Mastering the Art of Straining and Knotting Fence Wire

[@oby-1607]

My uncle used to stretch barb wire out to what he called piano wire tight. One day when he had it stretched out, he asked me to test the wire for tension and it was a long section under tension. I pulled on the wire and it broke and snapped back, in the process of this it slashed the left side of my face. Blood pouring out everywhere and I thought I had lost my teeth. Worst day for me on the fence line. I had an excellent doctor and with followup procedures, you can hardly tell what happened with just a small scarring left on my lip. Over-tensioning wire can be super dangerous. Thank you Tim for pointing out the foolishness of over stretching wire.

[@davidcurrie2804]

I’ve done a LOT of fencing on the ranch, Tim seems to really know what he’s doing. If you want to learn how to do it right the first time (and save yourself a heap of trouble later) this is an excellent place to see how it works step by step.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Thanks mate. Much appreciated. Glad to hear.

[@sheilasmith1109]

Seems like EVERYTHING I’ve ever experienced from Australia, IS BETTER! I’m putting up my rotational grazing fences today and couldn’t resist seeing what’s new with you! I ALWAYS learn how to do things BETTER from you! Thanks Tim! Love from Minnesota!🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴🤠😊❤️

[@42lookc]

Your videos sure make me miss farming. One of the most satisfying things in a man's life is a well built fence. 😊

[@bretdavisdmd]

I am not a fence guy and I absolutely love your videos. I’ve seen your stuff multiple times. No body explains fencing and knots better than this bloke.

[@leonsahasrara4396]

Tim Tompson the world academy of fencing. The science, art and just simple brilliant commonsense approach. Thanks Tim.

[@denishickey6638]

Your the best man iv seen to explain fencing knots, please keep them coming.

[@trixi69thegamer28]

Your videos are the most informative & easy to follow/remember that I've seen. Footage is perfectly shot to show exactly what you're doing, & your explanations & safety tips are spot on! 😎 Thank you so much from Texas!

[@granthedgepeth9208]

Such an excellent teacher. Very practical and excellent explanation

[@curtis1820]

That demonstration using the spring to show correct wire tension was bloody brilliant mate

[@astonmcleod5344]

This last week or so I have helped a neighbour repair and replace some fences on his property, an old school wool farmer in SA. Often we discuss how would Tim do it, you have become the benchmark for fencing.

[@Henners34]

Thanks Thomo. I learn something new every time I watch one of your clips. Love your work.

[@jonathanfriedlander8563]

Best fencing demo I have seen ! Thanks

[@craigprettejohn2367]

Thanks Tim I use the knots you have shown in your video most weeks on the farm makes life a lot easier not driving staples out of sight trying to get wire to stay tight 👍😁

[@renturner87]

Your a great teacher, straight to the point and straight forward. I like 👍

[@JacoBadenhorst]

Brilliant Video Mr. Thompson. Well put together, Informative, good video angles and good editing. This is what i come back to the channel for.

[@texwalker1662]

What a great tutorial. Keep up the great tips. Truely a professional. Thanks Tim

[@user-vw6ej7ib5c]

Very good job of instruction.

[@messenger8279]

I learn so. much from your teaching.

[@DeadlyPlatypus]

Beautiful explanation with the spring.

[@maximusblack6071]

Tim, this is yet another fantastic video! No fluff and excellent demonstrations - Thank you so much!

[@texwalker1662]

It’s a pleasure to watch your tutorials. Thanks

[@FarmLearningTim]

Aww shucks thanks mate. I really enjoy putting them together. Just glad you enjoy them

[@malcolmcheyne3803]

Great video Tim...... Better than the old Y stick and drift pin that I used about 65 years ago. Keep them coming ....

[@171grp]

Love the ovine supervision you were subject to while attaching the strainer.

[@FarmLearningTim]

My biggest critics.....

[@davidepittiglio8579]

Many thanks for your common sence approach to your videos. 👍

[@whoguy4231]

Just did this knot coupla days ago.... Love it, so simple, strong and keeps tension. Use to do the texas brown, but this knot beats it all round. Thanks Tim !!!

[@AnthonyWasiukiewicz]

Great videos and clear explanations. Thanks.

[@themuls529]

Very well explained and inviting to watch. An excellent instruction. Thank you.

[@ruralgeek-nz]

Superb video Tim, production quality top notch! Your teaching on these fencing techniques has been first rate, thanks a million!

[@Kalixadam9977]

So simple so secure. I can hardly wait to get off work and go home and tried one of these nuts on my new fence that I’m putting up.

[@williamwomack3153]

Such a good video… don’t know why I watched it… I have no need to make a fence… but it makes me want to go buy all the gear and make a fence the proper way… “look honey! I fenced in our front yard!”😮

[@bmwoutlander]

A ripper video and I bought those strainers at Tocal this year. Keep them coming.

[@gofindyourself6568]

Excellent!!! the coloured spaghetti straws were perfect. thank you.

[@2dams]

Mate, great explanation of over tensioning and I'll be using that knot on my next fence for sure.

[@ixamxlightcomedy3736]

New to farming and fencing, been lost but you have really helped. Cheers mate

[@greenstair]

As always, thank you so much Mr T - your videos are really informative, really clear and such a great resource. Thanks again.

[@XxBloggs]

Excellent video. Very helpful.

[@richvandiverdds4311]

Thanks Tim! Excellent breakdown. And thanks for introducing us to the wireman strainers and guages. Checked out their website and will order one tomorrow. My question is, can you point me to one of your videos on knots / repairing a broken hiTensile barbed wire run in case I break one during installation or one brakes later on. I’m about to place staytight 50 for only 7 acres to start. Am new to cattle ranching. Thnx !

[@Christoph1888]

Great video. Which is your favourite strainer out of the wireman pro or fenceline & why?

[@sergioirri4389]

Excellent video!! Thanks

[@nobueno8652]

I ordered the 50 dollar chain strainer you advised not to get and I regret buying it for my fencing job. 😢. I hope I can return it. I won’t be doing that much fencing jobs other than the 1/2 acre I own.

[@mattjgoss]

Hi Tim, I am new to fencing and I am little confused about the straining. I am sure everyone else gets this but me. Have you already tied off the knot at the corner post for the wire you are straining. In the video you have a wire end you are working with, and this is where I am confused. You mention people make the mistake of pulling the wire too tight around the end post and not having enough wire. Is this the end of the wire you have looped around the end post. would be great to see the end post so can figure out what is happening at the end post. Thanks….love all your content.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Hi mate. For runs under 50m Tie off both ends leaving the wire loose. Mount the strainers onto the loose wire. Tension. Cut wire and tie knot over strainers. Check out my basic fencing course for step by step tips and instructions on this and more. tim-s-site-552c.thinkific.com/cou

[@sirprancealott2003]

Came for the truckers hitch stayed for fence tutorials haha👍

[@davy999]

Excellent video; wish I knew what that knot was called - or is it a Tim Thompson special

[@FarmLearningTim]

No mate. It's an oldie. Has a few names, these include the speed knot or the Donald Knot. I just try and bring you the info. Glad you liked it.

[@yeetskeet4199]

Tim!!!! I really love watching your videos on fencing! And I have started making my fencing a lot better with your amazing teaching. Thank you so much for this great video on straining plan wire but how can you strain barb wire? Is there any possible chance to do a video? I am sure a video like that would be very interesting and helpful for many people! Cheers, Yeety ps, would you more suggest the fenceline or the wireman strainers more?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Here’s an older video where I tackle barb wire. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4ullWtsfa5-i8Usi=l1u0-kKEjCpmE8Oa both sets of strainers are good. I tend to use the Fenceline ones.

[@ashleycox5288]

Can someone explain why you don;t just tie the strained wire under tension when you wrap around post? Looks like you need to cut it and retie once both ends are done. Why?

[@kimbacubb]

Thats wgat I want ro know

[@pol1on1]

very very video with the color tube 👌. I know you have High tensile wire but at the shop I can buy mild steel wire and medium tensile wire what would I use them for ? cheers

[@FarmLearningTim]

I’m planning on a video on the topic soon

[@rrssmooth6643]

What a contraption to tie some wires together, nothing wrong with the yellow ones you threw away, as been used for 47 years.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Nothing wrong with good ones. Cheap copies like I threw away? You’re welcome to them matey

[@rrssmooth6643]

@@FarmLearningTim good point, too cheap for me, a point I missed.

[@Mikebaldwin007]

Great video, I will give it go.

[@ionesidanut2068]

Very educational content. Quick question. Say the fence it been there for years and for whatever reason the wire breaks. How do you join the wire back since you don’t have that much wire to play with

[@FarmLearningTim]

Usually add a bit with a figure 8 then strain up.

[@alancousins7264]

Thank you for your informative video, but how do you strain the wire that runs along the ground?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Same.

[@evojigger]

With the increase in using HT barbed wire now, does it need different knots to your old videos?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Good point. Keep an eye out for an upcoming video.

[@theotherleft6113]

Instead of tieing the wire to both end posts and then straining, cutting and knotting, can you strain the wire to the end post and then knot the wire to the post instead using an end knot?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Yes. On long runs this is common practice

[@martin54123]

Another excellent video, I'm not a farmer but have have a 3 acre field often having the local farmer's sheep staying for a few weeks every now and then. I watched this for some revision as I'm doing some repairs to my fencing, so thank you. What about a video on how to untangle a 100m roll of fencing wire that has got all tangled up in itself 😅😅😅 (I think I know the answer will be to buy or make myself a spinning Jenny tool).

[@FarmLearningTim]

Yep.

[@OftenMisled]

Something I have been trying to understand, is it considered ok to strain to a post and then use a termination knot or is too much tension lost versus doing a strainer knot?

[@FarmLearningTim]

I’m planning one on this topic soon. Basically, yes, but lots of variables.

[@-S-K-Miller]

Hi Tim! Thanks for putting out this video! I know I've been one of the folks asking for an update, so huge tip of hat to you! Question: IF straining from the middle of the run, isn't that straining the wire evenly the length of the wire? Cheers!

[@michelleyoung5541]

Thanks for these. I hate wire, and I hate strainers, and I'm too old and weak for this crap; but your videos are helping me with my first fencing attempts on my first small acreage. Gotta say.... not enjoying horse sighter wire, nor the 20kg strainer post driver for my waratah end stay assemblies lol. My waratah strainers don't always walk well, but not sure if it is because I'm starting with them not tight enough or if the spring is weak

[@FarmLearningTim]

The strainers you are using are very similar to the old Hayes design. Work well, but many remove the spring as it hinders more than helps. Be aware though that this is not recommended by the manufacturer, is unsafe, blah blah blah…..

[@michelleyoung5541]

@@FarmLearningTim lol thanks so much. I'll persevere until I get a little more comfortable and see if I can't get a better result. If it still misbehaves, off with its spring....😀! Maybe one day I'll even master the wire snappy offy bit (after repeated watchings of your vids I can do the end knot ok, but the knack for the twist and snap eludes me still).

[@joaopauloribeiro7513]

Me dê de presente uma esticador de arame desse aí acho muito bom esse esticador com catraca

[@bernardkehoe7610]

your a legend thank you

[@freddofrosch1]

Great Video Tim. I have taken your advice a few times and purchased some equipment you recommended. Why don't you get yourself a wireless microphone, the volume goes up and down, depending how far you are from the camera.

[@FarmLearningTim]

I've got one. Unfortunately the nature of my work means it does not cope as well with wind or movement. The Rode shotgun microphone I currently use is very high fidelity.

[@helensampson1915]

I’ve always tensioned the wire at the post and then tied off the wire. What is the advantage (if any) of tiring the wires off at both ends and then tensioning it using a speed knot (as demonstrated in this video) over that?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Short runs loose less tension and allows you to fix breaks. For longer runs your method is better.

[@westonandelin4556]

I have a hard doing the knot under tension. Do you still use a termination knot? Any tricks to keeping it tight?

[@paddyay9422]

Why don’t you wrap the come along chain around the box end and tie the wire directly to it ? So the wire is only knotted at each end instead of cutting and adding an extra knot ?

[@FarmLearningTim]

On short runs under 50m this works better

[@paddyay9422]

@@FarmLearningTim okay thanks thought I was doing it wrong tying to steel box ends at 300ish metres

[@hagopianharout2238]

TT I liked the strainer you just used it with a nob on your thumb to release the line, I’ve seen several strainers but not the one you just used it. I would like to know Who makes it? Because I want one for myself Good one ☝️ TT

[@FarmLearningTim]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5epaJiNpdyjh6M

[@FarmLearningTim]

Just put a link to my review of them for you mate. Glad you’re liking the content!

[@hagopianharout2238]

@@FarmLearningTim I went to there website I they are in Victoria , saw his clip m, TT this is top tool :) thank you fir your KZbin, I called them but no one answered. , will call them stein next week . Well done TT

[@matthewcarroll3193]

You should test electric fencing this way. Tell us which poly braid and such is the strongest!

[@FarmLearningTim]

The best test for braid would be UV stability. Braid is only low tension, designed to stretch.

[@matthewcarroll3193]

@@FarmLearningTim cool, so grab a pocket sun, and start building test boxes haha

[@jacobdegeling]

Hi Tim, great video mate! Love your style of humour you mix in with your videos. What's your recommendation for straining short sections, say ~25-30m? The speed knot or a ratchet?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Over 50m and I just strain to the post. Under 50 and I knot. Really short (10m) and ratchet.

[@jacobdegeling]

@@FarmLearningTim ok thanks!

[@tinysbigsteps7682]

Hey tom you should tag the company's in your description of the products you use

[@FarmLearningTim]

All products used at timthompson.ag with reviews and links.

[@lazwald]

As always, a great watch Tim. Gripple vs. tying knots. What are your thoughts? As a contractor I find the ease and speed of a gripple beneficial, especially if running multiple wires close together (limited space for strainers). However looking at the benefits of the fenceline strainers with strain gauge, it looks like a more robust and technical solution. Value your thoughts Tim.

[@FarmLearningTim]

I use cam lock joiners occasionally. They are good for tight spots and short runs. Crimping is stronger. The knot is strong and free (not 3 bucks a throw) but of course on long runs just strain to the post and be done with it! The new strainers are great. Game changing

[@DeadlyPlatypus]

I think this question likely depends on WHY you're doing the fencing... Is it *your* fence, which you're working on for *free*? Or Is fencing your *business* and you get paid per job, passing materials cost on to customers? If the former, I think knotting is the better option. It's free and you don't need to invest in extra materials or tools that can only cost you money. If the latter, gripples or swaging/crimping may save enough time to make the tool investment economically viable, especially if *you* aren't the one paying for the gripples/sleeves at the end of the day. Knotting can also be done even if you forget tools/materials or run out in the middle of the job. I think the same goes for power-staplers vs manual.

[@BrentHandley-n1t]

My favourite video

[@AbrahamMotlhanka-p7q]

Where can I get that wire strainer I'm in Africa, Botswana

[@FarmLearningTim]

They ship around the world www.fencelinesolutions.com.au/

[@andreabond3501]

Is the same not used also for Barbwire joining thank you

[@FarmLearningTim]

Typically I use a figure 8 for barb.

[@comment8767]

Where can I get one of those hats?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Akubra

[@07duramaxcrew]

Fantastic video Tim. Can you strain to one end post to have a run of fence without a splice in it? Or is it too difficult to do the termination knot without letting the strain out? Thanks from USA!

[@FarmLearningTim]

HI Dave. That is exacly what I do on long enough runs.

[@westonandelin4556]

I'm new to hi-tensile and I have a hard time doing the termination knot under tension. Hence, i cut and crimp everything. I find it easier and faster and the crimps have been proven to be stronger. What do you do?

[@07duramaxcrew]

I have not done a great deal of high tensile fencing but at one ranch I worked at, we always had a ratcheting tensioner in line at the end post. In that case we didn’t have the strainers as Tim showed, which was why I was interested in learning how he did it. Does that make sense?

[@modelfarmmaintenance7032]

Hi, I'm having real problems making these knots and think l must be using the wrong wire? It's very hard to twist or bend and it certainly won't fracture when you try and snap the end off? Can you explain the different wires and which one I need? Thank you from England!

[@jab8823]

Depends on fence, environment, if you want electric or not, in fire prone areas using softer wire is a good idea because it springs back after being heated, i'd say for a general purpose long life HIGH TENSILE gal wire would be the way to go, it's what we use and it's never skipped a beat, good luck! stay away from barb if possible imo.

[@modelfarmmaintenance7032]

@@jab8823 thank you. Is it likely that the wire I use doesn't knot and break like yours is because it's not tensile or high tensile? Is non tensile harder to knot?

[@jab8823]

​@@modelfarmmaintenance7032 im not sure what wire you're using, do you know the manufacturer and type of wire? is your wire already in a fence? i know a lot of old farm fences use a variety of wire all of which are obnoxiously hard to repair and work with, if you're using some old really thick wire, or some really thin shoelace stuff i would recommend buying some high tensile, or a small roll of something softer just to practice your knots on! use a good pair of fencing pliers if you need to and move the wire quickly, the quicker you move it the warmer it gets and the easier it is to work with. hope this helps (:

[@modelfarmmaintenance7032]

@@jab8823 thanks for taking the time! I'll certainly follow your advice. B

[@banjerism7281]

I've found medium tensile wire is best for fencing. High tensile is hard to bend & twist, low tensile stretches easily.

[@bretdavisdmd]

Wow, that was an excellent video!

[@andrewsteele7663]

Bloody amazing, Thanks Tim, cheers

[@2BadgersBlue]

Tim, would love to see some more like this about barbed wire. All ours are wood posts with 2 lines of barbed wire to keep cattle out of hedge rows in Wales. Straining this is always a pain (sometimes literally) as the barbed wire is that much heavier per length. BTW I have some of those orange/ yellow chain strainers and the more I use them the more I see the merit in spending more for a better set. Also, eye protection with all round protection is brilliant advice. Loose end of old fence flicked up across my face and scrated my eye just a few weeks ago. Was not fun. I was very lucky to recover in a week.

[@arran_p]

Great video, I've just checked the cheap strainer I purchased... Not worth it.

[@bradcavanagh3092]

You make it look so easy, but then I see you're not using the 3.15mm trellis wire I've been working with. Certainly gives the old arms a workout!

[@FarmLearningTim]

I grew up on trellis wire. Makes you develop great technique. Yep, it's unforgiving.

[@alanblyde8502]

Great explanation the yanks must hate us for our cleverness 🇦🇺🤙

[@tictac-bl4so]

Was that the right bin for thats strainer mate . Cause if is isnt you have killed the earth

[@FarmLearningTim]

🤣

[@kalle8836]

But is that not electric fence? Don’t u need isolation at the endpost

[@FarmLearningTim]

No. It’s a wire fence

[@squishyhippie4059]

Safety glasses..... You've changed lol

[@FarmLearningTim]

Yeah.

[@rossholmes178]

Thanks Tim...I reckon a crimp is way faster and, as you have shown in previous vids, stronger than ANY knot.

[@FarmLearningTim]

And a spiralfast even more so. But there will come the day when you don't have one.

[@justinhowell1913]

Thanks to you Tim I use a spiralfast on all my end assemblies 👍

[@2nostromo]

I've watched this more times than that girl doing transparent try-ons. Dang

[@jakefranklin269]

Tim's the dad for everyone's who's real dad left to get a pack of cigarettes.

[@FarmLearningTim]

I’m quite humbled by this comment. Hope you’re having a great life mate.

[@jakefranklin269]

@@FarmLearningTim I am Tim. You to mate 👍

[@imaslowlerner]

I missed a bit when you removed the spaghetti 🍝 tube.

[@RobertSanborn-pk4mk]

I got a strain rite fence strainer but its nothing like the one in your video and its a piece of shit! I got the contractors model which was $100. Yours has a handle on the front clip and you squeeze the creeper instead of pulling it out which is a fight. Where do mI get one like your using?

[@FarmLearningTim]

www.fencelinesolutions.com.au/