I have always been the type that seeks low-cost, efficient solutions regardless of my pursuit. I would argue that in the ranching industry it’s an absolute. I don’t recall where I first came across this idea, but it’s pure genius in regards to building a H-brace. If your reading this blog, I assume that you already know what an H-brace is and what it’s purpose is. There are some folks that would argue with me in regards to even building one for electric fences. A lot of people simply plant a post three or four feet deep and use that to pull their wires from. My electric fences for cattle are single strand and the sheep fences are four strand. I prefer hi-tensile galvanized steel wire these days simply for cost savings. Hi-tensile wire can put a serious amount of strain on end braces and corner posts. A single strand placed around 40 inches tall will cantilever a post right out of the ground.

To get started I purchase high quality cedar posts from the local cedar yard. I prefer 6 or 7 inch tops at 8 ft long for my brace posts or corners. These posts typically cost around $15 to $18 each depending on where you purchase them. I use a 3.5” straight, wire post for the diagonal brace post. These typically cost about $5 apiece. Look for cedar posts with a good “heart.” If your in the Central Texas area Auld Cedar Yard in Leakey typically has a good selection and competitive prices. I typically place the diagonal brace post just a few inches below the top wire. I cut a little groove in the two brace posts so that the diagonal brace post is held upright between them.

Now here’s the “new idea.” Most folks take smooth wire and wrap it around the posts twice. Then they take a cut stave and use that to bind the wire until it’s tight. What happens over time as your posts shift and things move around is the wire gets loose and the brace falls apart. The real issue is there is no way to tighten the brace back up once you attach the wire for your fence without completely removing the fence. How can you twist the tension post with wires all over the place? After many years of building a traditional h-brace, problem solved! It’s a very simple solution. I use the same 12.5 guage hi-tensile wire that I use for the electric fence. Make a small cut on each post with a chainsaw. It doesn’t need to be deep, perhaps a 1/4 inch or so. Just enough to hold the wire as it tensions. Wrap a single strand around the top and cut it in the middle. Do the same on the bottom. Then proceed to put a wire strainer between the top and bottom. One end of the strainer is tied to the wire and the other is looped through the two holes in the strainer. After that you simply proceed to ratchet it until its tight. If the brace gets loose over time it’s really simple to ratchet the strainer tight.

I have been so pleased with this “new to me” technique that I just couldn’t resist sharing it. I think in the long run it will prevent a lot of headaches in regards to h-braces working loose over time. Our heavy clay soil moves a lot with the weather fluctuations so this has always been a problem for us. Hopefully this is the solution we have been looking for! It’s worked great for us at Parker Creek Ranch. Best of luck and I hope this helps you save time and money.