How To Set Up High Tensile Wire Corner Post Brace
Because strong fencing requires a high degree of tension in the wire, it is necessary to have a sturdy corner post brace at every point in your field fence where the fence needs to significantly turn. This is especially true for non electrified fences like barbed wire fences or non electrified woven wire which require a high degree of tension to secure your animals and keep predators out. But even for electrified fence, a tight fence will more reliably transmit electricity and contain animals in times of low conductivity. In any fence setup, your corner post brace is your most important foundation, and often your most daunting task when it comes to setting up a reliable electric fence.
A corner post brace ensures the fence can withstand external pressures. These include livestock leaning against it or harsh weather conditions. Without a reliable corner post brace, the fence is at risk of collapsing.
Key benefits of using a well-installed corner post brace include:
- Enhanced stability and support
- Increased durability and longevity
- Reduced risk of fence failure
In this article we will overview our favorite type of corner post brace setup: The floating corner post brace. This corner post brace setup is ideal because of its minimal material requirements, adjustability, and stability for hi tensile electric fence setup. To make the task simple for you, we will overview all of the tools required, and the fundamentals of setting up a floating corner post brace for your farm or homestead...
A finished floating corner post brace with wire insulation using insultube
What tools do I need to install a floating Corner Post Brace?
- Wood post 6x6 or thicker, 9' long, pressure treated
- Wood post 4x4, 9' long, pressure treated
- Hammer
- U nails (staples), galvanized
- Insultube (insulated tubing)
- Cinder block
- Gripple
- Hi Tensile wire
- Gripple tool
- Saw (table saw, hand saw, etc) for cutting thge posts
- Post hole digger or hydraulic post pounder (for burying the post)
- Concrete (optional) or quickcrete (optional) for securing the post in the ground
The first material requirement to think about is the post itself. Always ensure the posts you pick are pressure treated, as other post types will rot faster. Some farmers will use durable wood posts like black locust for their corner post brace. While these posts can work for a corner post brace, they will not last as long as pressure treated posts. Ensure that the diameter of the posts you use for your corner post are adequate diameter. Typical diameter is at least 6" by 6" and at least 9' long, but if you have the resources to go wider diameter there is no reason not to. Your thickest diameter will be for the vertical corner post, while the diagonal posts that brace against your vertical post will typically be slightly smaller diameter. For the diagonal posts, we recommend around 4" by 4" and at least 9' long. Often times the recommendation is for this diagonal post to be double the length of your vertical post, though this might not be required for electric fence which often does not require as much tension as a non electrified system.
Next you need to think about what foundation your diagonal posts will sit on. A cinder block is probably the easiest solution for a corner post brace, but some people will use stone, gravel, or even a small concrete slab for this purpose. The key here is to ensure your diagonal post is not sitting directly on the soil, which can cause issues with stability and also expose the corner post brace to the soil causing faster rot. Don't skip this step, as it will ensure your corner post brace receives adequate tension.
Next, you need to make sure you have a good way of burying your vertical post for your corner post brace system. This is probably the most difficult part of your corner post installation, and it may be wise to rent or hire a hydraulic post pounder, as this can help you avoid the need for concrete or quickcrete. If you are digging a hold by hand with a post hold digger or back hoe, you will likely need concrete or quick crete to help secure the post in the hole and ensure it will not shift over time. If, however, you directly pound the post into the ground, this can often be adequate without the need for concrete, because the soil itself will tightly fit around the post when it is pounded in. Consider your soil type. If your soil is loamy and loose, you will likely need concrete or quickcrete no matter what. But if you have a decent amount of clay in your soil, it is likely direct pounding your post will work fine. Think through this part carefully, because you don't want to have to take out your post and re-dig it, as this can be a labor intensive process.
Next, think about how you will cut your post. Depending on the length you might need to cut it shorter, and your diagonal brace will need to be cut at the ends (at an angle) to ensure it will sit flush against your vertical post and also sit flush against your cinder block or concrete pad at the ground level.
Lastly, think about the hi tensile wire which ties the whole setup together. You will need insultube to insert the wire into so that it does not cut into your diagonal post or verticle post, and you will need gripples and a gripple tool so that you can create adequate tension when assembling your corner post brace system.
Investing in quality materials and installation techniques will pay off. It guarantees a sturdy, long-lasting high tensile fencing solution.
Here’s a list of essential tools and materials you’ll need:
- Post hole digger
- Wire tensioner
- Level
- High strength wire
- Corner posts and brace posts
- Concrete (optional for added stability)
- Durable staples or clips
Gathering these items beforehand streamlines your installation process. With everything in place, you'll be ready to install a robust and effective high tensile fencing system.
Planning and Preparing the Fence Line
Proper planning for your corner post brace is critical before starting your high tensile wire corner post brace installation. A well-thought-out plan reduces errors and boosts efficiency. Consider the layout and terrain when mapping your fence line. Try to minimize the amount of times your fence needs to turn. If you can limit your fence installation to four corners, such as in a square or rectangle, this will greatly reduce your corner post brace material cost.
Follow these steps to prepare your fence line:
- Survey the area for obstacles and uneven ground.
- Mark the fence line path with stakes and string.
- Identify corner post locations and ensure proper spacing.
By carefully assessing the space, you can prevent future alignment issues. Planning also ensures that your fence meets your specific needs. With a clear plan, the installation process becomes more straightforward and less time-consuming.
Installing the Corner Post Brace
Illustrated buide to assembling a floating corner brace assembly
Example of a finished floating brace assembly. In this case the rancher is using a piece of wood to prevent the wire from cutting into the post, rather than insulwire wrapped around the wire.
After the vertical corner post is secure, focus on installing the brace post. The corner post brace ensures the corner post maintains its strength under wire tension. Position the brace post about 2/3rds up the vertical post, and cut the end of the brace post so that it fits flush with the vertical post. You want your corner post brace (diagonal post) to also have adequate length, extending at least the length of the vertical post in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, make sure that the horizontal post is cut at the end so that it sits flush against the concrete block that sits on the ground.
Follow these steps to install the corner post brace:
- Line the brace post up with the vertical post, and draw a like where you will need to cut it to sit flush
- Do the same with the brace post lined up with your cinder block, and draw a line where you will need to cut the post so that it sits flush against the cinder block
- Ensure the length of the brace post is at least the length of the vertical post
- Pound one or two nails into the brace post where it attaches to the vertical post
This setup forms the backbone that counters the forces exerted by the fence wires. Proper installation here sets the stage for a stable, long-lasting corner post brace.
Remember that you will need a corner post brace to counter the direction of your fence, so if your fence goes in two directions from a corner (typically the case) you will need a corner post brace on both sides. The wire you extend from the corner post brace will be wrapped through insultube, to prevent the corner post brace from grounding your electricity and interfering with conductivity. Offset the corner post brace so that it is not perfectly horizontal with your corner post. This will ensure that your wire will not run against the horizontal post. If your horizontal brace is perfectly horizontal with your vertical post, this will cause your wires to run against the corner post brace, and you will have to add additional insulators. Here is an illustration of a two directional floating corner post brace assembly:
Connecting the brace post to the verticle post with a galvanized nail. In this case the rancher has cut a notch into the vertical post to ensure no slippage (but this is not required)
Note that the horizontal brace posts extend at an angle behind the wire, so that they do not rub against the wire requiring added insulators. If you don't add enough angle it's ok, you will just need to add more insulwire to prevent grounding of your electricity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can save time and resources in fencing projects. Here are mistakes to watch out for when setting up a floating high tensile wire corner post brace:
- Setting posts too shallow. Ensure the post is 1/3rd the length of the post underground, typically this is 3-4'
- Ignoring wire tension adjustments. Ensure the wire is taught between your brace post and verticle post.
- Inadequate length of corner post brace post. Ensure that your brace post is at least the length of the verticle post, and has enough horizontal reach to adequately brace against the verticle post
- Failing to check soil conditions.
- Failing to adequately pound the verticle post and/or add concrete to the hole.
- Using improper tools or materials.
Steering clear of these errors ensures your fence is sturdy and long-lasting.
Attaching and Tensioning the High Strength Wire
Once the posts and braces are in place, it’s time to attach the high strength wire. Proper wire tensioning is crucial. It ensures the fence functions effectively and remains durable.
Begin by securing one end of the wire to the brace post by spooling it through insulwire and then using galvanized U nails (staples) to nail it to the end of the brace post. Choose durable materials to prevent wear. The high strength wire must be snug against the post.
After securing one end, rap it around the verticle post (this part should also go through insulwire) and then connect the ends together using a gripple and gripple tool.
- Tighten the wire with the gripple tool
- Check wire tension by tapping it.
- Adjust until the wire produces a clear, ringing sound.
This process creates a robust triangle structure with your corner post brace setup capable of withstanding external pressures, significantly enhancing the fence’s longevity and performance.
After tensioning, it’s essential to secure the entire corner post brace assembly. A stable corner post brace assembly ensures the fence won't sag or collapse under stress. Verify all components are tightly fixed and in place. Inspect each connection point, focusing on the staples or clips that hold the wire. Ensure nothing is loose or prone to slipping. For added stability, consider these checks:
- Ensure the post is straight and stable.
- Confirm the brace wire is tight and secure.
- Verify there are no signs of rust on the wire.
With everything secured, perform a final inspection to ensure the integrity of the corner post brace setup.
Conclusion: Investing in a Strong, Durable Fence
Setting up a high tensile wire corner post brace provides peace of mind. A well-installed corner post brace enhances fence longevity and livestock safety.
Investing time in quality materials and proper techniques ensures your fence withstands time and the elements. This investment results in a durable and secure fencing solution.
We hope this article has helped you wrap your head around one of the many types of corner post brace installations you may choose from. Proper installation of a corner post brace assembly can be a daunting task, so always feel free to give us a call for further guidance. We will help you pick out the correct materials and make the right decisions so that your corner post brace will last for many years to come.
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