This week, I spent time helping my dad build a barb wire fence along the back edge of his property. There are often things you pick up doing such a project but then forget the next time the job is needed. I'll include some notes on our steps and some ideas to make the process easier in the future.
- The initial step in this project is building H structures at the end of the areas to be fenced. If the fence line is longer than 1000' it is best to install another H in the center or every 1000'.
- Pull string from one H structure to another along ground to get a straight line marking the location of the new fence. Ensure the string is off the ground and not caught on any twigs which would keep it from running straight.
- Cut a stick to 10' and use this along string to mark the location of each post. Use marking spray paint on the ground to mark all post at the same time to speed up the process.
- When spraying marks, use a T shape mark with the top portion of the T following the string line and the lower portion marking exactly the 10' increment. You can then remove the string so it is not in the way when digging the post holes.
- Every 6th post should be wood or metal with T posts used in between. No T posts are installed until the first run of barbed wire is attached to the wood/metal posts so you can ensure they are straight.
- Work your way from the bottom to the top with one run of barb wire at a time. Each run should be similar in how tight the barb wire is stretched. Fasten each run of barb wire to the T post before starting another row to avoid a tangled mess of barb wire.
