No matter if you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, having a sagging gate is something you definitely want to avoid during installation. A sturdy gate depends heavily on proper bracing—and there’s no better way to achieve that than with the right setup.
An H Brace is one of the keys to a fence that won’t sag.
An H Brace is crucial for keeping your wire fencing upright and functioning properly. These structures are necessary whenever a fence begins, ends, or changes direction—including various types of gates.
Brace Components
The H Brace, the simplest type of brace, always includes an **end post**. This post is where the fence wire is attached at the end, start, or at the end of a straight line.
The end post is a type of fence post for your brace.
On the opposite side of the end post is the **brace post**—designed to anchor a high-tensile fence and support its weight. Finally, an H Brace has a **cross member**, a horizontal post that connects the two previous posts. The cross member helps distribute the force exerted by the fence.
In addition, **brace pins** (4†and 10â€) hold the cross member in place on wooden braces. **Brace wires** are used on wooden braces to transfer force between the posts of the brace. Without a brace wire, the entire brace will lean in the direction of the pull of the fence. **Inline strainers** tighten the brace wire on wooden brace assemblies.
When and How to Install a Brace
Ultimately, a brace should be installed anytime your fence changes direction or turns. The spacing between single H-braces can be up to 1,320 feet apart.
Start by setting your end posts in the desired place.
Begin by setting your end posts. Wooden posts in firm soils should be driven into the ground 3.5 to 5.5 feet deep, depending on soil type and fence height. Next, run a guide wire from one end to the other. This guide wire makes installation easier and can either be permanent or temporary.
Your next step will involve setting your brace posts along with the line posts (the posts that run along the section of fence you're installing). Afterward, install the cross members, using a brace pin when necessary. Then, install the brace wire and inline strainer.
If done correctly, this structure will help keep your fence vertical, requiring little to no maintenance.
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