Post Installation

• To install fence posts for your wire fence, first route the path of the fence and mark it with stakes. Then begin to install your posts every 3 to 4 feet. Wood posts require holes to be dug into the earth, while steel posts can be driven into the ground with a hammer. A post hole digger will make the process go much faster. Dig your holes at least a foot into the earth and secure the posts with dirt after they are installed.
  
  

Wire Stringing

• Wire is strung across the fence line to begin the installation. If you are using a prefabbed cage wire, then the wire only needs to be attached to the fence. However, it still must be taut enough to stand up and provide some resistance on either side of the fence postsl; this acts like a support brace for the fence. To string single wires, use a fence-stretching tool, which can be purchased at a hardware store. Start at one fence post, attaching the wire to the post either with a two-pronged nail, or by attaching it to the receptacle on the fence post itself.
  
  

Wire Stretching

• Once the wire is in place, attach it to the fence stretcher and bring it across the fence line to the next post. It is important to put the proper tension on your fence. It must be tight and there should be no sagging. The tension in the wire will help support the two fence posts. In addition, diagonal wire is strung to further brace and reinforce the fence. This is strung in the same way as the lateral fence wire, starting at the bottom corner and running up to the opposite corner. In some cases, you may use a wood post to act as a brace. This brace is simply nailed in place from corner to corner.
  
  

Corner Braces

• Corners often need bracing to support the fence because the wire will not act as a support. That is because the wire is pulling in two different directions. To brace the corner, use wood or metal supports. The supports are attached at the bottom corner and run up to the top corner on the opposite side, just like a brace in a straight fence line. For wood posts, galvanized nails or screws are used. Metal fence posts may require special hardware or bolts to attache the bracing. This should be included with your fence posts. If not, choose a piece of galvanized, outdoor hardware or metal screws.