Tensioning Poly Rope Electric Fences: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to tension poly rope electric fence

Poly rope electric fences are often used to contain livestock and require tension to be effective. Tensioning a poly rope electric fence involves stretching the rope to remove any slack and ensure proper rigidity. This process typically involves using a tension kit, which includes a ratchet, S-hook, clamp, and rope. The rope is looped around a post, and the S-hook is attached to the rope and clamped to maintain tension. This guide will explore the steps for tensioning a poly rope electric fence, the equipment required, and how to address common issues such as loss of tension or the need to extend the fence length.

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Using an ElectroBraid Tension Kit

The ElectroBraid Tension Kit is a convenient and effective tool for maintaining the tension of your electric rope fence. It offers a simple solution to ensure the safety of your animals, the longevity of your fence, and a neat, pastoral look. Here's a step-by-step guide on using the ElectroBraid Tension Kit:

Assembling the Tension Kit:

Firstly, you'll need to assemble the tension kit. The kit includes a ratchet, an S-hook, a clamp, and a length of rope. Begin by tying the S-hook to one end of the ratchet rope. Then, insert the other end of the ratchet rope into the ratchet, ensuring it goes in the opposite direction of the release switch. Guide the rope around the ratchet wheel and bring it out in the opposite direction. Finally, secure the rope with a knot to prevent it from slipping back out.

Attaching the Tension Kit to the Fence:

Once your tension kit is assembled, you can attach it to your ElectroBraid fence. Loop the ratchet rope around the post and hook the S-hook onto the rope. Place the clamp on the braid and attach it to the S-hook on the ratchet. Now, you can begin to tighten the assembly by hand.

Adjusting and Securing the Braid:

After tightening, adjust the braid at the split bolt, leaving approximately 2 inches of braid outside the bolt. To prevent fraying, tape, cut, and singe the braid.

Final Steps:

Remember to remove the tensioning kit after use and store it safely for future use. Allow the ElectroBraid fence to rest for 24 hours after initial tensioning to give the posts time to settle. Re-tensioning after this waiting period completes the process. Your ElectroBraid fence will maintain its tension effectively, and you won't need to re-tension frequently unless posts are disturbed by frost or impacted by animals or machinery.

The ElectroBraid Tension Kit is highly regarded for its ease of installation, durability, and functionality. It is an essential tool to ensure your electric rope fence remains secure and effective, providing peace of mind for your livestock containment and management.

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Tensioning from both ends

Tensioning your poly rope electric fence from both ends is a straightforward process that ensures even tension across the entire length of the fence. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Assemble the Tension Kit:

Start by assembling your ElectroBraid® tension kit, which includes a ratchet, an S-hook, a clamp, a length of rope, and an instruction booklet. Tie the S-hook to one end of the ratchet rope. Then, insert the other end of the rope into the ratchet, opposite the release switch, and guide it around the ratchet wheel and back out in the opposite direction. Make sure the rope travels all the way around the wheel and underneath the housing pin. Finally, tie a knot in the ratchet rope to prevent it from slipping.

Install the Tension Kit:

After installing a strand of braid, apply the tensioning device. Secure the ratchet rope to the post hook using a cinch knot and hitch the rope to the post. Loop the ratchet rope around the post and hook the S-hook onto the rope. Put the clamp on the braid and attach it to the S-hook, then begin tightening by hand.

Adjust and Secure:

Adjust the braid at the split bolt, leaving about 2 inches of braid outside the bolt. Then, tape, cut, and singe the braid to prevent fraying. Remember to remove the tensioning device and store it for future use. Allow the ElectroBraid® to sit for 24 hours to let the posts settle, and then re-tension to complete the process.

Tension from Both Ends:

Loosen and remove the tensioning device and return to the beginning post. Tension the braid at this starting post, just as you did at the ending post. Tensioning from both ends ensures full and even tension across the entire line. Remember to re-tension after 24 hours to complete the process.

By following these steps, you will achieve a poly rope electric fence with proper tension, ensuring the safety of your animals, the longevity of the fence, and a neat, tidy appearance.

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Checking for loss of tension

Begin by visually inspecting the fence for any obvious signs of loosening. Check the posts at corners, ends, or gates, as these areas are more susceptible to movement due to frost heave or the impact of animals or vehicles. If a post has shifted, you may need to reset it, re-tighten each strand, and consider strengthening the bracing to prevent further shifting.

Next, inspect the polyrope splicers or split bolt connectors. Sometimes, these may slip, causing a loss of tension. Tighten any splicers or connectors that appear loose. Additionally, check for any broken insulators, as these may also contribute to reduced tension.

If you have recently spliced your poly rope, ensure that the splice is secure and effective. A proper splice should be made with at least three crimping sleeves to establish a safe and secure connection. Test the strength of the splice by pulling on each end of the rope; if the rope slides out of the sleeves, you may need to re-crimp and test again.

After making any necessary adjustments, re-tension your fence following the standard tensioning process. Allow the fence to sit for 24 hours after initial tensioning, and then check the tension on each strand again. Re-tensioning after this waiting period helps ensure full and even tension across the entire fence line.

Remember that proper tension in your electric fence is crucial for its effectiveness and the safety of your animals. By regularly checking for and addressing loss of tension, you can maintain the integrity of your poly rope electric fence.

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Splicing a polywire electric fence

To tension a poly rope electric fence, you can use a tension kit, which includes a ratchet, s-hook, clamp, rope, and instruction booklet. The process involves assembling the kit, looping the ratchet rope around the post, hooking the s-hook to the rope, tightening the clamp, and adjusting the braid.

Now, here's how you can splice a polywire electric fence:

Before starting to splice a polywire electric fence, ensure you have the necessary tools, including a voltage tester, gloves, crimping sleeves, and a crimper tool. Splicing is required to extend the length of the fence and to repair broken polywire. Firstly, turn off the power to the fence and use the voltage tester to ensure that the power is indeed off. Then, put on your gloves for safety.

Now, you can begin the splicing process. Slide three crimping sleeves over one end of the polywire. Hold the sleeves in place and slide the second polywire through the open slots on the sleeves. Use your crimper tool to squeeze each sleeve tightly, creating a strong connection. Test the strength of the connection by pulling on each end of the polywire; if it slides out, simply use the crimping tool again.

Once you are satisfied with the strength of the splice, you can turn on the power to the fence. Use the voltage tester once more to check the voltage levels on both sides of the splice. If one side shows a significantly lower voltage, the splice may need to be redone as the connection may not be adequate. A proper splice ensures that all individual wires are in contact, allowing for a consistent electrical charge along the fence.

As a temporary solution, if you do not have crimping sleeves or a crimping tool, you can simply tie the two ends of the polywire together with multiple knots. However, this method is not as secure, and the knots may slip or break if subjected to stress from livestock.

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Using a crimping sleeve splice

To tension a poly rope electric fence using a crimping sleeve splice, you will need to first turn off the power to the fence and use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is indeed off. This is an important safety step. Next, put on some gloves and slide three crimping sleeves over one end of the polywire—crimping sleeves are metal fittings that are conductive and designed to re-establish an electric connection between two pieces of polywire. Then, hold the sleeves on the first polywire and slide the second poly wire through the open slots on the sleeves. Using a crimper tool, squeeze each sleeve tight to create a strong connection.

You can test the strength of the sleeves by pulling on each end to see if the polywire slides out. If it does, simply use the crimping tool again. Once you are satisfied with the strength of the connection, turn the power back on and use the voltage tester to check the voltage levels on each side of the splice. If one side is significantly lower, you may not have a good connection and may need to redo the splice.

Frequently asked questions

Using an ElectroBraid Tension Kit is the best way to tension poly rope electric fencing. The kit includes everything you need to quickly and easily add tension to your fence.

The kit includes a ratchet, S-hook, clamp, rope, and a simple instruction booklet.

You will need at least one tension kit to tighten your ElectroBraid fence system. A second tensioning kit is required for paddocks of one acre or larger.

Tie the S-hook to one end of the ratchet rope, and insert the other end of the ratchet rope into the ratchet opposite the release switch. Pull it around the ratchet wheel and then out again in the opposite direction.

If you notice a loss of tension, check if any posts have moved and need to be reset. You should also check if any polyrope splicers or split bolt connectors have slipped and need to be tightened, or if an insulator has broken.

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