Top 5 Electric Fence Hacks for the Frugal Homestead - Narrow Gate Farm

[@gardenerpete5232]

Thank you for your videos. In reference to your garden hose insulator, I have an idea you might want to try. That 2 or 3 inch of tubing, at the top third, drive your nail through both sides of the tubing into the post. The bottom third (these dimensions are approximate) cut a 45 degree slot downward with a knife about 1/2 of the tubing. You are done! That gives you at least 1 inch between the nail and hot wire, and no drilling, no hole for the galvanized nail.

[@algernonalexis448]

I am glad I found your channel you saved me from spending a lot of money.

[@douglascaridi8920]

Been watching electric fence videos for a week now. Your short video clips have been very informative and helpful … gave lots of good ideas. Here’s my story. I’ve a small garden .. about 35 X 30? It’s not much space … but it’s what I have :-). For the past few decades, I’ve mostly planted a few varieties of tomatoes. This year I planted about 70 plants (from seed). The problem is, there’s no protection from the neighborhood woodchucks. Disappointingly, this was the worst year ever! They probably devoured 80 - 90% of my harvest. Hence my interest in coming up with a game plan for next year. Every tip you gave was a new and useful idea. You really have a knack for explaining it simply. I haven’t been saving many … but I’ll save this for sure. Good wishes to you and family … and thanks so much for taking the time to teach and help others (Acts 20:35)

[@brendaholley3591]

New to cattle temp electric fencing. Thank you for the help. TU so much for the prayers and yes we will pray for you too

[@MrPipe60]

Man its crazy how simple and easy you make putting up electric fence. Amazing how people can help you save money when there not promoting a video sponsored product. Thanks for the video.

[@Sdschlief]

My family used pond liner as insulators. Super cheap and works well.

[@rmcdaniel423]

5:19 Pilot holes. You need to drill pilot holes. A vintage bit & auger set can often be found for cheap at little antique shops, and they never run out of battery charge when you are an acre away from your workshop.

[@elainelosey]

Thanks for the helpful and inexpensive tips for our electric fenc.

[@cory1641]

Im in the middle of an electric fence project and trying to do this on a budget. Thank you for the video and ideas.

[@philliplamberth4075]

Thank you for these hacks and your time. LORD BLESS YOU AND CHILD IN JESUS NAME

[@timbrennan284]

I use black fence paint from tractor supply it is the vinyl paint and it hold up great on the pvc

[@rjp3593]

This video was really helpful especially with prices now!

[@isekaihomestead666]

good tips for pvc insulators, thx. my frugal tip you might like, shou sugi ban is japanese wood treatment using fire zero cost, anti fungal , anti insect, 100 uv protection but no chemicals, safe for livestock. some cedar posts in japan have been exposed to extreme weather for over 100+ yrs. can be retreated in place without scraping. caveat is shou sugi ban should not contact soil directly, so set in stone pebbles

[@TheSuzan1419]

Thanks for the info

[@dorotheavanvuuren5537]

I have used hose pipe pieces snd cable ties to make insulators. Worked well

[@Sasklahoma]

Dude your videos are awesome. I know life is busy. If you can come back please do.

[@chrisabernathy9109]

My family is just planning our homestead and aren't even close to fencing but i am most definitely going to use this thank you and God bless you

[@williamsnowdon2919]

Good job

[@kulsayogi]

-> Dad's lucky to have such an observant kid! ❤

[@emilylewis7642]

You are smart! I like these ideas a lot and I'm thinking about how I can adapt them to my horse fencing. Great video! I'm going to see what else you have out there too.

[@uspittbullbreader]

Love the pvc idea. I used the garden hose but my wire shocked through it. The pvc how you have it set up for an offset is genius. I use the braided rope rather than wire because I move my animals a lot. For posts I use fiberglass rods from tractor supply. To hammer them in I use a 1/2” pipe cut to length with a cap threaded on the end. Great video

[@ppac300]

How long do those fiberglass rods last?

[@uspittbullbreader]

I’m on year 4 with them. Broken ones I ran over, oops, a fire that swept across my property damaged half, the rest are still going strong. The only issues of normal use is when the ground is dry and rock hard the top starts to break apart but a soft insert would probably help quite a bit. In short 4 years and counting.

[@jeanstout4035]

Thank you. The power cord idea really helped me to get power to my fence from my fence charger. This might help others with PVC. I don't have a vice or saw to cut the 1 inch PVC at a 45 angle. I cut them 3inchs and x wire them to my posts. Also use 45 PVC for the corners. Numbers 6:24-27 upon you and family.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Very informative information. Ya sometimes we just do not think an just run to the store to get what we need an most of the time we already have everything we need and most of the time those work better an cheaper . I probably have over a dozen old drop cords with maybe a bad place in them or a bad end . I have three Bee yards I am getting ready to put a electric fence system on these ideas will help out . Thanks

[@kulsayogi]

This gentleman obviously knows what he's doing, and his methods are sound. I believe that using manufactured "standoff insulators" is well worth the $0.25 each, because they'll hold up over time. Gotta have a sledge hammer to pound those 6' tall posts 2' into the ground, no doubt, but that's an essential tool to have around a homestead anyway. This is a very practical video, and I enjoyed watching it - Great Job! Thanks !!! 😊

[@StephenJelinek]

Thanks in my first year of homestead. Learning a bunch from your channel and others. NE Kansas.

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

Awesome! Keep your head up...it doesn’t have to be perfect or beautiful, it just has to work.

[@gregmann7936]

Thanks for the great insulator ideas...I needed to insulate a corner and discarded hose will work great.

[@rhondawelch6600]

Great tips, now one for you! Use old electric extension cords that the ends are bad. connect eCh end to a gate handle to change the the lines you want charged. No more surprise!

[@erniereynolds3278]

Love the PVC and garden hose. Going to use it today. Thanks

[@LyubomyrSherstyuk]

really nice and interesting, I am just starting electric fence adventure. I ll try to implement your hacks, thanks!

[@stephenblankenship2906]

Thank you for the ideas to save money. I been using trees for a bit. God bless you and your family

[@Shyska]

I did similar wrap around on iron posts using hose (double) insulator - it does fail after a couple of seasons (4b zone). Perhaps on wood there is less problems due to higher resistance overall. I would also be concerned about distance on that cut - 10KV will arc about distance if 1cm. Be aware, better overbuilt a bit rather than fix it down a year or two. Awesome tips in this video!

[@karate4348]

awesome, thanks very much. Good to use timber which composts rather than plastic...

[@milabulic]

Great tips! God bless and keep you and your family.

[@cbagchi453]

Great and practical ideas. Thanks sharing

[@Yeshuaschosen]

The hacks have helped me tremendously! Thank you for sharing!

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

I'm so glad!

[@jorge58065]

Great video, thank you for all that valuable information. God Bless you.

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

Thanks for watching! God bless!

[@alfilkemper9240]

I only use black insulator when needed, because the yellow & even red insulators killed one too many humming birds. I do like your idea about recycling an old garden hose.

[@DennisMiscannon]

I just came across this video. Its right up my ally..Thank you!!

[@AZHighlandHomestead]

Liked, joined, shared. Good tips my friend. -Nick

[@1SelfStarter]

Hello from Soldotna, Alaska! Cedar doesn't grow this far north, but spruce does. Thanks very much for your money-saving advice.

[@jhobbs8024]

Great video. Thanks for the tips!! Prayers for you and your family!!

[@bbrb1000]

Thanks for this info, I will try this real soon

[@RosySideFarm]

Putting in a fence for the 1st time. Thanks for the tips.

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

If you’re anything like me, you’ll rebuild, remove or move that fence a few times before you get it like you want it. Don’t stress it. Do the best you can and learn from it!

[@Yenadar]

Our predominate tree on our farm is willow. Took me a few years to realize their propogation nature, but started making my fence posts out of fresh cut willow. The post sprouts leaves and branches and grows roots. Living fence post that gets more secure and stronger over time. Some gotchas... they tend to be really weak for the first year, so they can't be the entire fence, gotta stagger the posts across years and distance. You can't nail/screw into them for several years, have to use wrapping methods, but without girdling them. They will sprout leaves and branches in inconvenient places, and can ground out the fence, so there is some clipper maintenance every few months. But turning out well. Maybe hedgerows one day. I also use old jumper cables as fence jumper cables. The handiest part of it is being able to use the jumper clamp directly on the ground rod.

[@ShasCho]

A shot of your insulators installed would be nice. A picture is worth a thousand words!

[@jdean830]

great video thank you! helped a lot. God Bless

[@lisalgreer8855]

Just exactly what I was looking for!!!

[@michaelchaoticreason5059]

Pretty good hacks. Keep thinking outside the box.

[@thehouseofgoodtidings6473]

Great ideas, ty!

[@damnskippity]

Very good information right now with economy the way it is great job

[@theeddieconnashow]

super helpful. Thanks for the video!

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

You're welcome!

[@Lisa-qk3dp]

Thank you I am a do it yourself type of gal so i will be trying the hose.

[@JohnBlair-p2z]

bloody great info.

[@davidpeightal4918]

Thank you! I’m making posts out of three pieces of discarded plaster lath nailed together and will use your free insulators. I’ve wondered about soaking the ends of the lath in diesel or old oil. Not sure about that. Shalom שלום

[@lynnhudson838]

McGyver of the homestead!! Lovin' it. 😊😊

[@kjanssen77]

so helpful! thank you

[@BigEsfarm]

Handy setup you have thanks

[@ensignj3242]

Thanks for the tips.

[@alexisjune892]

Thank you! You just saved me a lot of money!

[@GriffenNaif]

Great work. As rubber ages it will become increasingly more conductive and a power draw. But that's decade or more later.

[@joannabryjak8543]

So helpful!

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

Thank you!

[@tommygranneman92]

Great job!

[@herideahomestead]

Looking for tips to start setting up my homestead next year. These are great ideas!

[@hicoteo]

I live in the Dominican Republic and am thinking of installing an electric fence. We can't get parts here so this gave me some ideas.

[@michaelteti5148]

Thanks

[@kulsayogi]

I spoke too soon! The gentleman's cut-and-drilled-PVC-pipe-insulators are brilliant, and FAR more durable than the store-bought equivalent he showed earlier. A simple hacksaw will do to cut the PVC pipe at a 45 degree angle. Well done! 🎉

[@timbrennan284]

Nice hacks I have a eight acre high tensile wire as the post rots I replace with t post covered with painted pvc pipe I make shallow cuts with the table saw to lock the wire to the post and use plastic coated wire to lock in looks good will outlast me

[@lannetteschneeberg2676]

What do you paint them with?

[@rhondakendrick2563]

THANK U FOR THE INFO GOOD OLD SCHOOL

[@jamesanthonyclemons8031]

Grate info! Thank you

[@sarahswindle3130]

Love this video

[@focused1337]

Thanks for the ideas

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

Thank you for watching!

[@markpennella]

Love the old garden hose concept. Have you modified it since this vid waz put out?

[@roymcelwee9334]

Great info.

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tynelsonnasty5968]

I like your style!

[@bobbygraham4341]

Great info. Im a missionary and havebeen trying to figure out how I can do something like this. Thank you for sharing. Happy Resurrection day! Yes wewill be praying for you .

[@mness1440]

Thank you, your video taught me a lot! I am doing electric fence on my property this year (on a shoestring budget & by myself) and I have never done it before. It's for my two horses. Eventually i would like to have goats, too. There's a lot to learn about electric fence & I hope i can do it. Wanting to run it on solar.

[@lizpurvis2386]

Thanks for the good ideas

[@sheilasmith1109]

I really really wish you would have showed how you use the small PVC pipe for an insulator! I can mess around with some myself, but it would have been very nice of you to have shown it rather than just talk about it. Thanks for the rest of the info!🤠🙏👍

[@mlk08012]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@jakethisguyrighthere271]

Subscribed!

[@Joshuawilliams2006]

Prayers brother✝️

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

Many thanks! We can all use as many prayers as we can get.

[@KYRealEstech]

Do you ever have trouble with the pigs in the woods getting in a bee or yellow jacket nest while rooting in fallen logs? Snake bit?

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

This is great‼️ What gauge wire are you using??? Thanks for sharing.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Cool!

[@Doug_Helt]

I'd like to see a practical solution for fencing a small area 200 sq ft area?

[@karenshelmidine8432]

Exactly what I'm looking for

[@makingawesome8730]

You sir just saved me a lot of money

[@jkx6836]

I couldn't picture how the 2" slant end piece of PVC worked. It would be helpful to see one in action. Thanks for sharing your ideas and prayers!

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

Thank you so much for the feedback. May God bless you and yours.

[@J8n3eyr3]

Can the extension cord idea be used with an electric net system to bridge the opening of a barn I want my goats to use? New to electric fencing - and goats.

[@roderickvalenzuelaramirez4486]

Nice!!!

[@CygnetFarmer]

Love the Massey Hat!

[@charlesrpatton7928]

Insulator comments: 1) Black pipe, black rubber hose lining, black ABS pipe, etc.-- often use graphite or carbon black for colorant thus they are very conductive in terms of being insulators for high voltage pulses of the charged fence. In the video about using water hose is a prime example of this -- a spark was noticed when testing it. The spark was likely current flowing in the carbon and vaporizing it, thus the light of the spark. White PVC uses a non-conducting filler powder and thus has good insulating properties. Clear plastics are normally very good with exception of plastics designated "Anti-Static". They are treated with chemicals, typically hydroscopic that pull moisture in the air to form conductive films. One piece of hose as a quick fix is unlikely to take down the line, but a bunch of pieces gang up and will dissipate the line pulses. 2) It's relatively easy to measure the values of insulation. Take just about any DVM (not an old analog meter like a Simpson), set it to measure Volts then wire small 9V battery in series to a probe on the insulator and a wire from a probe on the other side of the insulator back to the DVM. Use the following formula: Insulation MegOhms = 10MegOhms X (9V -- DVM reading in Volts) / DVM reading in Volts For example, a 0.1V DVM reading would calculate as 10MegOhms X (9-0.1) / 0.1 = 890 = MegOhms A value a typical DVM will not measure. It's not hard to measure into the GigOhm range. Sometimes you'll see readings of the wires you use being somewhat poor as you handle them, especially in humid weather. Wet or electrolytic conditions on the insulation probes may cause battery potentials to cloud the reading. If you suspect that just reverse the polarity of the 9V battery (turn it around) and average the two DVM readings and proceed with the formula.

[@benjaminbrewer2154]

Not sure I like your garden hose insulator. But I could see it working by doubling or tripling the length to get a vertical offset from the hot wire. 1/4 is too close 2-3" is better. A seven inch segment with two nails is about 3x free but I'd be more comfortable with less arcing. John Scarborough uses pvc or nonmetallic emt in a similar manner.

[@axelfaye7065]

Fantastic hacks especially for us in cash strapped Africa

[@Blackgodsshadow]

Great video very helpful

[@321arsiniega]

Thanks so much for the info. We have a goat that continue to jump the fence, which was okay for a minute but then she started venturing into the neighbor's garden. My partner and I plan on using your method (I believe it was the third one you showed) of putting the longer piece of PVC pipe on the posts around her pen, however we have two gates. Any advice on how we can use your method while going around the gates?

[@mommieme7]

I had three goats and now have two and they pay no attention to the fence. Fencers these days, brand new out of the package will not even get the attention of a goat. Oh and my horse? She stands by the fence and swishes her tail and vola weak fencer grounded out and farm fence destroyed.

[@anitagriffin2472]

My dogs dig under the fence to get out. Can I hammer into the ground a 1.5 ft PVC pipe and run the electric wire through the top part of the pvc and the fence still work? Will the pvc in the ground ground out the wire, electrical shock?

[@AmeliaAnnesAnimals]

i used clear tubing for insulators and i think its definitely degrading my electric. almost no shock . looking for new ideas. pvc? thick rubber hose? i need to get this fixed asap. complely broke ..

[@willowriverranch7965]

Does this work with polywire?

[@CoastalGardening]

Very helpful , god bless =)

[@ruggedizeyourlife-narrowga6168]

Thank you! Vivat Jesu!

[@kristhomas6474]

Low budget is not necessarily cheap in quality. I always like a good challenge I came on here to see if my idea to transition a gate into an electric fence was up to snuff and seen your clip and as always love to learn new ideas life hacks. You did well. I’ve used air hoses and trailer water line for turns and such, but I like your insulator hack. It worked well with my old plastic air hose which is stiff as heck. Perfect. Thanks