Stay-Tuff Installation Guide Final Oct 13
Stay-Tuff Installation Guide Final Oct 13
Stay-Tuff Installation Guide Final Oct 13
Top Wire
End Wrap End Wrap
Stay Wire (Vertical Wire)
Line Wire (Horizontal Wire)
Tension Crimp
Fixed Knot
End Wrap
End Wrap
Bottom Wire
Line Posts
Straight Run
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
PLANNING
1. PLAN & MAP YOUR FENCE ON PAPER 1 b. Line Posts: T-Posts & Bosses 7
A) Have a Total Plan 1 c. Gates 8
B) Getting Started 1 d. Large Water Gap Gates 8
C) Map Land-Use, Natural Features 2. HOW MUCH FENCE TO ORDER 10
& Fence Line 2 A) Length of Fence Line 10
D) Map Fence Support Elements 3 B) Livestock and Predator Fence Profiles 10
a. Braces 3 C) Calculate How Many Rolls of Fence
i. Brace Components 3 You Will Need 11
ii. How a Brace Works 4 3. COMPLETED EXAMPLE MAP 12
iii. Brace Configurations 5 4. COMPLETED MATERIALS CHECKLIST 13
iv. Brace Specifications 6
INSTALLATION
1. PREPARE THE FENCE LINE AREA 15 7. INSTALL THE BRACE WIRE AND
INLINE STRAINER 25
Appendix
Graph Paper for Planning and Mapping How to Strip Fixed Knots from
the Fence Line 37 High-Tensile Wire Fences 39
Blank Checklist: Materials, Tools & Accessories 38 How to Tie a High-Tensile Wire Slip Knot 41
PLANNING
possible. Find your local Extension Office at
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/
This is also your chance to plan for the long term
use of your property and future developments • Online sources such as Google Earth at
you would like to make. www.earth.google.com.
Throughout the Planning section, we will discuss Property Lines: It is very important that
Pro
the steps involved in making a Map, and to yo
you know the location of all property
demonstrate the various steps, we will create an llines with absolute certainty BEFORE
Example Map. At the end of the section, you will you begin fence construction. Be sure
have a completed Example Map. By then, you tto consult
lt tthe most recent survey of the proper-
should have a very good idea as to how to make ty no matter how sure you are of property lines!
your own map for determining the following:
Underground Utilities & Easements: It is
Und
• How to map of the fence line critical to know where any underground
cri
utilities such as water, phone, electrical,
u
• The number, size and types of materials you
and gas lines are BEFORE you dig.
will need to construct the wood braces that
will support the fence at the beginning and In the United States, contact your state’s ‘Call
end of each straight run Before You Dig’ number by dialing 811. You will be
• The number and type of Line Posts you automatically connected to the 811 service for your
will need state. You can also visit www.call811.com for more
• Additional materials you will need such as information.
Guide Wires, Staples, etc.
If any underground utilities do exist, the appro-
• The number, size and type of Stay-Tuff fence
priate utility company will mark your property to
rolls you will need
show the locations and types of existing lines
B) Getting Started free of charge.
To begin, we suggest sketching a map of your Never fence across easements such as above–
property. ground gas pipelines and power lines without
notifying and getting approval from the neces-
Some helpful tools to use as a basis for your
sary authorities.
map are:
Use a scaled graph paper* to sketch a map of
• A copy of the current survey of the property
your property, especially the area to be fenced,
available from:
land use features and natural features.
- A survey company
- Your local Tax Assessor *You can also copy the sample graph paper in the Appendix
located in the back of this manual.
• Aerial photography available from:
- The Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), formerly known as the
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
PROPERTY LINE
DITCH
(floods during rain)
STREAM
SMALL DIP
FUTURE FENCE
FUTURE
UTILITY
BUILDING
TREES
PROPERTY LINE
8’ 8’ 16’
32’
ROAD SCALE 1/32” = 1’ 0”
For completed
Example Map,
see page 12
Line Posts
PLANNING
Fence elements are comprised of: Brace Anatomy
10” Cross Member 4”
• Braces (pages 3 - 6) that are designed to Brace Brace
anchor a high tensile fence and support its Pin Pin
weight Brace Inline
Wire Strainer
• T-Posts (page 7) which hold the fence vertical
• Bosses (page 7) which also hold the fence Fence Pull
Staple
vertical, but provide extra support along the
fence where there are severe dips, hips
(humps) and ledges in the fence line
a) BRACES
i) Brace Components Brace End
Post Post
The Brace is designed to keep the fence ten-
sioned (tightened) and support its weight. For
Brace Pins (4" and 10") hold the Cross Member
this reason, Braces must be at the beginning and
in place on wood braces. Use 1/2" or larger
end of each straight run of fence. Braces are the
Galvanized Pins. Nails and screws are not recom-
key to a solidly built fence.
mended.
End Posts are the anchors of your fence. The
Brace Wires (aka Twitch Wire) are used on wood
fence wire is attached to these posts at the
Braces to transfer force between the posts of the
beginning and end of each straight run.
brace. Without a Brace Wire, the entire brace will
Brace Posts are used in conjunction with the lean in the direction of the pull of the fence.
Cross Member to hold the End Post in place and Typically, the Brace Wire is made from two
increase the amount of surface area of post that wraps of 12.5 gauge high tensile wire or 9 gauge
is in contact with the soil. low tensile wire. The 12.5 gauge high tensile wire
is recommended because it does not stretch.
Cross Members connect End and Brace Posts
to allow them to distribute the force of the fence. Inline Strainers tighten the Brace Wire on wood
Brace assemblies. These can be used to retight-
Important: Do not use T-Posts as cross en the Brace at any time should the Brace be-
members. come loose due to factors such as changes in
seasons or soil movement.
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
2
3
PLANNING
Cross Member
4
Bra
ce
Wi
re
Wood Braces are designed so that ultimately, Softwood posts used for Braces need to be
the End Posts will transfer the full force of the pressure treated with a preservative to resist
tension and weight of the fence to the ground. damage from termites or other insects and
This also applies to additional loads from animal decay. Chromate copper arsenate (CCA) is the
pressure and objects impacting the fence. most common preservative on the market and a
minimum treatment level of 0.40% is advised for
The tops of End Posts, pulled in the direction of most conditions. In wet or boggy soils 0.60% is
the fence, transfer the load via the Cross Mem- recommended.
ber to the Brace Posts. This, by way of the Brace
Wires, transfers the load to the base of the End Hardwood posts do not require treatment.
Posts and from there to the ground.
It is not recommended to use landscape timbers
For this transfer to work, the angle of the Brace or other sawn lumber for brace posts or cross
Wire to the ground must be 30 degrees or less. members. Landscape timbers typically have only
If the angle is too steep the Brace Wire will 0.28% CCA treatment, making them unsuitable
create an upward force pulling the End Post out for burying. Sawn lumber will warp and bend
of the ground. At a proper angle the force will be under the forces that exist in the Brace.
horizontal and transferred to the surrounding
Wood posts should be a minimum of 6” in
soil. The only way to decrease the angle is to
diameter for 4’ fences and 7” in diameter for
widen the Brace.
taller fences. See Chart in Wood Brace Configu-
ration (on the next page) for more information
on post sizes.
D) Map Fence Support Elements (cont’d) Double H Braces can be used where a wider
Brace is needed or where the forces of the fence
iii) Brace Configurations pulling on the Brace will be stronger than normal.
Use the Wood Braces in the configuration that is
appropriate for the fence you are building. Double-H Inline Brace Assembly
Use as anchor/tie off points where the fence
PLANNING
Single-H End Braces
changes directions 15 degrees or more, or where
8 Foot Fence - 16’ to 20’
the End Braces are more than 1,320’ apart.
6 Foot Fence - 12’ to 15’
Brace End
Post Post
3’6” 4’6” 5’ 5’6” Brace End Brace
Post Post Post
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
PLANNING
• Terrain: In rough terrain, place Line Posts closer • T-Post center spacing should be on 20’ to 25’
and use line bosses in dips and on humps centers for most applications
• Soil: In light or sandy soils, place Line Posts • A combination of Line Bosses and T-Posts will
closer give the best results. When using a combina-
• Turns in fence line: Place Line Posts closer and tion of T-Posts and Line Bosses, use a 4:1 ratio,
use line bosses so that you have 4 T-Posts to every 1 Line Boss.
• Animal pressure: place Line Posts closer in Bosses/Strength Posts
high animal pressure applications
• Bosses are larger than T-Posts and can be
Stud made of one of the following materials:
o Hardwood
T-Post X-Section o CCA treated softwood
o Structural tubing
o Galvanized pipe
• Bosses are used for additional strength in the
T-Post fence line
• Place at the lowest point in a dip and at the
crown of a hump to hold the fence up or down
as required. HINT: Standing on a guide wire in
T-Posts
a dip will show you where to place the Boss.
Steel T-Posts are commonly used as Line Posts.
T-Posts are so named because they have Boss Sizes:
cross-sections in the shape of the letter T.
Wood Steel
ate for the fence you are building. see page 12 SMALL DIP
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
c) GATES
• For optimum Gate placement, take into account
Hint:
livestock and equipment access and traffic. Slam-latches (self-locking latches) are
• Try not to set gates perpendicular to the fence advisable for working stock
PLANNING
32
SCALE 1/3
PLANNING
. WATER CHANNEL
WATER CHANNEL
WATER CHANNEL
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
• Count off your paces the old fashion way Predator Proof
3” x 3” at bottom of fence
• Track your walk with a smartphone GPS app
which are free on iPhones and Android OS
7”
phones (Samsung, LG, HTC, etc.)
Predator Control 7”
• Use a measuring wheel or tape measure 3” x 6” at bottom of fence
7”
• Use measurements from an aerial map or 3.5”
graph paper that has been created to scale 3.5” 7”
7” 7”
Livestock 7” 7”
no predator control
6”
6”
7” 6”
6”
6”
7” 6”
5”
5”
7”
5”
5”
6” 4”
4”
4” 4”
6”
3” 3”
6” 3” 3”
3” 3”
GPS apps are available Measuring wheel 5” 3” 3”
free on smartphones. 5”
3” 3”
3” 3”
* Spacing between Vertical Wire (stays) is nominal and may vary slightly
from the examples shown.
PLANNING
Any extra fence can be used for repairs in the
future.
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
PROPERTY LINE
PLANNING
116’ Fence
Splice 3
Splice 2
45’ Fence
Splice 1 DITCH
(floods during rain)
STREAM
100’ Fence
144’ Fence
Example for Installation Section
SMALL DIP
Splice 4
LEGEND
FUTURE BRACE END POST
(install now)
T-POSTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (18)
FUTURE FENCE
BOSSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
FUTURE
UTILITY
SINGLE-H END BRACE . . . . . . . . . (2) BUILDING
TREES
112’ Fence
16’ GATE
44’ Fence
Splice 7
128’ Fence
PROPERTY LINE
Splice 6
8’ 8’ 16’
32’
ROAD SCALE 1/32” = 1’ 0”
4. MATERIALS CHECKLIST
Now that you have completed the plan map, it is For a blank checklist that you can copy,
a good idea to summarize the materials you see page 38.
need such as in the Checklist below, that is
based on the Example Map on page 12.
PLANNING
Guide
Stay-Tuff Fixed Knot Fence Qty. Page(s)
3
Fence Product Num. Height x Length, ft. Stay Wire Spacing Num. of Line Wires Feet/Roll Rolls
1348-6 4’ X 795’ ✓
❏ 24” ❏ 12” ❏ 6” ❏ 3” 13 _____ 200’ _____ 330’ _____ 660’
3 10-11
Braces
Length, ft. Dia., in. Ea.
End & Brace Posts (wood)
8’ 6” 27 6
Sgl. H End (1 ea.) + Dbl. H End (1 ea.) + Corner/Angle (2 ea.) + Inline (2 ea.) Ea.
Brace Pins, 4” X 1/2” 2
____ X 1 = ____2 ____ X 1 = ____ 7
____ X 2 = ____ 14 ____ X 2 = ____ 16 24
Sgl. H End (1 ea.) + Dbl. H End (2 ea.) + Corner/Angle (2 ea.) + Inline (2 ea.) Ea.
Brace Pins, 10” X 1/2”
2
____ X 1 = ____2 ____ X 2 = ____ 7
____ X 2 = ____ 14 ____ X 2 = ____ 16
Cross Members Length, ft. Dia., in. Ea.
✓
❏ Wood ❏ Steel Tubing 10’ 2 3/8” 16 6
SEE
B
❏ Smooth 9 Ga. Cl. 3
✓
❏ Smooth HT 12.5 Ga. Cl. 3 * 48’ x Num. of Strainers ____
Total Brace Wire = Length/Brace ________ 16 = ________
768 ft. BELOW
Ea.
25
Ratcheted Inline Strainer One Strainer Per Brace Wire Installed
16
Ratcheted Inline Ea.
One Handle minimum.
Strainer Handle More for crews working on multiple Braces at the same time 2
Guide Wire
Length, ft. + ✓
❏ Brace Wire ❏ 10 lb. Coil = 440’ Coils
✓
❏ Smooth HT 12.5 Ga. Cl. 3 *
795
_______ + 768 = _________
_______ 1,563 ft. ✓
❏ 50 lb. Coil = 2,200’ 1 18
Length, ft. 1,320’/Roll Rolls
❏ Predator Control
HT Barbed Wire
25’ 6’ 6” 1.33 18 7
✓
❏ Wood ❏ Steel Length Dia. Ea.
Boss/Strength Posts
8’ 6” 1
Long Crimp Sleeves 13 8 Ea.
12 to 16 Ga.
Num. of Sleeves = Num. Line Wires _________ x Num. Splices _________
104 31
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
Before you begin this section, you must review the Planning section first.
Quick Overview
Using a single straight run of fence taken from the Example Map, we will
INSTALLATION
Tools Checklist
Make sure you first read through the entire Installation section. In part,
this is so you will know what tools you will need. Each Installation step
begins with a recommended tool list.
This will be To help you with your own tool list, see the Appendix on page 38 for a
the finished
fence example. Tools Checklist that you can copy and use.
The optimum width for your cleared fence line path should be wide
enough to drive along.
Remove all deadfall, brush or other obstacles along the path of the
fence.
Fill, level, and tamp any holes along the path of the fence to minimize
predator incursions.
INSTALLATION
• Always wear protective gloves, boots and clothing to prevent serious
cuts and punctures when handling fence components and tools.
• Protective eyewear is a must. Sharp edges and ends on fencing wire,
staples and other components can cause serious eye injury.
• Coiled fence rolls are packaged under tension. Be cautious and stay
clear of the roll when releasing the strapping to prevent injuries as the
tension is released. Be cautious—the release of tension can be sudden.
• Always use a Spinning Jenny Smooth Wire Payout to payout coils of
High Tensile Smooth Wire.
• Use the recommended tools suggested in the Installation Section of
this manual.
• Always read and follow the instruction manuals supplied by the
manufacturers of the tools and equipment you use.
• Inspect all tools and equipment before use to
be sure that they are functioning properly and are safe to use.
• Any tools or equipment that appear to be damaged, worn, or not
functioning correctly should be taken out of service immediately
and should not be used.
• Know and respect local building codes where applicable.
• Work with a partner to make the job easier and safer.
• Take your time and be cautious.
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
4’ 8’ x 6” (dia.) 3’ 6”
5’ 10’ x 6” (dia.) 4’ 6”
6’ 12’ x 6” (dia.) 5’ 0” End Posts mark the beginning and end of a straight fence run.
8’ 14’ x 7” (dia.) 5’ 6”
Spacing between End Posts of a straight, uninterrupted run can be
For sandy soils and
consistently wet up to 1,320’ without the need for additional Inline Braces.
soils, you need
additional depth. Wood posts in firm soils should be driven into the soil 3 1/2’ to 5 1/2’
depending on soil type and fence height.
Driven Posts: In most cases, a driven post is the best option as it can
withstand greater force than one placed in a pre-drilled hole. The undis-
turbed soil around a driven post enables the post to handle higher loads.
Slope soil
down and away Slope ground soil down and away from post for drainage.
from post for
drainage.
Drilled Holes: If you dig the post holes with a portable auger or drill,
tamp small amounts of dirt at a time. For best results, be sure to return
all of the excavated soil back into the hole and tamp it down firmly.
HINT:
Mark the depth you need to dig the hole on your auger so you
know when you have reached the right depth.
Slope concrete
above ground
down and away
from post for Concrete Setting
drainage. Using concrete to set End Posts has the effect of making the post larger
in diameter. This will create more surface area for interaction with the
Width = surrounding soils. Even with concrete, the posts must be placed deep
3x post size
Slight bell minimum enough or movement will still occur. When using concrete it is suggest-
shape for
greater ed to have the bottom of the hole belled-out to anchor the concrete
hold in soil
under undisturbed soil.
6” of Gravel or Concrete The top of the concrete footer should be sloped so that water can
at bottom of hole
runoff away from the post.
Setting Post in Concrete
Allow two days for cement to cure before pulling on any posts set
in concrete.
Important
INSTALLATION
Do not notch wooden posts – this weakens the post and
can expose untreated wood in a treated post.
Do not cut the tops of wood posts. The ends of the post are fully treated
during the pressure treatment process and cutting them off leaves an
opening in the protection.
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
Guide Wire
End Post End Post
Tools:
Use a Spinning Jenny to Hammer
payout smooth high tensile
Guide Wire. Spinning Jenny Smooth Wire Payout (SAFC-100)
High Tensile Wire Cutter (KN-570)
Smooth Wire Puller (RE-560)
High Tensile Wire Cutter Safety Note: Always use a Spinning Jenny to payout High
S
INSTALLATION
A
Always read and follow the instruction manuals supplied
b
by the manufacturers of the tools and equipment you use.
Smooth Wire Puller and
Chain
Guide Wire Using a Smooth Wire Puller is the easiest way to tighten the Guide Wire.*
on same side of
End Post that 1) Wrap the Smooth Wire Puller chain around the second End Post and
fence will be on then back through the clamping jaws on the end of the chain.
2) Place the end of the chain into the chain walking jaws of the Puller.
3) Manually pull the Guide Wire until it is relatively tight and then place
the wire into the clamping jaws on the handle of the Smooth Wire
Puller. These jaws lock onto the wire as tension is applied.
4) Tighten the Guide Wire by cranking the handle to walk the jaws up
the chain.
5) Once the Guide Wire is tight, wrap it around the End Post and cut it
with High-Tensile Wire Cutters, leaving roughly 2’ of extra wire to
make a knot.
INSTALLATION
7) Once the Guide Wire is tied off, release the tension on the Guide Wire
by walking the jaws of the Smooth Wire Puller back down the chain.
8) Pick up the Guide Wire and drop it. This snaps the guide wire to its
natural position between the two End Posts, giving you a straight
Smooth Wire Puller: fence line to use for accurate post placement.
ready for action
*Alternatively, you can use a conventional Come-along or Line Puller.
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
Position (but do not set) the 4) POSITION BRACE POSTS AND LINE POSTS
Brace Posts and Inline Posts
according to the plan for
Components Needed: Fence Brace Post to
this section of fence.
Two wood Brace Posts Height End Post Spacing
* Note small dip T-Posts 4’ 8’ - 10’
needing a Boss. 5’ 10’ - 12 1/2’
Bosses 6’ 12’ - 15’
8’ 16’ - 20’
PROPERTY LINE
Tools:
Map of Fence Line
Measuring device:
• Measuring Wheel or Tape Measure
• Smartphone Walking App
STREAM
From your Map of the Fence Line done during Planning stage (see page
12), you will have a very good idea of how many T-Posts and Bosses you
Brace Post Spacing will need.
Brace
Post End Brace Posts: Ideal width between an End Post and the Brace Post of a
Post Brace should be a minimum 2 times the height of the fence to about
Guide Wire
2 1/2 times (preferable) the height of the fence (e.g. for a 6’ fence,
spacing should be between 12’ to 15’).
Using all Line Bosses or Strength Posts will make a stronger but more
Position (but do not set)
the Brace Posts according costly fence.
to the plan for this section
of fence from the map. When using a combination of T-Posts and Bosses, use a 4:1 ratio, so that
you have 4 T-Posts to every 1 Boss.
Instead of T-Posts, use Bosses in all dips, hips (bumps), and ledges for
extra support.
Boss Important
Do not notch the wood Brace Posts or wood Line Bosses
Guide Wire – this opens up the protection from the preservative and
weakens the post.
Do not cut the tops of wood posts— the ends of the post are full treated
during the pressure treatment process and cutting them off leaves an
opening in the protection. Set them deeper instead.
Guide Wire
Corner
Post
T-Posts
Bosses
Single-H Brace Gate Brace
Double-H Brace
INSTALLATION
Place a Boss on top of any
Small Humps Angle Brace
Fence wire should be on the side from which the most pressure will come: facing
in for livestock or facing out for exclusion fencing.
On curves, the fence wire should be on the outside edge of curves as shown.
This is so the fence is pulled against the Posts instead of away from them.
Once you are satisfied with the spacing of the fence supports, you can
set the Brace Posts.
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
Guide Wire
Stud
Inside the Fence
Overhead view of the two Braces with Guide Wire and Line Posts.
Note that all Posts are on the same side as the Guide Wire.
Tools:
Guide Tape measure, Marker, Hammer
Wire
Drill and 1/2” Wood Drill Bit long enough to drill through the Brace Post
SS-40 Tubing Cross Always read and follow the instruction manuals supplied
Member measured and by the manufacturers of the tools and equipment you use.
INSTALLATION
cut, ready for installation
In this section, we will position how high off the ground we want the
Cross Members to be between the End Posts and Brace Posts and cut
them to fit. Then, we will install the Brace Pins that will hold the Cross
Members in place and finally, install the Cross Members themselves.
Measure the distance between the two marks and cut the Cross Member
to fit.
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
Use a drill bit that is the same diameter as the Pins and long enough to
1)
drill through the Brace Post.
2) 2) Drive the 10” x 1/2” Brace Pin into the Brace Post from the outside of
the Brace until it is flush with the inside surface of the Brace Post.
End Post If you are using a wood Cross Member, drill pilot holes in the center of
4” Pin Installation both end faces into which to set the Brace Pins during installation.
INSTALLATION
The End Post may not always require a single 4” Brace Pin. See the table
below where the End Post needs two 4” Brace Pins depending on the
Brace configuration.
Corner/Angle Braces 2 2
1) Place Cross Member on the
4” Brace Pin in End Post 4” Pin 10” Pin Fence Pull
before final positioning
Cross Member Installation
1) Place one end of the Cross Member over the 4” Pin on the End Post.
Then move the other end of the Cross Member into position over the
flush 10” Brace Post Pin.
2) Tap the 10” Pin into the 2) Using your hammer, drive the 10” Brace Post Pin into the Cross Mem-
Cross Member. Leave 1"
exposed. ber, leaving 1” exposed on the outside of the Brace. The protruding
end of the Brace Pin will hold the Brace Wire in place.
NOTE: Never use milled The Cross Member should fit snuggly between the End Post and Brace
lumber for a Cross
Post. A small gap between the Cross Member and Posts is okay. The
Member, as it will warp.
Brace will tighten up when the Brace Wire is installed and tensioned.
Brace Inline
tying off and take-up on the Inline Strainer Wire Strainer
Staple
Total Wire for all Braces = Num. of Strainers X Length from above B
Brace End
Post Post
INSTALLATION
2
High Tensile Wire Cutters (KN-570) (RE-563)
Crimp Sleeve 1) Frame
Ratcheted Inline Strainer (RE-563) 2) Frame Hole (for first end of
and Handle (RE-562) the Brace Wire)
3) Ratchet Spindle (spool)
Multi-Crimp Tool (JM-592) 4) Spindle Hole (for second end
of the Brace Wire)
Hammer 5) Handle
Multi-Crimp Tool
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
1) Place a 12.5 Ga. Long Crimp Sleeve on the Brace Wire before looping
Wire End it through the hole in the Strainer Frame.
1) Put the Crimp Sleeve on 2) Loop the Wire through the hole in the Strainer Frame, and then loop
the Brace Wire before
looping the wire through
the Wire back into the Crimp Sleeve. Crimp the Crimp Sleeve to hold
the hole in the Strainer one end of the Brace Wire and Strainer together.
Frame
3) Feed the other end of the Brace Wire through the hole in the center
Inline
Strainer of the Spindle.
Make sure that the Wire is not crossed at the Pin or the Staple before
tightening the Brace Wire completely.
2) Loop the end of the 4) Apply tension to the Brace Wire using the Strainer Handle.
Wire into the Sleeve
and Crimp 5) Continue to tighten the Strainer and periodically equalize the Brace
Wire by pulling it sideways a couple of times.
INSTALLATION
Spindle
Hole SAFETY NOTE:
Use only a Ratchet Handle specifically designed for the Inline
Strainer you are using.
Crimped
Loop
6) Tighten the Brace Wire until the Brace Post is pulled about a quar-
3) Inline Strainer fully wired ter-inch toward the End Post. At that point, the Wire will be very
and ready for the Handle
tight, and your Brace is now ready to use.
NOTE: You can also tension the Brace Wire with the RE-560 Smooth
Wire Puller (see pages 18 and 19). Once you have tightened the Wire,
splice it with one long or three short Crimp Sleeves to hold it fast. The
disadvantage of this method is that, if the Brace Posts move slightly
4) Use the Strainer Handle at any time after the fence is installed, you won’t be able to re-tighten
to ratchet the Inline the Brace as easily as you could using the Inline Strainer.
Strainer Spindle
Line Wire
(Horizontal Wires)
Stay Wires
(Vertical Wires)
Fixed Knot
Tools:
High-Tensile Wire Cutter (KN-570)
INSTALLATION
Tape measure
Hammer
SAFETY NOTE:
Coiled fence rolls are under tension. Be cautious and
d
stay clear of the roll to prevent wire from hitting
and injuring you when the tension is released. The
release of tension can be sudden.
Put something heavy on the free end of the wire as you roll it out to
Roll out 50’ of wire keep it from rolling back up from that end.
beginning at an End Post
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
If for any reason you need more than 18” of stripped wire, see
Redi-Roll: Cut off the end
Stay to get to the 18” of “How to Strip Fixed Knots From High-Tensile Fixed Knot Wire Fence”
pre-stripped wire. Need on page 39.
more stripped wire? See
page 39.
3) Align the Fence
a) Lift the rolled-out portion of the fence up toward the End Post.
b) While holding the fence roughly in the position where it will ulti-
mately be tied off, partially hammer a Fence Staple into the knot
one Horizontal Wire down from the top.
c) This temporary staple helps hold the fence in position as you tie
the wire off.
d) Now align the fence to the End Post, squaring the vertical stay
INSTALLATION
Now roll-out the fence to the second End Post and attach the Fence to
it. When you have finished, the fence so far should look like this:
Line Wire
(Horizontal Wires)
Stay Wires
(Vertical Wires)
Fixed Knot
Stretcher Bar In this section, we will tension the fence by stretching it using Stretcher
Bars and Stretcher Bar Pullers with Chains. A minimum of two workers
are needed for fences under 8’ and three workers for fences 8’ to 10’ high.
First, determine where you will place the Stretcher Bars. Typically, they
are placed at a location around the middle of the fence run as in the
INSTALLATION
illustration above.
Stretcher Bar Puller and Chain
Install the Stretcher Bars
1) Position two Stretcher Bars under the fence between 10’ to 19’ apart,
depending on the length of the pull. The longer the pull, the further
apart you will need to space the stretcher bars. On a 1,320’ pull you
1) Position the Stretcher Bars can expect to pull out around 15’ of slack fence, so you will need to
under the Fence space the stretcher bars about 18’-19’ apart. The Stretcher Bar Pullers
2a) Align Stay and come with 19’ of chain to accommodate for this.
2b) Line Wires in both bars 2) a) Align the Stretcher Bars so that they are parallel with and centered
between the Stay wires.
b) Position the Line Wires between the wedge retainers. Ensure that
each Line Wire is held firmly by a wedge so that they will not slip
and lose tension.
3) Insert the wedges into the Wedge Retainers on top of the wires
3) Hammer Wedges into and drive each wedge home firmly to lock the fence fabric on the
Retainers to lock Fence Stretcher Bar.
4) Cut the Line Wires in the middle between the Stretcher Bars.
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
be able to grip the links properly and the jaws could slip
out, potentially causing injury.
8) When the Handle of the Stretcher Bar Puller is cranked, the Puller
jaws will “walk” up the chain links, tightening the fence.
7) Clip the Stretcher Bar
Pullers to the Second
Stretcher Bars. Insert Tension the Fence
Chain Links into Bar
Puller jaws, ensuring that 9) As you continue to tension the fence, it will be slowly pulled upright.
chain links are aligned.
Continue tensioning until approximately 50% of the crimp in the line is
removed. Tension can be adjusted to loosen or tighten the fence de-
pending on the needs of your particular application.
Finally, stand the fence up completely and tie or staple to Line Posts as
needed to temporarily hold it in place.
Next we will splice the cut portions of the fence together with the
9) As you tension, the fence Stretcher Bars still in place.
will rise
Crimp Sleeve Always read and follow the instruction manuals supplied by
the manufacturers of the tools and equipment you use.
At this point, the fence is tensioned and standing upright with tempo-
Multi-Crimp Tool rary help from T-Posts or Bosses. The two pieces of fence are being held
together by the two Stretcher Bars, Pullers and Chains.
INSTALLATION
The Stretcher Bars should be 3’ or 4’ apart (down from 10’ to 19’ at the
beginning of the stretching process).
Ultra-Crimp Tool
The two fence ends need to be trimmed, cut and spliced before the
Stretcher Bars are released.
1) Untie and fold the excess The Stay-Tuff Long Crimp Sleeve is designed to work specifically with
fence back between the
high-tensile fence, and have a holding capacity of up to 1500 lb.
Stretcher Bars
2) Trim the excess wire from the stretching process, leaving enough
length to overlap the two complete Stays on each end of the fence.
This will be used for splicing.
2) Overlap a couple of the
Stays for splicing. See
page 32.
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
Rest of Fence
DISCARD
splicing.
Rest of Fence
Long Line Wires.
Insert each Short Line Insert the matching The Long Wire should
Wire into a Crimp Sleeve Long Wire into the almost touch the
second hole of the Knot on the Short Line
Crimp Sleeve Wire side
The tail ends of wire should overlap through the Crimp Sleeve
completely, but only need to stick out 1/8” to 1/4”. Any excess can be
trimmed off later.
Work your way down (or up) the fence fabric, inserting Short Line
All cut Line
Wires positioned in
Wires and their respective Long Line Wires into Crimp Sleeves.
Crimp Sleeves
Splice
All Short and Long Line Wires should be positioned correctly in Crimp
Sleeves before you start crimping the sleeves.
Ultra-Crimp Tool
Use either the Multi-Crimp Tool or the Ultra-Crimp Tool to crimp the sleeves.
Use the notch on each tool appropriate for the Crimp Sleeve and gauge
of wire you are using. Each tool has two Crimp notches, one for 12.5 Ga.
wire sleeves, and one for larger gauge wire and barbed wire sleeves.
To splice, squeeze the Crimp Tool along the full length of each Crimp
Ultra-Crimp Tool crimping Sleeve 4 to 6 times. The finished Sleeve should be crimped across the
entire length of the Sleeve.
Splice the Long and Carefully trim off any wire overhanging the Crimp Sleeve.
Short Wires with your
choice of Crimping Tool. When done correctly, this splice will hold to 1500 lb. The wire will break
Squeeze 4 to 6 times
along the full length of before the crimp gives way. When joined evenly, from a distance the
the Crimp Sleeve. splice will not be easily noticed.
INSTALLATION
Multi-Crimp Tool Line
Wire
1 2 3 4 5
Crimps
CORRECT INCORRECT
Crimp Sleeve is flattened all the Crimp Sleeve is
way across by crimping 4-6 times crimped only twice
Once the tension is released, remove the Stretcher Bar Pullers, Chains
and Stretcher Bars (in that order) from the fence by knocking the
Wedges out of each Retainer. Take special care when knocking out the
Stretcher Bar Wedges and releasing the Stretcher Bars.
The Completed Spliced
Fence
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
Staple Anatomy
Flat
Faces (2)
Legs Legs
(2) Barbs (2)
(4)
STC-582 3” 11 350
STC-586 3 1/2” 11 200
Also see www.StayTuff.com/tools
Tools:
11 Ga. Clip Tightening Chuck (LC-580)
Drill
Hammer
At this stage in the fence building process the fence is spliced and
tensioned from one Brace to the next. Now, it is time to attach the fence
to the Line Posts.
Remember that with a high tensile fence system the purpose of the Line
Posts and Brace Posts is to hold the fence upright and NOT to hold it
11 Ga. Clip Tightening Chuck rigidly in place. The fence must have some “wiggle room” under the
Staples and Clips to allow the fence Line Wire (horizontal wires) to slide
back and forth:
• To respond to tension adjustments
• To absorb animal impact
• To respond to changes in temperature.
Rotate the staple to the vertical (about 45 degrees) before you drive it
in. Rotate Right Hand staples to the right and Left Hand Staples to the
left.
Right Hand Staple:
Rotate to the right
NOTE: Rotating the staples in the opposite direction from that de-
scribed above can cause the Legs to cross. This can result in the wood
grain splitting, compromising the holding strength of the staple. See
“Correct vs. Incorrect Stapling” illustration below.
Do not hammer the staples completely into the wood. Instead, leave
enough “wiggle room” to allow the wire fence fabric to slide freely
under the Staple.
Left Hand Staples: Staple only Line wires and not too close to a Knot. Stagger them verti-
Rotate to the left cally up and down the post. Driving them all in a perfectly vertical line
can split the wood.
INSTALLATION
Do not staple Stay Wires.
Line
Wire
Correct vs. Incorrect Stapling
Correct Incorrect
Driven into the wood Staple angled incorrectly.
properly the legs Legs will cross each other and
will curve out reduce the holding strength
of the staple.
Stay
Wire How many Staples Per Post?
1
See page 36 for stapling and Post clipping 2
3
patterns and the recommended number of 4
5
Staples or Clips per Post in the fence line, 6
7
depending on the pressure on the fence. 8
Staples are set at an angle 9
10
to the wood grain. Stagger 11
12
staples vertically. 13
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
Hold down the drill’s trigger completely until the clips are fully tight-
INSTALLATION
ened. This will cause the tips of tail ends to break off and the drill will
spin freely.
Use the Brace Drawings (pages 3 to 6) to design your Braces. Remember, the Braces are the
foundation of your fence. Bad Braces = a bad fence!
STAY-TUFF® FENCE MATERIALS, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES CHECKLIST
All Stay-Tuff fence and wire products, accessories and tools can be purchased from our authorized
dealers. You can also order Stay-Tuff tools and fence accessories from www.staytuff.com/tools.
Guide
Stay-Tuff Fixed Knot Fence Qty. Page(s)
Fence Product Num. Height x Length, ft. Stay Wire Spacing Num. of Line Wires Feet/Roll Rolls
❏ 24” ❏ 12” ❏ 6” ❏ 3” _____ 200’ _____ 330’ _____ 660’ 10-11
Braces
Length, ft. Dia., in. Ea.
End & Brace Posts (wood) 6
Sgl. H End (1 ea.) + Dbl. H End (1 ea.) + Corner/Angle (2 ea.) + Inline (2 ea.) Ea.
Brace Pins, 4” X 1/2”
____ X 1 = ____ ____ X 1 = ____ ____ X 2 = ____ ____ X 2 = ____
24
Sgl. H End (1 ea.) + Dbl. H End (2 ea.) + Corner/Angle (2 ea.) + Inline (2 ea.) Ea.
Brace Pins, 10” X 1/2”
____ X 1 = ____ ____ X 2 = ____ ____ X 2 = ____ ____ X 2 = ____
B
) plus ❏ 12” or ❏ 18” Coils
Ea.
25
Ratcheted Inline Strainer One Strainer Per Brace Wire Installed
Guide Wire
Length, ft. + ❏ Brace Wire ❏ 10 lb. Coil = 440’ Coils
❏ Smooth HT 12.5 Ga. Cl. 3 *
_______ + _______ = _________ ft. ❏ 50 lb. Coil = 2,200’
18
Length, ft. 1,320’/Roll Rolls
❏ Predator Control
HT Barbed Wire
7
❏ Wood ❏ Steel Length Dia. Ea.
Boss/Strength Posts
STAY-TUFF TOOLS & Code Num. Qty. OTHER TOOLS Qty. Qty.
High Tensile Wire Cutters (KN-570) Drill Pencil/Marker/Pen
Spinning Jenny Smooth Wire Payout (SAFC-100) Hammer Measuring Tape
Smooth Wire Puller (RE-560) Map of Fence Line
Multi-Crimp Tool (JM-592)
Ultra-Crimp Tool (JM-578) FOR YOUR SAFETY Qty. Qty.
Stretcher Bar Pullers (RE-561) Safety Gloves Knee Pads
Stretcher Bars (see page 29) Safety Glasses First Aid Kit
Drill Chuck for 11 Ga. Wire Post Clips (LC-580) Work Boots
Planning & Installation Guide Using Wood Braces
Follow the steps outlined in the illustrations below. You may also access our video on the subject by
scanning the QR code on this page.
Stay
Wire
(Vertical Wire)
APPENDIX
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
2) Using a Flat Nose Screw Driver Slide Knots off Line Wire
For a
step-by-step
YouTube.com
video on How to
Strip Fixed
Knots from a
High-Tensile
wire Fence, scan:
Line Wire
12” to 18”
Tying off High Wrap the horizontal wire around the End 1) First Bend
Tensile Wire Brace Post and mark where it crosses itself Bend the wire twice to create a ‘Z’
(Perspective 1)
3 45 degree 4
angle bend
5 6
Three finger
lengths (2”)
APPENDIX
7 8
CONTINUED ON
NEXT PAGE
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High Tensile Fixed-Knot Fences
For
step-by-step
YouTube.com
videos on
How to Tie a
High-Tensile Wire
Slip Knot, scan:
11 12
Tying off High Push the second bend of the ‘Z’ in between Wire and Post
Tensile Wire
(Perspective 1)
13 14
15 16
Bend the wire over itself… and down behind the Horizontal Wire
17 18
CONTINUED ON
NEXT PAGE
4” to 6”
90 degrees
Handle
Pull the Wire down and bend Using the bend in the handle for leverage, push
90 degrees to form a handle the tail end up and over the Horizontal Wire.
19 20
For
step-by-step
YouTube.com
videos on 1 Wrap
How to Tie a
High-Tensile Wire Pull the Wire down and up towards Make 2 or 3 tight wraps around
Slip Knot, scan: you to complete one wrap the Horizontal Wire
21 2 Wraps 22
1
Stop at
Halfway
After 2 to 3 tight wraps, 1) make another wrap about half way around the wire…
23 24
Tying Off High 2
Tensile Wire
(Perspective 2)
2) Pull it back around (reverse rotation) 3) Crank the Handle in a circle parallel
to the horizontal Wire several times to
break it off. If the handle does not break
off, clip with the High Tensile Wire Cutters.
APPENDIX
25
Finished Knot
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TO ORDER STAY-TUFF® PRODUCTS
Stay-Tuff Fence
1000 N. Walnut Ave., Suite #225
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Email: Install@staytuff.com
Website: www.staytuff.com