What Is The BEST Way To Stretch Fence Wire? | Chain Strainer VS Come Along

👉🏻 Product Links Below 👈🏻
Can we settle this one and put it to bed? What is the best way to stretch fence wire? Today we put the come along and the boundary strainer into the hands of two experienced fencers to compare the differences. Like it or not, fencing is evolving, and the best tool for stretching fence wire might not be the one you're used to.
Pick up a Strainrite chain strainer here: bit.ly/strainritestretcher
Pick up crimp sleeves here: bit.ly/wirejoining
Contents:
00:00 - Settle It
01:00 - Figure 8 Knot
03:52 - Come Along
08:58 - Termination Knots
11:09 - Chain Strainer
16:50 - Evolving

[@davidcollier1207]

Very interested in farm fencing on any continent. I'm from Australia, What impressed me most was the attitude that everyone had in the video, An open minded, let's see if we can learn something and improve what we do mind set. I'd be happy with any of you fellows putting up fences for me.

[@mcscotty1625]

I use a chain strainer. It was make around 1900 and used by three generations of my family. Still does the job on the farm.

[@Loy1777]

I been a fence guy for over 20 years and have never try a chain walker after seen this video I want to buy one and try it my self if it’s a tool that makes my job easier I want it in my truck. Great videos guys very educational specially for beginners keep up the good job greetings from California

[@rayhilton1759]

My father was a fencer in the 70's and used that chain walker style then, had 9 sets with most at least on their third set of jaws.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Great video start to finish guys!

[@SWiFence]

Thanks! 👍🏻

[@peterdykzeul3074]

You cannot beat the good old fashioned Hayes Wire Strainer. A great Kiwi invention. I use 2.4 metre long leaders off the strainer so they clear the strainer stay and use permanent wire tensioners. At a few dollars each it makes life so much easier.

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Really good video, thanks!

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

that was an awesome splice knot for sure. I have actually seen something like that but didn't know it was a splice!

[@mattcampbell4135]

In Alberta Canada, the majority of the agricultural fences are 4 strands of barbwire. I run the bottom wire to get my line, build my brace, and start pounding line posts while I spool out the other 3 wires behind me. At the other end, I build my brace and stretch all 3 wires, using come alongs, at the same time. I use 3 come alongs, tightening the top wire first, then the second and then the third. My helper goes down the fence and shakes the wires into fence and to even the tension out on wire, down it’s whole length. I don’t tie off each wire after it’s tight, but tighten the one below, (hence the three come alongs). That way, my man down the fence can start tacking the tightened wire up as he goes along and shakes in the wire I’m tightening. When all wire are tight, he can go to town stapling while I tie the wires of, pick up the tools, and spool wire back up. One important thing is wire spacings: fences here are 4’ high. A lot of people think that means wires spaced every 12”. Wrong. Cattle don’t go under or over fences, they go through. Therefore I space my wires 16”,26”,36”,&46” from the ground. In a 5 wire fence, I go 16”,24”,32”,40” and 47”. The 16” allows deer and moose calves to crawl underneath. I do own a pair of chain walkers, but only use them on hi-tensile. They are unknown up here, so hard to get ahold of, and it’s hard to get my help to understand and use them.

[@denvertinstar1]

Really appreciate ya’ll taking the time to put this information out there. I have to fence and cross-fence 40 acres in a few months. I’m down near Denver, CO. Any information you could pass along on how I could get my hands on some of those octoposts would be greatly appreciated.

[@SWiFence]

Email us at [e-mail] with your location, quantity, and size you need and we can get you a quote. 👍🏻

[@crascocrascoconstruction3852]

Thanks for this video. I have been thinking about getting a chain strainer. I currently use a Golden Rod and come along. I am definitely going to purchase a couple chain strainers after watching this.

[@SWiFence]

Love it!

[@avid6186]

Interesting how everyone seems to be different. We always strain the bottom wire first as the top is more likely to loosen if you start at the top. Best of all is enough strainers to do all wires at once.

[@TheCertifiedNeto]

awesome video like always

[@jamieshields9521]

Awesome comparison👍I use Waratah wire strainers n do figure 8 to join wires, I been fencing since I kid , now I 40+ LOL. I usually carry double of everything n have kangaroo pouch for tire off wires with homemade flat key. Don’t forget wear gloves n safety glasses as my neighbour nearly lost his eye👍

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

I been wanting to see this one!

[@SWiFence]

Hopefully it lived up to your expectations 😉

[@bishopcorva]

Watched my dad hang a fence something close to thirty years ago now. He'd never done such before or talked to anyone about how to hang fencing. Never consulted a hunting acquaintance that installed fences for a living on how to do it. The whole thing had so many waves and ripples I wouldn't trust it to hold back blown dry grass much less the dogs he was attempting to build a pen for. When I got older and after one of the (newer) dogs escaped but a girl that lived six houses down from us. I was tasked with the job of fixing the pen. It started with taking the dogs out the pen and hemming them into a transport box. After that all the U-nails were pulled save for one corner post. Made a spreader bar with hooks to get more than one pull point. Took about five feet of slack out of the vertical fencing. Took more time to dig down on the inside of the pen. Unrolled more fence on the ground, bent and fitted the ground fence to the upright. Secured with lots of sturdy wire and about 200' of chain woven between the ground fence and upright fence. Reburied the ground fence. Added to the top of the fence a short back leaning section to be sure dogs couldn't get wise to try and climb out (made sense to me). Better door finished it off and two latches that required both hands to operate and had an automatic lock with a sturdy spring closer. Dogs never got out again but somehow I still got cussed and fussed at for "wasting money by putting fencing in the ground." That's all I could think about when I came across this video.

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

I think you're right on the time that it takes to reset the come-a-long, it makes the chain-walker more efficient, along with some other details there on the stretching. great comparison!

[@Coloradohomestead22]

I use my father-in-law’s old come along with the rope and pulley’s. It works perfectly.

[@complexedmind5739]

I've never seen or be able to do that with standard hi tensile fencing wire in my area, but the knots are still relevant, just keep a good pair of heavy pilers handy to get those tight wraps.

[@ajrural]

I'm from Australia and it's interesting reading the comments, especially the Australian ones, to see the differences between techniques. No standard way for anyone, while there's general rules and the same outcome, there's many ways to get to the same outcome. Love all yours and your brothers videos, get Luke to do more please. FYI your way of doing the figure 8 confused me but we both get the same outcome. Until next time, you have a good dang day.

[@SWiFence]

Thanks AJ!

[@wobblysauce]

This, as long as the product remains in the right side of the fence it is all good.

[@garymckinziejr7194]

Great channel. Glad I found it

[@SWiFence]

Glad you found it too!

[@SWiFence]

As was pointed out by one viewer, In the video I miss spoke and the device I am demonstrating is actually called a chain strainer which has grips on both ends. A boundary strainer is technically for stretching woven wire and has hooks on both ends working on the same chain walking principles.

[@kevinjohnhustings1791]

My dad has my grandfather chain walker he had in the UK back in the 60s. Its old but works, great for barb wire but crimps high tensile wire bit.

[@richardmccrae5422]

In New Zealand it is common practice to tie wires off at both ends and use the chain strainer in the middle of the fence line so it pulls equally from both directions and set up chain strainers on all wires at once and tension all of the wires (8 wires for a boundary fence here in NZ) at the same time before tying off so if end posts or corner post creep loose wires can be tightened before tying off/joining wires permanently I use tex brown knot or a speed knot

[@hjvisagie]

South Africa the same

[@garryseery3865]

Being naturally lazy, and following the principle of ‘work smarter not harder’, I use the chain strainer and Gripples when setting up new or repairing fences. No mucking around tying knots and such like.

[@azazeldeath]

Same here in Aus on some of our large farms and ranches. Noticed it's safer too as your in the likely slippage point, if stuff goes wrong the wire isn't going to hit you. That said the few I've done we ended up using the pulley system and hooking it to the back of the 79 series, we had a come along as well but that ceased being used after the first day because it was the NT outback, hot af being the wet season and the less effort involved the better.

[@tanyiabailey4792]

I was going to say the same thing about Australia that the other person said 👍

[@samuelbonacorsi2048]

You guys are good! I do wonder why everyone isn’t wearing eye protection. I have had several close calls with high tensile wire. Keep up the good work.

[@louish.9414]

Awesome knowledge figure 8 more useful handy.

[@NoahDevine91]

Thanks mark We only use come alongs, but now I’m interested in checking out the boundary strainers, (chain walker) 💪🏻

[@SWiFence]

It's worth a look-see.

[@SWiFence]

For the record I miss spoke and this is technically called a chain strainer. Boundary strainers are a little bit different but work on the same principle and are used for woven wire.

[@LuisHernandez-he53]

@@SWiFence By woven wire, do you mean barbed wire? I'm in the fence business, and after watching this video I'll definitely be using a chain walker.

[@110americalovingpatriot2]

I just stretched new barbwire last week with a heavy duty 20 ft ratchet strap cause i couldn't find my come along, and it actually worked really well.

[@SWiFence]

That's a great method when you're in a pinch! Not a fun method for repeat work.

[@rjfussell]

40 years of fencing,8' hi tensile deer fencing all over Napa valley to central coast Calif,we only use chain grabs,hundreds of pulls at ground level,some of my grabs are 40 yrs old,I use one strand of 11.5 ga all around my perimeter 4" off the ground,use like a snap string,lay out T's,hog ring it to fence,so much time saved it's worth the cost,2k ft roll on a reel,grabs are probably the best fence tool there is,the other tool is the single wire post strainer.

[@DeerService]

Hi, thanks, clear video. I usually using crimp sleeves hayes, but is good to know this metod too. Do you using end knot in fixed knot fence instalation at ending posts? I'm looking for video with test of end knot versus ordinary knot, f.ex. when using wire twister.

[@avid6186]

Tim Thompson from Australia has some good videos on fencing, strainers knots etc. IMHO way ahead of these guys but probably only because what he shows is more aligned with what I was taught.

[@user-ux8op8ld5i]

I am from Zambia , very interested I like it too.

[@gabemoore8119]

Always use masdaam come alongs. But what I see with the chain walker is a much simpler more robust mechanism that would be far less prone to damage. I end up replacing alot of cables and cable jacks that get damaged from overuse. Might need to get some chain walkers.

[@jickmccivy6327]

I used to put up chain link fence for Sears and Roebuck back when you could order it installed from there mail order catalogs the 1960s

[@SWiFence]

You've got street cred!

[@WesternWandererJM]

I'd be real interested in those Octo posts!

[@jickmccivy6327]

Leave it to a Kewi to come up with the Chain Walker ,I've never seen such a thing until today , Absolutely Genius for wire work , I want one to pretension the chains on my flatbed truck so that the chain binders are more easily used . Spinning ratchet binders is a royal pain the less the better

[@kadmow]

- very old school all over Australia (Kiwis appropriate things, little cuz's, lol.)... easy to throw in a saddle bag and head out boundary riding, back in the day.

[@salvadoraviles3822]

Nice 👍

[@doebuck3128]

The bigger the belt buckle the more experience. Lol. Great vid 👍

[@countrywolf88]

Man i need to come to this next year and show yous some techniques

[@SWiFence]

Come on out! You've got to promise to learn something too. 👍🏻

[@jakebrown9829]

Thanks swi crew

[@kevinl1360]

Interesting but does the chain walker works as a mesh stretcher like a come along? (Not considering using the fence hog) but just those two simple tools.

[@headingscrub9035]

Try get hold of Waratah Wizard Contractor strainers made by GV Donald South Africa. Sold in Australia.

[@alanmayne1700]

I live i Australia do fencing in Australia . The wire grabber no good puts cut in the wire . Reminds me of the old Donaldson strainers they don’t use them for that reason . The way these blokes have done it . It is to hard to get right tension on your wire especially on short strains . I have never seen any fence in Australia done this any in 30 years of fencing .

[@anthonyking2642]

It’s a very interesting trade you could work along side a different fencing contractor every day and you will always learn something new

[@SWiFence]

Ain't that the truth!

[@edwardcarberry1095]

I think that the old "Western Union " splice might be better? Certainly quicker. I was watching some of the old fence splices to see how well they had held up of the ?/ 50 yrs. Were pretty good. I think where he showed one what it was to look like is where I would have built it to then.

[@earlyriser8998]

nice impartial test

[@kadmow]

so, is there something new with these techniques?? - in Australia - for ever, chain strainers and fencing pliers are all the tools an old fencer needs.

[@callaghan1968]

here in Australia we mostly go around a steel post twice to take some of the strain off of the knot. and it is common to burn off in late winter and high tension wire ends up looking like shit sags and rust, more expense cheers

[@SWiFence]

We tested the double-wrap and it doesn't seem to make any difference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q52TcqFupZh5oK8 🤷‍♂️

[@geraldripps3523]

As far as wire breaking under tension or unwrapping have you tried circling the end post about three times to lessen tension on knot.

[@SWiFence]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q52TcqFupZh5oK8

[@LuisHernandez-he53]

So the boundary strainer can be used for stretching barb wire, right? I'll be getting a chain strainer for sure after watching this video. Thank you for sharing this valuable information..

[@SWiFence]

Yes--it can totally be used on barbed wire. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6jVhp-dpL6teZY 👍🏻

[@christopherthumm4348]

I'd like to know more about the galvanized poles back in the day versus the new galvanized polls. Do u paint over the galvanizing?

[@SWiFence]

Not typically, no. The galvanizing is the protective layer--no need to paint over it.

[@PapaRug.58]

My thought is use which ever way is easiest for you 😊😊

[@BacktotheBasics101]

I’m from North Dakota and generally the come along is the tool of choice. I know the Tessier clan quite well. There’s an old saying the guy is driving like a Tesher on the way to a fist fight. lol They’re a tough lot , but good people.

[@bowhunter3125]

it all depends on how you like to do it. I have been using a come along since 1991, never had an issue with them

[@countrywolf88]

That covid part was gold hahaha

[@SWiFence]

🤣

[@chazfane696]

Can you get the octoposts in CA? Or where are they coming from.

[@SWiFence]

They can be shipped anywhere in large enough quantity. If you email [e-mail] with your location, quantity, and size you need we can get you a quote. 👍🏻

[@JBra1382]

About to put up 2x4 Red brand woven fencing. I have fence stretcher bar. Any tips or tricks that you could give me on this? Or do you have any other suggestions on type of fence I should use. The plan is to put 4x4 post 7’ apart with a 1-1/4 x 6 top rail with the woven fencing. At least is my start. It is for horses. Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.

[@SWiFence]

4x4’s are a bit weak for livestock. A 4-5” round post would be better. We also stay away from low carbon wire like RedBrand and use hi tensile which is much better. Build good braces and stretch the wire tight. There really isn’t anything better than a wedge board and boundary strainers for stretching. Check out our Luther videos for info on those.

[@JBra1382]

@@SWiFence thanks for responding. Enjoy all your videos.

[@homesteadhaven2010]

You should use round post. I have used H braces and t post to keep animals in. Red brand woven wires is used everywhere in my state. I do drive 5 ft t post 3ft in the ground. 10ft round posts 4ft in the ground with cement. Nothing is getting thru my fence. I do have two rows barb wire and two hot wires on all my fence line

[@jamesweston3679]

I use the wireclamp that they have on that come along but then I hook it to the winch on my truck and use the wireless remote . Just have to go easy as you can get it waaaaaaay too tight really easy if you get stupid. Using the winch is stupidly fast tho.

[@tjatk4347]

Those chain walkers are cool and new too me. I wonder when they started makin a name for themselves. That figure 8’s cool

[@lanceborghero8468]

Hayes strainers have been in australia over 40 years I have pulled my Toyota out of bogs with a set of hayes with longer piece of pipe

[@reginaldhowell2261]

In aussi we have been using Richie chain wire strainers probly from the 1950s every aussi farmer would have a set ,must be a few different brands now days.R

[@andrewalexander9492]

OK, you make a really big deal about how much extra time it takes to stretch out the cable on a come-along, but once you have the end tied off to the fencepost, all it takes to stretch out the cable is to release the pawl on the drum, and walk down the fence line holding the come-along. You're going to have to walk the same distance holding your chain walker to re-set it on the end of you chain. In the video, it takes literally 3 seconds (7:44 to 7:47 )for Jordan to stretch the cable out on the come-along for the next pull. (not including setting the grips, which is going to be about the same for either tool)

[@jimmybrock6593]

Not professional I use comalong .I stopped using termination wrapping. I wrap around post 3 times put staple. Easier for me to repair later.😊

[@jovanivalterfagundes9425]

Bom dia, 22/8/23, sou do sul Brasil, PR. Muito top o vídeos de vcs, um show

[@SWiFence]

Ei, obrigado por assistir! Você está bem longe!

[@jovanivalterfagundes9425]

@@SWiFence Trabalho com agropecuária, sempre estou Fazendo cercas. Acabei de me escrever no canal . Voces do EUA, e referência pra mim.

[@christopherthumm4348]

Tell #2 west side is the best side

[@brianburtscher3406]

I must say that I have never pulled the top wire first. If you do by the time you get to the bottom your top is slack. But that Porkchop wire Graber is no good. We build a lot of barbed wire fence. We attach the come a long to a truck bumper and pull past the H brace.

[@D4m4g3d]

someone needs some bullnose saddle plyers. built miles and miles of fence over the last 16 years and never seen someone use that type of come along.

[@chargermopar]

Too bad no one makes the old fashioned lever release come alongs. Interesting test though!

[@blacktalonalan]

Do you have a link for the "pork chop" device?

[@SWiFence]

I think this is it: www.mfrexpress.com/products/fence-wire-grip?variant=37705525166244&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwo9unBhBTEiwAipC11wyafIVFfnDpFkdrxDwDfFaDJ-SWBjHAKy9MZSEdvS7Oc_FixTI-HRoCAuQQAvD_BwE

[@davemccage7918]

Yeah, but I already own a few come-alongs and don’t feel like buying & learning how to use another tool. FUN FACT: We call them “PULL-PALS” where I come from.

[@creeplife2802]

Where can I get some octoposts?

[@SWiFence]

They show up on Facebook marketplace quite often. If I knew where you were at I might be able to point you in the right direction.

[@westonandelin4556]

Where can I get the "octo" posts?

[@SWiFence]

They're drops from solar field installations, so you'd have to look around for some solar fields near you and reach out to them. Otherwise you can email [e-mail] with your info and how much you need and we can get you a quote on shipping some to you.

[@nickhill8499]

Hey bud, I really enjoy your videos and I'm not trying to be a hater but I do have a couple counter points. Minor point but that's not a boundary strainer its a chain strainer. One is for woven wire, one is for smooth or barbed wire. Regardless, the day our boundary strainer chain snapped under tension was the day I threw them all away. It's much weaker than a come along. Boundary strainers are only rated for 600kg. Come along is rated for 2 tons, 4 tons, etc. As an employer I cannot condone such an unsafe tool.

[@SWiFence]

I misspoke on the tool type--sorry about that. 👍🏻 While I can appreciate the safety aspect, that wasn't the focus of the test nor does it represent our experience.

[@charlescoppedge9517]

Come-along is faster and lighter in the right hands. (And can be operated with only one arm) Double loop the post with the wire and then a short noose of 3 or 4 turns. The only wire I single wrap is 7 gauge or heavier. Ain't comin' loose or breaking. 39 seconds including lighting a cigar when it's done.

[@lanceborghero8468]

It m

[@terenfro1975]

That’s not being a hater.

[@adamfooks7248]

What brand was the chain strainer?? I simply refuse to believe you broke a chain on either a chain strainer or boundary strainer, straining up wire…..I smell a big old dose of bull 💩

[@wileyfox4984]

You can damage your strainers by feeding the chain through and choking it on the post. Get a set of fenceline solutions strainers from Australia best on the market.

[@SWiFence]

We're Strainrite fans. 👍🏻

[@d.fencegod9708]

Wats up yal. I like the vids. But you should always double wrap. When tension is pulled the wire will squeeze the post and not strain the knot. And a double wrap looks cleaner. Thats my opinion.

[@SWiFence]

Stay tuned David! We've got a video about that exact thing coming out soon! Results might surprise you. 👍🏻

[@charlescoppedge9517]

Been building and repairing fence for almost 4 decades and I completely agree with You, Sir. Double wrap everything under 7 gauge.

[@chrisjoyce6321]

Interesting. Use a shackle through the chain when straining off a post otherwise you run the risk of bending or twisting the metal clamp under load. The tool is too expensive to ruin and a shackle is quick and easy and cheap to use.

[@doncookbc]

i have chain one dont think it so slow ...i use quad and golden rod 25 seconds lol

[@mtower235]

Gotta use what I got

[@SWiFence]

We hear that. 👍🏻

[@manuhonkanen2111]

The come along was sqviking without any grease!

[@bowhunter3125]

yeah,. i aint done that knot in so long that i cant remember how

[@neilkratzer3182]

Used pork chop for years but we found an item even safer than the pork chop. It is a tapered shaft with an eyelet and forged ring around the shaft with a slot in it to put the wire. Simple and no moving parts.

[@SWiFence]

Nice!

[@SWiFence]

Stay tuned for more on that device.

[@charlescoppedge9517]

EXACTLY !!!! $16 at TRACTOR SUPPLY

[@bobmclemore]

A come along is better for me because I can use it on other jobs around the property.

[@SWiFence]

I get that.

[@edthebumblingfool]

first American I have seen using plain wire so plus for that but why over bend it to break it? leave the wire with less bends and leave the tails on so you can udo the knots if required.

[@Skavin1000]

Why would you use a 20 foot chain? Just attach the chain section of a second pair and attach it further along the wire and walk from one chain to the other.

[@hl8256]

Everybody wants to get badges with single make a runn with stay tuff goat wire two corners and a gate and tie all the wires and no gripple t clips

[@ok4u2nv]

Like watching a late night info commercial pushing a product that will be used once and thrown away. Theres a reason hi tensile wire never took off and you wont find it in most fence lines but rather in piles near the scrap metal. Come alongs are generally used not only because of safety but because they can be used in various applications around the farm whereas that chain walker cant. Dont limit yourself by saying that you will only install hi tensile wire using a certain tool because potential clients might want a time tested product that has always stood up to their needs and is easy to repair using a pair of fence stretchers or a come along combination.

[@SWiFence]

I'm going to guess that you live west of the Mississippi. High-tensile wire is here to stay and becoming a much larger part of the overall market, whether it's barbed wire, smooth wire, or net fence. We often find that the people criticizing the products we showcase have never actually used them to know the real difference. That goes for both the stretcher and the wire. For now we are going to have to agree to disagree.

[@MelodyMan69]

Bit different to the 1960s. We used to stretch the wires with the Land Rover.

[@SWiFence]

That works too!

[@louish.9414]

Going green save time and 💰

[@DarylRosenberg01]

The second guy walked what 6 maybe 7 links? The come-a-long guy pulled about 3 feet.

[@Darth_Raider_]

3 wrap around with 7 gage tension wire, that ain't gonna unravel.

[@CarlosMendoza-wu2zd]

come along all day

[@SWiFence]

To each his own! 🙂

[@samrichards670]

No 8 cost significantly less

[@chrisclarke7828]

I do not know.

[@TheCertifiedNeto]

try that with 12.5 g wire

[@SWiFence]

This is 12.5 ga. I wouldn’t expect any different result with standard 12.5 ga barbed wire though.

[@SlackerU]

I think he might get more time by using a rope come-along. The HT only needs 250lbs & the rope can do 800 so the 1,500 capabilities of wire-rope might not be necessary. The rope-come-along can also be quickly pulled by hand for initial tension before cranking.

[@smkkenhwakpm-sk-admin8926]

BETTER TO USE STEEL CABLE

[@dylanh8927]

Email me for help! This is funny!

[@BeaglerBassFishingOutdoors]

Hook it to the tractor. Pull tight.. fastest

[@bowhunter3125]

Takes me 10 seconds to pull the cable out

[@bryanbrewer4272]

My first wife was a real chain strainer.....

[@417plasma6]

Look into the TEXAS Fence tool works the best, takes only 1 person to work it, and it only takes 15 seconds to set it up..BUT don't buy it on ebay or amazon, they come from china and its cheap

[@SWiFence]

Hmmm, interesting! 🤔

[@michaeltucker605]

I will not be stretching my fence super tight

[@dylanh8927]

This would not work in the USA We alot of the time use coil spring wire and the chain stretcher doesn't work. Farm fence yeah but not com. If your fenceing commercial you need 2 cable Jack's! Deff on anything over 8ft hi. Do some 30 ft hi with that then talk to us in the USA we play baseball here and use backstops! Wtf