(The following article will appear in BackHome Magazine in spring 2002. . . . )
We have learned through trial and error that it is much better to build a strong reliable
fence the first time rather than doing a poor job and having to re do it many times.
As I have learned many times over & over "do it right the first time" does save time.
I have had many problems with fences during my 30 years here on the do it Homestead.
I have learned how not to do it and well as how to do it.
First to understand how not to do it please refer to the above picture - as you will see a simple gate that has been patched many items. This worked for the fence, but it is impossible to drive under the support.
- First - we see a problem where concrete (note the circled area) was used and the ground gave away.
- Second - A cedar post was installed with a "dog Leg" and it also gave away
- Third - Finally the top of the cedar post was connected to the cedar post at the
other end and this held the fence tight even though it was no longer a working gate.
With this problem in mind as well as realizing that the corners and ends were the major problems with fences I developed a couple of simple economical eazy fence connectors. To better understand this problem as well as a simple solution please check out the following figures 1 - 3.
As you have noted from the above that there is no simple way of fixing corners or gate ends of fences. I have known farmers that have installed well casing or railroad ties to a depth of 6 to 10 feet in order to make their corners stand up straight.
Refer to the above figure # 1 you will note that the direction of the pull against the fence corner of gate post. This pull will cause the corner or gate post to lean to the right and therefore loosen the fence as well as make the gate unusable.
Here we have equalized the pull by installing a couple of 45 - D's Patent Pending which does equalize the pull and therefore stops any leaning of the gate or corner post.
Here we have equalized the fence using a couple of 90 - D's Patent Pending . this is the same configuration that farmers have used for years using 2 wood post and installing a cross piece then cross wiring them together in order to stabilize the corner.
We have developed 2 simple Patent Pending connectors. These new fence connectors are designed for use with T post which are commonly used on ranches and farms throughout the world. Normally the slowest part of installing and therefore the most costly part on installing a fence is the corners. I understand if you have the proper equipment, power post hole digger, well casing or rail road tie and several helpers then you can install a corner in about 4 hours - or you can use our new economical connectors this can be done by one person in about 15 minutes.
The first needed connector is the 90 - D Patent Pending which will enable you to have strong corners by installing 2 T post with a cross T post between them and cross installing wire that has been tightened. This is also outlined in Figure 3 above. These 90 - D's Patent Pending can also be used in line fences, over 1/4 mile, to keep the fencing tight.
The above left photo shows how these are installed in an actual corner here at the Do It Homestead. The right photo shows a close up of the 90-D installed.
This shows the other major fence connector 45 - D Patent Pending that is designed for use at angles, such as to prop up gates. The graphic on the left is a drawing of this connector while the photo on the right shows how they are installed. Also these are shown in the above figure 2.
Notice the above picture with the red circled areas which indicates a plum bob. The left side was before the eazy fence connector was installed. Whereas the picture on the right was after the installation.
We made these ourself in our blacksmiths shop here on the Do It. However for sale in volume we have arranged with a modern innovative agricultural manufacturer XXXXX to make them. These are available through the XYZ company as well as the ABC company. To locate a retailer near you please check out locations through the web site WWW.......
We are very excited about these and have insisted that they be prices so that all can afford them on their fencing needs.