Metal Dog Fencing

Step 1 – Plan & Measure

Use spray paint or a similar marking tool to measure and mark the locations of your posts. Ensure that the distance between each post is between 2 m and 2.5 m.

After marking the posts, measure the total length between the ends. This measurement will enable you to order the appropriate length of fencing needed.

Step 2 – Dig Holes

Utilize a spade to excavate a hole at each of the marked locations.

Ensure that the holes are three times wider than the poles in diameter. The depth of the holes should be equivalent to 1/3 of the length of the poles.

Step 3 – Position Upright Posts

With Concrete: For optimal outcomes, begin by filling the holes with 4 inches of gravel, compacting it firmly. Then, add a layer of 6 inches of concrete on top. Place the poles into the wet concrete and allow a minimum of 1 day for the concrete to cure. Finally, fill the remaining space in the holes with dirt.

Without Concrete: Position the poles centrally within the holes, then use large stones to stabilize them in place. Subsequently, fill the holes with earth until tight and compact.

Step 4 – Check for Straightness

Utilize a spirit level to ensure that your poles are perfectly straight, then firmly secure them in place. This step is crucial to guaranteeing a straight fence line.

Once all poles are properly positioned, allow several days for the concrete to fully dry and set.

Step 5 – Position End Posts Correctly

Ensure that the end poles have a slot for the angle support, positioning it towards the direction of the fence run.

Step 6 – Position Corner Posts Correctly

The corner poles should feature slots on two adjoining sides, aligning them towards the two fence runs that the corner is joining.

Step 7 – Attach Angle Supports to End Posts

Insert an angle support into the pre-made slot on the end pole.

Note: If there is no pre-made slot available, adhere to the general guideline of attaching the brace at 2/3rd of the upright’s height and at a 45-degree angle.

Position the supports at the appropriate locations to ascertain where the holes need to be dug.

Excavate the hole, then place rubble at the bottom of it. Insert the angle support into the hole.

Cover the hole surrounding the angle support with soil and compact it firmly by stomping it down. Alternatively, you can also use concrete to secure it in place.

Step 8 – Attach Angle Supports to Corners

Repeat step 7 for the two angle supports required by the corner post.

Step 9 – Mark Location for Tensioning Wire

Chain link fencing requires tensioning with multiple lines of wire:

– 2 lines are enough for heights up to 1.2 metres.
– 3 lines are needed above 1.2 metres in height.

Mark the position for each wire strand on all poles, ensuring consistency to maintain the wire strands level with the ground.

Step 10 – Attach Wire to First Post

Secure the first wire strand to the end pole at the lowest marked position.

Wrap it around the concrete, twist it backward, and wind it around itself 4-5 times to firmly secure the tension.

Step 11 – Attach Radisseurs

Utilize separate pieces of wire to securely fasten the radisseurs to the corner and end posts.

Note: Skip to step 14 if radisseurs are not available.

Step 12 – Connect Wire to Radisseur

Upon reaching the first radisseur, cut the first line of tensioning wire, leaving an additional 10cm of length for adjustment.

Thread the wire through the hole located in the center of the radisseur.

Step 13 – Tension the Wire

Employ pliers to rotate the pin on the radisseur in a clockwise direction.

Step 14 – Alternative with No Radisseur

If a radisseur is unavailable, twist the wire around the pole and wind it around itself 4-5 times as an alternative method.

Note: Utilizing this method will indeed result in less tension compared to using a radisseur.

Step 15 – Attach Wire to Intermediates

Secure the wire to the intermediate poles using cable ties or tying wire.

Step 16 – Attach Remaining Wire

Secure the remaining wire strands by repeating steps 10-13.

Step 17 – Start Attaching Mesh

Unroll enough mesh to cover the distance between the first two uprights.

Important: Ensure that you unroll the mesh with the roll standing upright or placed on a flat and even surface, with the flap facing upwards to prevent snagging.

Fasten the mesh to the first pole using cable ties (or tie wire) at intervals of 15cm.

Step 18 – Pull Tight

Stretch the mesh tightly, then attach it to the next pole using cable ties.

Step 19 – Attach Remaining Mesh

Continue securing the remaining section of the mesh by following the process described in steps 17 and 18.

Step 20 – Secure to Tension Wire

Ensure to secure the tensioning wire to the fence at multiple points to uphold the tension of the fence.

Step 1 – Mark the Post Location

Step 2 – Dig Holes

Dig a hole for the posts, ensuring that the depth of the hole is approx. one-third of the post’s length.

Use a spirit level to verify that the posts are perfectly upright.

Step 3 – Position Upright Posts

With Concrete: Fill the holes with concrete, insert the poles into the wet concrete, and allow a min. of one day for the concrete to solidify. Cover the top of the hole with soil.

Without Concrete: Position them centrally within the holes, then fill the holes with sizable stones to secure the poles in position. Subsequently, add soil until firmly packed and compact.

Step 4a – Dig Trench for End Posts

Measure and indicate the location for the strut, ensuring it is halfway off the ground for end and corner posts, and aligned with the fence run.

Excavate a T-shaped trench approximately 30cm deep for the end of the strut to rest in, and 30cm wide for the bearer.

Step 4b – Dig Trench for Corner Posts

Duplicate step 4a for corner posts, where two strut posts should be present on adjacent sides.

These should be oriented towards the two fence runs that the corner post is connecting.

Step 5 – Cut & Position Bearers

You need to cut lengths of rail to serve as bearers for the strut posts.

The rail lengths should be 30cm long and fitted into the T-shaped trench to prevent the strut from slipping, thereby providing support for the ends and corners of the fence run.

Insert the bearers into the trench.

Step 6 – Cut Notches

Cut a shallow notch in the strainer post at the marked location.

Note: It’s crucial to ensure that the notch is shallow to maintain the strength of the post and avoid exposing the untreated core.

Step 7 – Attach the Strut Post

Shape the end of the strut to match the notch in the post.

Insert the sharpened end into the notch securely, while allowing the remainder of the strut to sink into the trench.

Step 8 – Secure Strut

Position the strut snugly between the bearer and the strainer post to ensure a tight fit.

Cover the trench with soil and compact it by stomping down.

Step 9 – Mark Wire Location

Start by marking the positions for each wire strand on your posts.

You should have multiple lines of wire for a secure and taut fence as below:
– 2 lines are enough for heights up to 1.2 metres.
– 3 lines are needed above 1.2 metres in height.

Step 10 – Attach Wire to First Post

Fasten the initial wire strand to the bottom part of the starting post.

Hook it around the post, twist it backward, and wind it around itself 4-5 times to secure the tension.

Step 11 – Secure Radisseur to Last Post

Use a separate piece of wire to secure a radisseur to the last post.

Note: skip ahead to step 14 if you don’t have a radisseur.

Step 12 – Secure Wire to Radisseur

Cut the first tensioning wire, leaving an extra 10cm of length for adjustment.

Thread the wire through the hole positioned in the center of the radisseur.

Step 13 – Tension the Wire

Employ pliers to rotate the pin on the radisseur clockwise.

Step 14 – Tension Without Radisseur

In the absence of a radisseur, twist the wire around the post and wind it around itself 4-5 times as an alternative.

Using this method will result in less tension compared to utilizing a radisseur.

Step 15 – Secure to Middle Posts

Fasten the wire to the middle posts using staples, leaving a slight gap to allow for some movement of the wire within the staple.

Step 16 – Repeat Steps 11-15

Secure the remaining wire by repeating steps 11-15.

Step 17 – Attach Mesh to End Post

Take sufficient mesh to cover the distance between the initial two posts.

Secure the mesh to the posts using staples at 15cm intervals.

Step 18 – Attach Mesh to Posts

Proceed with securing the remaining section of the mesh by following the process described in step 17.

Step 19 – Secure to Tension Wire

Make sure to secure the tensioning wire to the fence at various points to maintain the tension of the fence.