How to Tighten Welded Wire Fences
How to Tighten Welded Wire Fences
Welded wire fences' wall of metal mesh isn't the tough, interlocking mesh of chain-link fencing, but it is easier to erect and a strong material. Woven wire fencing provides even more resistance when it is tightened, or placed under tension. Pulling the mesh with your bare hands tightens it to only a fraction of the degree possible. Tightening the mesh properly requires using an in-line fence stretcher.
Instructions
1 Select an anchor for the in-line fence stretcher, and put it in place as needed. A conveniently placed tree just outside the fence line or a parked pickup truck can serve as the anchor. If neither is available, set an extra fencepost outside the fence line to serve the purpose.
2 Wrap the in-line fence stretcher's anchor chain around the anchor. Thread a bolt through the chain links and the metal loop at the end of the fence stretcher, and pin the chain into place. Some fence stretchers have a strap and buckle system for anchoring instead of a chain.
3 Release the lock on the fence stretcher's winch, and pull the cable down to the welded wire fence mesh. Hook the stretcher's triangle to the mesh. Hook the cable to the triangle.
4 Crank the lever on the fence stretcher's winch to pull the triangle and tighten the fence mesh.
5 Fasten the mesh to the fenceposts when the mesh is straight. That task usually is done for wood posts by hammering fence staples over the mesh. When the fenceposts are metal, the welded wire mesh is usually secured by bolting metal bands around the mesh and the posts.
