Whether you’re building a fence for livestock, pets, or people, if you’re using wire fencing, you’re going to need fence staples. This article offers practical, detailed information to help you efficiently and effectively complete your wire fencing projects.
What are Fence Staples?
Fence staples are steel fasteners used to secure wire fencing to wooden posts. They come in various types and sizes to accommodate different fencing materials and needs. However, fence staples are all U-shaped and can be hammered into place. For this reason, they are sometimes called u-nails. Whatever you call them, there are only four main types (or textures) of fence staples.
smooth wire staples
barbed wire staples – contain one or two barbs on each end
woven wire staples – may be smooth, barbed, or knurled (contain grooves along the legs)
heavy-duty staples – thicker and longer than other fence staples
How to Choose the Right Fence Staples
As with so much else in construction, you need to choose the appropriate materials for the job you want it to do. Therefore,
if you want to: | choose: |
attach smooth wire electric fences or secure mesh fencing to posts |
smooth wire staples |
install barbed wire fencing | barbed wire staples |
secure woven wire fencing | woven wire staples |
install livestock or other demanding fencing |
heavy-duty staples |
In addition to the application and type (or surface texture) of your fence staples, there are four other factors to consider when buying fence staples:
gauge: usually 8 or 9 , but can vary according to need
length: ranges from 3/4" to 2-1/2" (1.9 cm to 6.35 cm)
material: usually steel with various coating
coating: galvanized, bright, or Tough Coat
How to Calculate the Amount of Fence Staples You Need
To determine how many fence staples you will need, you will have to do some measuring and calculating.
Measure the length of your fence and determine how far apart you will want your fence posts.
Determine how many posts you will need by dividing the fence length by the distance between posts.
Decide on how many staples you will use for each horizontal wire. Many people use 1 or 2 staples per wire per post.
Multiply the number of posts x the number of wires x number of staples per wire.
Add 10-15% extra.
How to Buy Fence Staples
Fence staples can be bought in a variety of places both online and in person. We recommend visiting Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct’s online store for fence staples and all your wire and farm fencing needs.
What Else Is Needed to Install Wire Fencing
In addition to your wooden posts, fencing material (wires or mesh, etc.), and fence staples, you will need:
· a hammer or a staple gun to install fence staples
* Note: Fence staples are often installed with a hammer, but fencing staplers can also be used in some instances. These tools can be pneumatic, cordless, or heavy-duty. If you choose to use a staple gun, be sure that it is compatible with the staples you will be using and that your power source is available where you need to work.
· measuring tape or stick to ensure consistent spacing of staples
· level for ensuring fence alignment
· wire cutters for cutting wires or mesh
· safety gloves to protect your hands from wire cuts, wood splinters, vegetation, etc.
· other safety protective gear such as safety glasses, sunscreen, and a hat, bug repellent, drinking water to stay hydrated as you work
How to Install Fence Staples
The way you install fence staples will depend on the type of fence you are installing, but there are five governing principles:
always wear safety gloves and glasses.
hold the wire against the post.
position the staple at a 45◦ angle over the wire and gentle tap the staple into place then drive it in while maintaining the angle.
hammer staples in far enough to ensure a secure hold of the wire but allow enough room for the wire to move and the tension to adjust.
maintain consistent staple spacing and wire tension the long of the fence.
Extra tips for each type of fence staple are as follows:
· smooth wire staples should be spaced 12 to 24 inches (30cm to 60cm) apart along the wire
· barbed wire staples should also be spaced 12 to 24 inches (30cm to 60cm apart along the wire; start stapling from the top wires to prevent the wire from getting caught in already installed wires
· woven wire staples should be spaced every 12 to 18 inches (30cm to 45 cm); work from the bottom up; use a level to ensure the fence is straight
· heavy-duty staples should be spaced every 12 to 24 inches (30cm to 60cm)
Mistakes to Avoid
When installing fence staples, it is important to:
· avoid over-tightening fence staples to prevent wire breakage
· aim for even spacing of staples to create a strong fence
· use the correct staples for the type of wire you are using to ensure a secure hold
Maintenance Tips
As with anything, maintenance is an important key to longevity. To ensure your wire fence remains effective:
· check for loose or rusted staples and replace them
· tighten sagging wires and resecure them with fence staples
· clean vegetation away from the fence to allow for easy inspection and repairs and to prevent damage to the fence
Special Considerations: Right-Handed & Left-Handed Staples
Check the legs of your fence staples for a slash. If there is one on the left leg, angle the staple at a 45◦ angle to the left (counterclockwise) when you install it. If the slash is on the right leg, angle the staple to the right. This technique will help secure the hold. If there is no slash, proceed as indicated above.
Shop for Fence Staples in Southern Ontario
If you’re building a wire or mesh fence in southern Ontario, find your materials online through Ontario Wholesale Farm Direct. We offer a wide selection of fencing products at competitive prices. Contact us today to learn more about our fencing and other farm products.