Barb Wire Post - 2 kinds - which is best?

beowulf · Dec 12, 2005

I am not sure if this is where I should post this, but here goes. I have been stringing barb wire fence the past two days but ran out of T-posts. When I went to get some more they did not have any more of those posts (the kind with the ridges where you use ties to connect the wire to the post but had another kind with tabs. They told me those posts were also for barb wire, but they did not know much about them. I have never used the tabbed kind - I assume you put the wire in the tabs and clamp the tabs down to cinch the wire. Can anyone provide advice re preferred type and how the tabbed posts work? I have a lot of posts to put in and perhaps the tabbed kind will go faster. Thanks.

rambler · Dec 13, 2005

I believe you have used T posts, with the bmps down the face of the flat side that holds the wire up with wire ties. These are heavy metal.

The other type you describe is perhaps a 'U' shaped post which is made of flimsier thin sheet steel? I do not like, & have not had any luck at all, and there are fewer choices for electric insulators, etc. - with these. Ick. But then I fence for cattle, which are hard on posts. these type of posts do not hold cattle in. Wouldn't waste the time to pound them in.

If you are fencing for tiny goats, might work for you. Me, I'd stick to the T-posts.

Perhaps the 'tab posts' you are refering to are something different than I am thinking of tho?

--->Paul

MF1455v · Dec 13, 2005

I would agree with rambler. All of the tab'ed posts I've seen aren't worth the time and effort to install. Wait and get the T posts. You will be much happier with your fence in the long run.

beowulf · Dec 13, 2005

The "U" sheet metal posts you describe are, I believe, the tabbed posts I have been shown. The metal is about an eighth of an inch thick. They are clearly not as sturdy as the steel posts though they come in same 5, 6 and 7 foot lengths. And I am fencing in cattle. Based on the advice posted here I will avoid those and travel to another town today to get the steel posts to get ready for putting in another streach this weekend. When you need help and information this is clearly the place to go to. What a helpful forum.
Thanks!

HomeBrew2 · Dec 13, 2005

Also, just a note: T posts come in varying weights and with the price of steel, some places sell only the lightest weight. "133"'s are good, "125"'s are fine. The number indicates lb/ft (133 = 1.33#/'). Anything lighter than 125's might be less than desireable for cattle. Years ago they used to stamp/emboss the post with the number. I was recently quoted about a buck a foot for 125's.
Cheers!

Soundguy · Dec 13, 2005

I agree with the others.. the T-posts are good .. the 'delineator' posts as we call them are only good for holding highway reflective markers.. Not awesome for fencing in an animal that may test the fence.

Soundguy

beowulf · Dec 13, 2005

Thanks to all for your advice. I located a supply of T-posts and picked up 50 today. I will pick up a similar load after I use these. I think they are 133's but not sure - will have to check. They are of the same weight I have put in before and they seem to do the job. I put them in about 5' apart and use two fence stays between the posts to keep wire tight - four strands - I don't want to do this again for a long time. Glad I posted re this - avoided the possibility of making a serious mistake.

JayDavis · Dec 15, 2005

5 foot spacing? That may be a bit overkill. 7ft is good and I've seen 12ft and even 21ft spacing work.... though that is a bit much.... even with stays, in the middle of that span, there is enough slack to let a cow over the fence if they are so inclined.

Soundguy · Dec 15, 2005

I chose 10' myself.. works great..

Soundguy

beowulf · Dec 15, 2005

I will go for the 7' spacing with the stays. The fence is along a highway in the mountains and I want to make sure none of the cows can ever get to the highway. Thanks again for weighing on this.