A Proper Barbwire H Brace

[@eastcoastbob8135]

Thank you for your biblical references. You make the rest of us realize God's word.

[@markbaugher5815]

Back in the day, we used hedge post (Osage orange) No one could ever pound a large staple in one of those logs. They are hard as steel!

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Ah, the memories. Was just half as tall of that fence last time i was "helping". Great fun overall. I miss those old timers who i was around. Learned a lot but never learned it everything required. Definitely saving this video. Out to the field i go! Fence line clearing, wire repair and new fence construction layout. Just need an auction to pop up for old telephone poles!

[@bryseanygaming4313]

Bless you as well. I'm glad to see there are still people unafraid of sharing God's word

[@highdesertdroneservices4497]

Thank you for this video. Better than all the other videos of people using fancy expensive tools. Keep. It. Simple.

[@justloggit22]

50” in the ground!?! You’ve never dug a hole in NH lol. My 6” PT poles are in the ground 3’ after I coated the bottom 4’ in used Motor oil. I made an “x” pattern with my wire and seams to be really strong. I’m doing everything I can to make mine last 50 years too. Thank you for the video.

[@fomoco300k]

I agree. building fence is one of my favorite 'chores'. being outdoors, building something that will last decades... generations even thanks for the videos. the fencing series is especially timely since I'm replacing a bunch of it this year. some of the posts I'm replacing have been in use since the late fifties. some are still strong and tightly packed in but so dry that they won't hold a staple anymore. others that are thinner line posts are just done. either way, its time to teach my boys how to do it just the way my dad taught me and his taught him on this same piece of God's creation. thanks, Luke. Keep 'em comin'!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

+fomoco300k Thanks friend, that was encouraging to us. It’s all perspective, and you’re absolutely correct not only do you build good friends but you build good relationships with your children and spouse as well. Good to hear from you Happy fencing Luke

[@markbowden1847]

@@BacktotheBasics101 Thanks - this has helped changed my perspective on fencing - have always viewed it as a grudge chore until now..

[@jonathansullivan3089]

I'm in northern ky. We can only dream of dirt like that to dig in. Half inch top soil, clay and rocks the rest of the way. Quality work on that brace.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Wow that’s not good, I was surprised how good the digging was there too. That particular piece was really easy to dig no rocks or clay, where I live it is solid clay, and when it’s wet it is some hard hard work. About a foot of topsoil. And then of course if you hit rock or sand stone you’re chipping a hole in the ground. It’s work. Happy trails Luke

[@jasonshackelford5895]

Great video, to the point. Really helpful. Building a fence in Central Texas alone....haha....little difficult but videos like this sure help. Thank you!!!

[@bstevermer9293]

Never going to build a fence , but you did a great job. Kind of looks fun to do.

[@brennancogan7597]

Finally. Someone who did a video for a good solid brace. Thank you!

[@runninghammer9628]

the tools you use blows my mind i literally been getting by with fencing pliers a post pounder and a come along for repairing fence ...to build fence out at the ranch hahaha im gunna have to get some tools

[@OldGlory1776]

Appreciate your dedication to your craft. We used to build braces in a similar manner, except we didn't need wire stretchers to get the two strands of wire tight. It temporary splice and some back and forth on the double wires with your foot you'll get all the necessary slack out and can then tie your knot. and all this time what we have learned is that wood sucks. We will never again build a brace out of anything less than pipe. Wood braces, although they should last 50 years many times do not . when a cow bumps into them and knocks out the horizontal bar, or a wire breaks, or twister falls out. Not to mention the time savings involved. Which is a lot

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Often times we used double layers with her foot is well. Pretty beginners I wanted to make it pretty simple for them. Really appreciate your input. Happy trails Luke

[@cliffordsikora9841]

Really appreciate , your Biblical references. And doing it right the first time ( overkill , I truly do not think so ) means your fence will take the punishment it inevitably is going to receive. God Bless

[@BacktotheBasics101]

So very true. I can’t help it put the word of God in the video, God has done so much for me. Happy trails

[@nicklopez5298]

I agree with overkill is good when comes to fencing

[@FrugalOffGrid]

Great video! Im currently cutting 155 posts from my land and I'll do my best to make great H braces like yours.

[@manuelvargas2608]

The fiskars all metal shovel and the 28 inch axe are the best. Bomb proof. There may be better axes for some jobs but in the back of my truck I carry a fiskars.

[@Squarehead45]

My family stopped using Cedar post decades ago. We used drill stem pipe, Double "H" brace with a 45 degree down brace. I have seen MILES of fence in the hill country put in that way and stay just as tight in 25 yrs as they did when they were put up. Sure, you have to have a welding machine but once it's up,,its UP for good. We also NEVER use imported wire. Only U.S. made 12 ga.

[@systemfile]

Only redbrand wire for me.

[@cabbyhubby]

Me too ..... I will never ever build another fence using wood posts ... Pipe for me !

[@mikegoodman447]

Having put more than my share of corner posts in here is what I would do different. First Do Not use rebar to tighten the brace wire. IT Will RUST and eat through the wire. Best thing is galvanized pipe or galvanized angle iron made for this. Next put the brace pipe in about half way up. Basically this will double the pressure on the corner post. The leverage of the brace wire up high will put way more pressure on the pipe. Last thing I would do is put the staples in on each side of the corner post. This will prevent the post from twisting especially when the fence wires are pulling on the side of the post from improper installation.

[@stu7604]

Nice! Where we live, we have these things on tractors called 3-point hitches. You can attach a variety of equipment to them, including post hole diggers! Saves loads of time! Excuse my sarcasm... but we probably had our H frame done before you got your first hole dug! Very nice work, however!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I hear you, we have a gas powered tamper, a three point Auger, a hydraulic Auger and a handheld gas powered ground Auger as well, I just wanted to show people how simple it can be putting fence in without a lot of high dollar tools. You are very right, those options are A big timesaver. Happy trails Luke

[@JoseChavez-ob2wj]

@@BacktotheBasics101 hello Luke, thank you for helping us through your channel. Can you please tell us what brand is the hole digger that was used on this video and where we can get it? All the hole diggers I have found are quite simplistic and kind of useless. Yours look to do the job way better.

[@kyleprock687]

Hello Mr. Simons, Where my family ranches we use juniper posts rather than cedar post but they both do a great job. However we have found that if we remove all of the bark from the juniper post that it will last much longer than if we left the bark on the post. We have some pastures that are boggy and stay wet this is where we noticed the posts with bark rotting at the ground. Just curious to hear your input and if you have had the same problem. Just started watching your videos and I love them, spreading the word of the Lord and ranching is amazing. Thank you.

[@brianjonker510]

I have noticed that too. Do you let the posts dry a month or more after getting the bark off?

[@kenarnold9132]

Finally, somebody who knows how to put in an H brace !!! You wouldn't believe how many folks I've seen putting up fencing you know isn't going to last a couple years at best. Not to mention all the temp fixes they'll have to do. Must be fencing in stuffed animals LoL. My father and I put in woven wire fencing back in '70's. R/R cross ties (and some used telephone poles from the county elec) for the corners, 4 steel posts then a wooden. 2 strands barb at the top. We used double strands of No9 wire for the twisting though. Guess what, fences still stand today.We used a ford 8n to pull the woven tight, and a set of rope pulley's for stretching barb. Nowadays people showing "training videos" using 3in corners/H brace with a post driver, 1 strand of wire and some little cinching device to pull it tight (they don't even twist it) which is a complete waste of money and time IMO. People want to take shortcuts, then be warned, when yer cows push thru to the neighbors, and destroy a few acres of crops which you have to pay for, you will understand the need to do things properly the first time. Or they escape to the road (which seems they have GPS internally, and cause an accident). Good job on the video.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Thank you sir, we traditionally use railroad ties as well. And I soak them in used motor oil before use generally speaking. In my opinion it is still the best brace one can do. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. Have you subscribed? Let me know if you do. Happy trails Luke

[@imsohungrysgt9458]

I used normal large pliers for fixing fences then I found those claw pliers when I could find the others and I they were my favorite pliers from then out

[@dukeman7595]

Try digging a 50" hole in Montana with that posthole digger. We use a large heavy steel rod to break up the ground and clean out the loose dirt and repeat. It takes a good 2 hours dig a corner post hole. Lot of rocks in this area..

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Thankfully on the western side of the state all we have is clear digging or through scoria or Clay sandstone. On the eastern side they have granite to dig through, this was easy digging here but I know how it is to spend 2-3 hours digging a hole with a bar.

[@trackmader]

To quote L.A. gibson I prefer my post hole digger rusty and unused, I like to drive drill stem...

[@dwainsw4076]

I like your shovel tool with the handle to make it easy to take dirt out of the hole.

[@menomujica1727]

Where did you buy it o what is it called

[@prdoohan]

Interesting to see how it's done in your part of the world. I always find it strange watching the USA guys digging post holes with a shovel. We use a full length steel spade for digging a clean sharp hole. The shovel is only for removing the loose dirt the spade broke up in the bottom of the hole. So end up switching between the 2 throughout the process. I like a shovel with the point worn off too, better dirt scooping from the bottom of holes without the "point" on it.

[@Drewmack22]

He's only using the shovel to start the top of the hole to ensure the post will be square. He used post hole diggers to dig the hole.

[@prdoohan]

@@Drewmack22 we commonly use half round posts for stock fencing, so post hole diggers are no good as you need one side of the hole square and flat. Post hole diggers are good for some of the full round posts strainers etc.

[@Drewmack22]

@@prdoohan I use half round post all the time you just fill the hole and tamp. It doesn't matter if the hole is round or square.

[@prdoohan]

@@Drewmack22 Different strokes for different folks 😁

[@11thlad]

Good video. Only thing I do different is use 9ga wire and I don't tamp my brace post until I tighten the cross wire. That way the brace post is not trying to pull back straight.

[@ParamjitandMichael]

I'm a tree farmer not a rancher, so don't have near the experience with fences a rancher has. Still, I've probably put up ~100 fence corners. I've always had my brace go from near the top of the fence on the corner post to ~2" above the ground on the bracing post. I've seen your style of corner many times, but can't see how it's as strong as the 45 degree brace in the shape of a Z. I've quite enjoyed watching a bunch of your videos. Best part are the smiles.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I haven’t had much experience with the Z brace, some people really love them and I’m sure they’re good just never got into them. Thanks for watching and happy trails Luke

[@USNERDOC]

New subscriber. Really enjoy your content and honest hard work approach to things. This was a great video for me as we are working on a small piece of property in southern Oregon. I have lots of fence work in my future and it was nice to learn the details of constructing the foundational component ... a good solid braced corner. Thank you!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

+USNERDOC Good to have you onboard friend, very much appreciate it please keep in touch.

[@drewcheek8783]

Great series, I always learn something, a new trick or different way to look at an opportunity as I call fencing chores. If you ever have time to do one on a good creek swing gate, for creeks with debris flow, would be good. I have tried many options but they all seem to collect trash and get washed out or force water around the post and wash it out of the bank.

[@da1shark]

If you don’t want to weld your pipe fence look at the Bullet Fence option. Looks like a workable solution if you want to use pipe but don’t have a welding machine or worried about starting a fire during dry conditions.

[@fencebullet4713]

Great video! If you choose to go all steel check out bullet fence systems. All steel, no welder needed. We suggest using angle braces and forgoing the brace wires. Just less work and geometrically a stronger brace.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Thank you for the tip I’ll check it out sometime. Could you send me a link?

[@fencebullet4713]

bulletfence.com

[@climberalex]

Your videos are great. As a carpenter doing some side work, I appreciate your content!

[@joshblack1406]

great video. I have some horse fence projects to do on our property. I've watched alot of videos and yours are great and in such detail. thanks for posting it.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

You are very welcome I’m glad they helped, when I started ranching I sure wish someone would’ve told me what I know now. I’m still learning of course I think we all are. But sometimes suggestion here and there will help us out years in advance. Happy trails Luke

[@joshblack1406]

Back to the Basics 101 Do you have any videos on high tensile fence using t posts? . all my corner and gate posts will be wood posts but my line posts are going to be t posts. I'm pretty lost since I've never ran fence. it's going to be high tensile wire with 1 or 2 strands being hot wires. do I stretch the wire and then attach to t posts or attach to t posts and then stretch?

[@IsambardKingdom]

A family friend lost a son - he fell under the brush hog while riding on the tractor mudguard just like in your intro - after many years I think about it a lot- image how the father feels!!!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I feel horrible from your friend and his son, but that was an enclosed cab tractor. It’s pretty impossible to fall out of that. I mean you could, but you could also fall out of a pick up as well.

[@ginaharris5774]

This was such an incredibly helpful video! Thank you

[@zaneslater4796]

Just a different perspective. We always used pieces of 4-5" rebar, drill a hole where you want your pipe to hang and drive in the rebar then hang your pipe. Same goes for where you used Staples on your diagonal wire, for the bottom side, piece of rebar straight in sticking out an inch or two. For the top side of the diagonal wire, drive your rebar in at a 45* so it is sticking up, then you can just hook your wire on the rebar instead of having to run through a staple. If you get it tight you don't have to worry about it going anywhere.

[@misplacedhillbilly7594]

Nice work, but really liking the old Ford🤠👍

[@ianomann7543]

Hi Luke, good video here. That fiskars world's best shovel is nice. I bought two of them last spring and ended up breaking the weld at the bottom of the pole on both of them by mid to late summer (I'm rough on my shovels) but fiskars kept true to there lifetime warranty and replaced them both for free! I cant complain about a tool that has a straightforward free replacement policy. I hope all is well for you and your family, God bless! -Ian

[@simpletrader547]

I bought a few calfs at the sales barn .75 a piece and they where sick but after getting them (unsick) Lol. bought a heifer holstein for 25 dollars.. there healthy and gaining weight everyday, your right there is no way buying calfs 200 a head you can make any money... i raise bottle calfs raise till around 500 - 600 as feeders i make couple dollars per head. if it helps me get to my goal , i will keep raising bottle calfs

[@Carpfish29]

I love your videos Luke I have learned a lot from you, thank you for taking the time to make these helpful tutorials!!!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Thank you Ryan, you made my day. Appreciate you stopping in and saying hi. Happy trails Luke

[@John-mh6mi]

Straight used motor oil. Thank you appreciate it very much.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

You’re welcome Jeff

[@wyattoneable]

This has been a great series for me so far. Like the good doctor, I have some fencing projects coming up and these videos are going to be a great help.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I’m glad to hear it, sure appreciate your support of the channel by leaving comments. Google really looks at it, it’s how they promote the channel and show. The more likes the more comments the more they promote it. Thank you my friend.

[@PaulIwanaga-n1i]

@@BacktotheBasics101 Where are the links for the tools at the end of this video? PLEASE consider adding all of the needed tools for putting up barbed wire fencing in the description area below each video (since most people will not watch all 16 or 17 videos). If you make those affiliate links for each item you will get paid a percentage. I don't mind supporting your channel for the help, but you are not making it easy to find all of the tools needed.

[@MrEst1953]

Very well done , better looking at it than for it..

[@BacktotheBasics101]

😆

[@jimnowak3960]

That's how it's done. Great video.

[@marialevy5574]

Hello. Super video. Can you PLEASE tell me the make and model of your manual post hole digger??? I found something similar with a wood handle, but yours looks like metal and would likely last much longer. I can not find this anywhere. Thank you in advance for a reply!!!

[@TB-sw1tf]

really good video, never seen cedar posts used as corners but im in nebraska. We only use hedge or drill stem. RR ties and cedar rot away too fast.

[@Tony-tk8tg]

There’s many different ways to do a strainer post , some easier and faster than ur example times money cheers good job

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Definitely not the only Way, however many people that are watching this our new defense in an out door life. I figured this might be the simplest way for them. Thanks for dropping by. Happy trails

[@cloudnx147]

We strip the bark off the cedar (juniper) posts going into the ground because they’ll be more likely to rot if you don’t. Without the bark, they’ll last 100 years.

[@garyb4929]

Nice video, A lot of city ranchers, need to watch this, at least get the basics down. I get a chuckle, when seeing fences that were put in bad, short times later, the corner post has been pressure winched out of the ground, because too shallow & improper bracing.

[@lonnielenox1130]

hello, I'm a new subscriber and I am enjoying your fence vids. I will be doing a bunch of fence repair and this is very helpful. Just a note you did not leave the link to the amazon store in the description.

[@3000waterman]

Hi Lennie: Just in case you worry about such things - the collective noun for a great multitude of fence repairs, is a 'confloption' of fence repairs. I think that's mentioned in the Gnostic gospels, somewhere.

[@dberg1964]

My Dad taught me to put that brace pipe at a diagonal from high on the corner to a foot above ground on the secondary.

[@mikegoodman447]

Only problem with that is over time with constant pressure the diagonal brace will try to lift the corner post and lean . When driving through the country look for that type bracing and you'll see what I mean.

[@danielfouardlibertarianono8017]

I don't know where you come from but here in the Police State of Kansas we have hedge posts. Good for a hundred years. They outlast T posts 2 to1. A little hard on saw chains but well worth it. And it's the best firewood on the planet. I don't get the whole H brace thing. A Z brace is far superior to the H as an H will parallelogram # and the N called a Z won't go nowhere ever. Truss mechanics 101. GOD bless you. You do some nice looking fence.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I love it the police state of Kansas, I’m a state legislator in the house of North Dakota. I am constantly trying to fight the police state. Sounds like we have lots in common. I am not very familiar with the brace you’re talking about. I am very interested to learn new ideas. The Cedarpost are very hard to cut as well. But like you said very well worth it. As far as firewood goes I’ll take you up on that. Just have it delivered before fall hits, and I’ll let you know how it burns up here.😉 Thanks for stopping by and and leaving your comments. The Libertarian party asked me to run for Congress last year. I’m not a libertarian, but I am a constitutionalist which is pretty much the same thing. I’m a Ron Paul Republican. God save the republic Happy trails Luke

[@danielfouardlibertarianono8017]

@@BacktotheBasics101 I love when I find someone who can at least try to change this criminal system they've stuck us with. I had to quit listening to talk radio. As they keep bumping their gums about the Constitution and support legislation contrary to it. I guess the indoctrination is so deep they don't know what they don't know. Problem is the people refuse to even listen to anything other than using the legislators police and corrupt courts so as not to be offended. Or to control everyone else. We only need one law to cover any and all situations it's fair and universal. If any person deprives another of life liberty property or caused injury due to their direct action or inaction. After being found guilty by a jury. That person shall be sentenced according to the deed. I know I'm rambling but it's a universal truth. And I believe ordained by the Father. My email is [e-mail]. If you hit me there I could send you a photo of the Z brace and some hedge (Osage Orange) posts and split firewood. And again GOD bless you and your family and our Nation. Stay safe out there brother!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Daniel Fouard Libertarian on overdrive I will definitely look into the link. It is very encouraging to bump into a sovereign man. See you at the link

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Daniel Fouard Libertarian on overdrive So I was not smart enough to figure out the Gmail.com link. But you can call or text me at 7o1-260-3914

[@dadfordtech]

Like that red post hole digger..never c one before.. Plus i like video

[@BacktotheBasics101]

+Jose Gonzalez Thank you appreciate your support. Post hole digger is a game changer, really works well. Happy trails Luke

[@Pfarley]

I dig lots of post jokes by hand and looked into that fancy shovel! Wow! $225. Back to the clamshell diggers

[@systemfile]

If those were hedge posts I would say yes to 50 years, but cedar? I doubt it. I like your placement of the cross brace. I recently started placing them higher like you did in this video and I like it more than in the middle. Good video. You're wasting steeples when installing that brace wire. I notch LIGHTLY with a chain saw at the approximate angle that the wire will be and get the wire down in the notches, never jumps out.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

We have cedar post on this ranch that are 90 years old. In this country Cedar holds up really well. You’re absolutely right about notching the post. It is a timesaver and I usually do that. Plus run a staple. Thanks for your input. Happy trails and stay in Touch. Luke

[@loganleonard03]

Any chance I can get the contact info for the guy that builds the shovel/ digger in this video?

[@chucksewers2309]

Good as said this can break brace wire is cheap and the ok brand I last used was a very good brace wire great memory and didn’t break

[@steve9007]

i wish i had ground that easy here in tasmania. i dug a hole yesterday i had to use the chipping hammer to loosen up rock hard dirt and potato sized rocks. can take 2 guys an hour to dig 8" x2' hole and forget about 4' hole here without an excavator

[@BacktotheBasics101]

That’s exactly what I was thinking when I was digging those holes. I’ve had to dig through Sandstone and scoria and even granite. Not fun. But you gave me a new idea for another video. Thanks and happy trails Luke

[@andrewlaver5762]

Awesome video brother! Very informative! Quick question for you... What is the best way to set a corner post in the swamp??? Iv got about 3feet of swamp that is in the way of fencing off my property and it never dries up. Thanks again for the videos, God Bless you and your family!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

It’s hard work, and the swamp will want to push your post right up out of the ground in time. It’s just hard work. Thanks for watching sorry I don’t have good news on fencing in swamps.🥴

[@julieford1620]

i have the same problem. mine is not really a swamp but it does stay muddy there. would cedar be the best type of h brace to use or pipe?

[@jimkemp566]

If you would really like to make a H brace that will be there fifty years from now, and a fence line that will always stay tight. Take and dig another hole about a foot and a half from your end post inline with the fence. Put a old disk with a rod running up through it, about three feet long, with a lope on the end, set it so the lope is just a little bit under ground. run all your diagonal wires through the lope. Then twist your diagonal wire. Now my friend you have a H brace that will never let your fence get loose.

[@joedoakes8307]

IF , you're building fence for Money , You should be using a Tractor and Posthole digger ! No sense in breaking your Back by hand digging holes ! UNless , of course , you want to 'FEEL' like 60 when you're really 40 !!! Great info on your Video , valuable demonstration !

[@realestateinfonet9041]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Regards!

[@jimh3500]

God bless you as well

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Thank you sir.

[@TomBongiovanni]

Thanks for the instruction

[@PyleZAP97]

Wire cutting into the wood posts... weathers & rots wood faster. If i can make a suggestion: Do same process, except place 2 loose staples, side-by-side, 1 leg of each staple inserted into the 3rd staple(which is hammered into the outside of the brace posts.) The wire will dig into the 2 loose staples, instead of cutting into the wood.

[@johnwilliams2427]

They have these neat things called augers...speeds up the process greatly!

[@OffGrid9]

My fence-lines are down in a canyon, most areas have a lot of broken basalt rock at almost any depth. If the rocks are no bigger than a fist, an auger will usually work OK. But I commonly run into rocks of head-size or bigger -- they either stop the auger cold, or the auger's shear pin snaps like a tooth-pick. So it's back to iron bar and shovel, and I often have to get down on my belly and claw the rocks out of the holes -- even with my head and shoulders down in the hole, can't go deeper than about 38 inches. I imagine that in the badlands, he runs into a lot of sedimentary rock, likely about the same hardness as basalt. So an auger might be an iffy proposition.

[@DavidParker-cf2km]

Could not read the name on that shovel. Mind putting it into your video description?

[@fegyland101]

Hi Guys Just checking in from Co Down Ireland great video on the Brack

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Honored to have folks watching from Ireland stay safe

[@mikewest9017]

Great video!

[@Chipgillette]

Glad I came across your feed. Thanks.

[@LibertyGarden]

I went 42 inches deep on black clay soil and a week later my strands were loose. Since black soil expands (pushing the post out) and contracts (making the fence loose), I was thinking of backfilling with road gravel which only gets hard with rain and does not compact or expand. Have you ever tried such a thing? Thanks for the video.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

+Liberty Garden I have used road gravel, it didn’t work real good for me but then again it was very cold about 30 below zero when I did. I know they put in a lot of post and beam Barnes using gravel. Now and then we have to put fence through gumbo which is very similar to what you’re talking about and very hard to Tampa in. You got your work cut out for you :-). Happy trails Luke

[@johnronsmith]

I have been using crushed red rock with great results, but I have also heard that pea gravel works good, I think the biggest thing is to have washed rock of some sort, no dirt or fines in it.

[@LibertyGarden]

Thanks, John.

[@offgridhomesteader9215]

Try footing the post next time.

[@OffGrid9]

Pea gravel is round, will NOT pack...that's why it's recommended higher than grass under kids' playground stuff, kids can fall into it without breaking bones because it just will not pack. You are right about not having dirt in the gravel (such as tailings) - it packs real well but will get soft if water gets down into it. But you're wrong about fines - best packing gravel I've ever found was crushed (sharp angles) gravel with LOTS of fines, packs like concrete and water won't soften it, but you can still dig it up later if you have to, unlike concrete. Down in New Mexico I've heard folks talk about "crusher fines", it's about 90 percent fines, you tamp it like dirt, and it sets like concrete. Sounds ideal to me.

[@lmp2208]

From Australia … trying to ID the timber of the posts ? From discussion, I assume it is Cedar. Would that be Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)? Totally agree - depth rules over diameter of post or thorough compaction around the post. Can never make the soil as stable as the structure of undisturbed ground.

[@aronsingletary]

Thanks for sharing Luke

[@steveterry7981]

That wire unroller was originally sold as the Easy Fence Tool and was invented by my father about 25 years ago!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

That is really cool. I am honored Steve you dropped by and said this. Does your father still sell them? Luke

[@steveterry7981]

No the patent expired years ago and other companies started having them made in China. Sadly, he passed away last year at 83 after being run over by a tractor.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Steve Terry I am sorry to hear that. Sounded like a great man. Thanks again. Happy trails Luke

[@derekhuber3392]

I’m sorry for your loss, but at least it sounds like he went with his boots on.

[@jeffkasler1716]

Not ur first rodeo,uh. I learned stuff.all the old timers that taught me stuff in my early years are gone ,I have to look to people like u .thanku for education.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I’m not looking forward to losing all the old-timers in my life.

[@deanw8206]

Is leaving the bark on a problem with cedar? I spent quite a while removing the bark off my cedar posts with a hewing axe after noticing little black beetles eating the sapwood under the bark on all my logs, and that was after just a couple months of them sitting outside on sawhorses. I know cedar bark is easy to remove with a putty knife if the logs are fresh cut, which I'll be doing next time.

[@oradion]

Obrigado. Like, inscrição e comentando.

[@4dub802]

Thank for ur video they really helped me with my barbed wire fence! Deff getting that Gibbs digger tool @ 0:25!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Thank you sir

[@wolfpack7611]

What type of post hole digger are you using. I have never seen a PHD quite like the one you are using.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

+Bruce Hudson Kind of an old-school post hole digger, I fell out of South Dakota makes them. Very handy in the right type of soil. Don’t really know the name of it. Happy trails Luke

[@antoniohuertas6345]

Bruce Hudson where to by the shovel .

[@thomasbooth9079]

Back to the Basics 101 I believe it’s called a Gibbs Digger. Hope that helps.

[@PRS-0317]

Could you perhaps post some better pictures of it, or show it off a bit more in a future video?

[@deandee8082]

he said in the ground 50 inches, come to the pacific northwest and say that, glacial till you might get 2 ft before you decide to farm chickens lol.. we used massive screws to dig the hole, backhoe, a 18 blade tears out a 35" holes, the boulders are from oh 6" diameter to 20" diameter and packed in tight.. glaciers did all that.. you can't use a screw smaller than 18" it will destroy it.. its brutal but the only way, some guys back full and tamp down hard, then redrill, other use sono tube and backfill, whatever gets it down but 50" deep? lotta concrete and backfill from say alaska down to olympia washington I guess est to say montana? maybe further? why you see so many fences held in place with the stone piled around the posts right on top the soil.. easier.. just too difficult to bore post holes.. that's nice where you are.. I like it ... nice line

[@jakewilson9512]

Supposed to use #9 gauge wire and peel that dry bark off that post. That brace will either have the bow line snap because barbed wire isn’t meant to be spun and tightened. And the post will rot at the ground level, doesn’t matter the heartwood level. 10 yrs max on that brace

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Sir, I’m sure you’re right where you live, but not still here. I have friends who are well into their 70s and 80s, and they have not outlive the braces they used with Cedar’s for fence posts, let them cure for one year, and put them right in the ground bark & all. I pulled out many post that are 60 to 80 years old. And they’re still good. In North Dakota you do not have to peel the bark off of a post. Thanks for your opinion but it’s simply not true in North Dakota. I have braces that are close to 20 years old that are still as strong as the day I put them in the ground. I look forward to your how to video on fencing, please inform me when you have it up. Happy trails Luke

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Also we didn’t use Barbwire, you may want to look at the video again. 😉

[@nicklopez5298]

Did u just wrap the diagonal wire for the block staple at bottom and double wrap.

[@williammiller2660]

Where did you get your post hole digger - I haven’t seen one and need one!! Like your videos

[@dpower02]

That is a good brace but I do not have steel pipes like those laying around, why not use a piece of cedar? wouldn't wood brace last as long as the wood posts

[@BacktotheBasics101]

In a pinch I do use cedar post for the brace, the problem is is often times under the pressure they break, the steel post is obviously a lot more durable. This is the reason. Thanks for watching happy trails Luke

[@jamesparadiso4667]

Nice video. I just became a subscriber! I would like to know how I would add another fence post going the other way to make a 90* turn? Would I do the same thing, add another deadman post that’s 50” deep and a crossbar at the top? And time them together with the wire again?

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Yes just repeat what you did the first and tie into the brace. Make sure your end of the brace is in the ground deep and secure. Otherwise of course it will pull out overtime. Happy trails Luke

[@TheOffGridHunter]

Very informative

[@barbfoxdvm1189]

Where did you get your post hill digger Luke? I have been to three county fairs and a goat robin' and have yet to ever see one of those. Gary Fox, Iowa

[@royhoco5748]

I am interested in more info in the post hole diggers never seen one like that

[@OffGrid9]

It's called a Gibbs digger, or lever-action post-hole digger, or "mud-bucket". There used to be several makers...now I can only find one. Check out www.lewiscontractorsales.com/seymour-s500-industrial-gibbs-digger-w6-hardwood-handle.html -- it ain't cheap, but if you dig holes more than 3 feet deep it's really great. The standard tool's handles hit the sides of the hole and release the load...you have to make the hole wider and wider to allow the handles to spread far enough to hold the dirt. With a Gibbs digger, you can dig a 4-foot hole that is less than a foot wide.

[@TheSkitd]

@@OffGrid9 My dad gave me one of these that was probably 70 or 80 years old at that time 25 years ago. With a 9 in auger you can still get the dirt out of the bottom of the hole when the hole is 36 inches deep. They work great just for that purpose.

[@pacocalleja2760]

Hey thanks for your videos, i find them very helpful. I have piece of land that is all clay and very hard to dig, do you think this posthole digger might work on my land? If it does where can i get one like yours. Thank you

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I find it works good for cleaning the hole in Clay. But not so much for digging in Clay.

[@pacocalleja2760]

Thanks for answering, di you have an idea what to use for this kind ground, thanks.

[@hairymanonetwo]

You mentioned " cowboy " ? I thought all cowboys knew how to use a " spade " ?? A sand shovel has no use in digging a hole for a fence post ! Yah can dig a nice neat hole with a "spade" the size of the post so its not too loose in the hole when finished ! Moreover.. think ahead....allow the corner post to settle for a year....then install the fence so the posts are tight in the ground!!! When the ground is frozen.if it freezes where you live....thats the best time to tighten wires. All the posts share the load. ! Ive used the trusty old Golden Rod fence stretcher for 45 years... works great for all uses !

[@BacktotheBasics101]

You sure can dig a hole with just a post hole digger. But if you want to do it faster use a shovel. Not sure exactly where you’re from, but our winners aren’t something to be playing around in generally speaking. 35 to 40 below zero and then you add windshield on top of that, not to mention, you’ll be in your eyeballs in Snow. if you want to stretch fence during that time you’re welcome to it. You’re right though wire does stretch a little better when it’s cold. I use to use a Goldenrod all the time, mending fences etc. I’ve even stretched wire with it, but if you want to professionally do fence that takes a lot of time to stretch a half a mile or a mile of wire with a golden rod, once you go to a ratchet you will never stretch fence with the golden rod again unless in a pinch. As far as waiting till winter or letting your posts settle, if you tamp your post in correctly, you will never have to let your posts settle. Generally speaking, you usually don’t have time to let your post set there for too long, you got cattle you want to throw on that land. of course you do what works for you, I fenced for years very similar to the practice you use. Then I partnered with a gentleman who professionally fenced and we literally put hundreds of miles of fencing. I learned so much from his experience of professional fencing tricks and timesavers and better practices. Everybody has their tricks and I’m always willing to learn a new one. Just because I do something one way does not mean it’s the best way. I’m sure if I worked along side you I would learn a lot. If you teach a young dog continuously, when he is old he will still learn new tricks. Happy trails friend Luke

[@mikem.1672]

New subscriber here - thanks for your great videos and Bible verses. One question I have - in your intro to this video and many others, someone is shown applying a black substance to the top of a fence post, looks like liquid tar or something. What is it and how do you recommend its use? Thanks and keep the videos coming.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Good to have you on the trail Mike. What the black stuff is is just used motor oil. Post generally rot from the top down. Though the post is harvested, it is still very much alive and breathing. Water absorbs through the top of the post and works it was way through the post. By keeping it watertight on the top, water beads off. It will expand the life of the post by a lot. It is also a great way to recycle your used motor oil. Thanks for subscribing, right now I am not making many videos because I am a state legislator in the state of North Dakota, we are in session. Happy trails Luke

[@reeceedwards2509]

I have used pine knots where are you buying cedar post? Old days trailers would be in front of sale barn

[@BacktotheBasics101]

We’ve been cutting them.

[@josephmeyer7796]

Would these tips work with a smooth wire install? I appreciate your videos. Very informative.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Yes it’s the exact same method with smooth wire. Thank you much

[@bipedalbob]

Used to do that kind of work, enjoyed it, out in the fresh air and sunshine, was taught a lot learned some more on my own always payed attention to the why you do what you do, still interested in it even if I don't do it, my only complaint is so far of the videos of yours I have watched every one contains at 'least' 40 seconds of intro,often the same, that's at least 30 seconds to much, over and over again, I have to pay for my Internet by the gig byte, so not only are you wasting my time and annoying me your wasting my money.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Sorry about that, I have very experience spencers and ones that just started. So you can never make everyone happy. I’m sorry I annoy you. 😬 Happy trails Luke

[@bipedalbob]

@@BacktotheBasics101 thank you for your gracious reply , there is much more enjoying than annoying, probably a little grumpy cause I don't get to do it any more and when I learn something new I want to try it

[@michaelmcclellan9422]

Nice job, but I would put the top Staple in line with the horizontal rail, the idea is to keep the brace loads in line with each other. Also please cut off that rebar sticking above the top rail. Horses and cattle are always finding ways to injure themselves, no need to give them something else to cut or stab themselves on.

[@nancyosburn1321]

Luke you have a post hole digger that works like a shovel. I NEED THAT TOOL !!! Where did ya get it

[@billygage6899]

I could use one too, been building fence since I was a kid, never seen one before?

[@chrishare3981]

Me too

[@robotdog3240]

@@chrishare3981 Me Three

[@rogersayer5714]

Where can one purchase that red hand operated post hole digger ?

[@chrismayfield2893]

Where does one get one of those red lever action scoops your using?

[@geckoproductions4128]

Hi Luke: We use cedar posts (because we've got lots for free) and drill stem both. The big problem with cedar is the hole. A hole like the one you show in the Texas Hill Country is tough, and will probably require the electric coop to come out and make it. Drill stem is cheap in Texas, and much easier to dig for in tough caliche or limestone rock. Also, really liked your video; however, your spelling checker is not your friend and your audio could use a whole lot of improvement. Those two things detract from your message, and your message is a good one. My 2c worth.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I am working on the sound quality. Thank you Luke

[@charlie5234]

A great video, thanks for sharing.

[@tinybigbus1873]

Are you using anything to preserve the wood posts? Great video, thanks!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

The Seiter is almost indestructible, here in the Dakotas it’ll last the worst from 50 to 75 years.