How to Tension a Wire Fence Step by Step

Whether a wire fence stays straight for many years depends much more on the tensioning system than on the mesh itself. A slack fence soon sags, flaps in the wind and loses its purpose against animals.

What you need

• Corner and line posts (braced at the corners)
• Tension wire: hot-dip galvanized wire (Ø 3–4 mm) or galvanized steel wire rope
• Turnbuckles on the corner posts
• Wire rope clips for end connections
• Thin tie wire to fix the mesh to the tension wire

Step-by-step tensioning

1. Set the posts: Line posts are usually set 2.5–3 m apart; brace the corner and end posts.
2. Run the tension lines: Usually three lines are used — top, middle and bottom.
3. Connect the ends: Attach the wire to the turnbuckle on the corner post; if you are using rope, form the eye with clips (correct clip installation).
4. Tension: Tighten the turnbuckles alternately; the lines should have equal tension.
5. Fix the mesh: Tie the wire mesh to the lines with tie wire every 30–50 cm.
6. Check: Readjust the tension in the first weeks and at seasonal changes.

Common mistakes

• Leaving the corner post unbraced (the post leans inwards over time)
• Fitting the turnbuckle fully extended (no take-up left for later tensioning)
• Using thin electro-galvanized wire outdoors

We supply wire, rope and fittings to fence installation companies at wholesale and ship anywhere in Türkiye.