of barbed wire there must first be an existing fence with posts sticking up beyond the top panel. If the fence is not this style, other posts can be added to hold the wire.
Instructions
Preparation
1 Measure the fence line to know how much barbed wire to buy. Count the number of fence posts the wire will be covering. This shows how many staples to buy.
2 Unroll the wire along the fence line. Be sure the wire is straight before working with it. Weights can be put on the ends of the wire, to help with stretching.
3 Measure 3 inches above existing fence on each post, and mark with pencil. This will be the guide line for installation.
Installation
4 Beginning on one of the corner posts, stretch the wire around the post as tightly as possible. Using pliers, wrap the wire back around itself. The wrap needs to be tight enough to hold the wire in place.
5 Pull the wire to the next post and staple it. Staple the wire at an angle, for best results. Continue stapling on each post, keeping the wire tight.
6 When the next post is a corner, wrap the wire around the post twice before going down the next direction. Add a staple to keep the wire tight.
7 When the next post is the last one, stretch the wire around the post. Wrap the wire back around itself as in step one. Make sure to pull the wire as tight as possible.
8 Check the fence line for any sagging wire. If needed, extra fence posts can be added to support the barbed wire.
9 Pick up any scrap pieces of wire, and staples that may have fallen. Clear out the enclosed area.
