Methods of Stretching Barbed Wire
Methods of Stretching Barbed Wire
Barbed wire can sag if it is not stretched tightly enough between fence posts. Before you stretch barbed wire, make sure the fence posts are placed firmly in the ground, because the tension from the stretched wire can pull the posts and create looseness in the wire. Several techniques for stretching barbed wire will give you excellent results.
Come-Along and Wire Clamp
Use a come-along to stretch barbed wire. A come-along is a hand winch that allows you to ratchet barbed wire tight. Use a barbed wire clamp with the come-along. One end of the clamp attaches to the wire, and the other end has a loop that you can attach to one of the hooks of the come-along. Attach the other hook of the come-along to a corner post. Ratchet the wire until it is tight. You can stretch the wire across an entire line of posts this way.
Claw Hammer
If you don't have a come-along, use a claw hammer. Hook the barbed wire between the claws. Use a post as leverage by placing the head of the hammer on the post and pulling the handle toward you. This will stretch the wire. If you use this method, stretch the wire just from one post to the next. Do not try to stretch wire across an entire line of posts with a claw hammer, because the limited motion of pulling the handle moves the wire only an inch or so. That is not adequate movement to stretch a long span of wire.
Truck or Car
If you have enough open ground, you can place your truck or car at one end of the fence line. Attach the barbed wire to the bumper of your vehicle with a wire clamp. Slowly pull the vehicle forward until the wire is taut. Place the vehicle in park, turn off the engine, and set the emergency brake while you fasten the wire to the posts with fence staples. It is easy to overstretch with a vehicle, so apply your foot to the accelerator gently.
Restretching Wire
From time to time, barbed wire may become loose because posts begin to lean. Restretch wire by loosening the staples in one post at a time and using your claw hammer to pull the wire. A helper will have to pound the staples back in while you hold the wire taut. Move on to the next post and repeat the process until you come to the corner post. Cut off any excess wire after stretching to the corner post.
