Quick Answer
The most common high-tensile fence problems are: wire sagging from lost tension, corner post leaning from inadequate bracing, wire breaks from livestock pressure or mechanical damage, and low voltage from insulator failure or vegetation contact. Most problems can be fixed without professional help using basic fence tools and replacement hardware.
Problem 1: Wire Sagging
Cause: Wire loses tension over time, especially in areas with temperature extremes (wire contracts in cold, expands in heat). Also caused by livestock pushing against the fence repeatedly or by poor initial tensioning.
Fix: Use an in-line ratchet strainer to re-tension the wire to 200–250 lbs. Test tension with a fence tension gauge — don't rely on visual assessment. If the wire has permanent set (stretched beyond its elastic range), cut out the loose section and splice in new wire using proper crimped sleeves.
Problem 2: Corner Post Leaning
Cause: Inadequate brace assembly, post set too shallow, or soil softening from saturated ground. A leaning corner post loses tension on all wires connected to it.
Fix: For a slightly leaning post, drive a wedge post alongside it and tie them together. For a severely leaning post, remove the H-brace, re-set the corner post deeper (concrete helps), and reinstall the brace. This is a full-day job per corner — better to install correctly the first time.
Problem 3: Wire Breaks
Cause: Livestock pushing through, equipment striking the fence, or corrosion at damaged galvanizing sections. High-tensile wire breaks cleanly and sometimes recoils dangerously — always approach a broken wire carefully.
Fix: Locate both wire ends. Join using a properly crimped fence sleeve (not twisted wire). Pre-cut a 12-inch piece of the same gauge wire as a patch if the break has damaged a longer section. Never use twisted wire connections — the joint fails at 20–30% of wire rated strength.
Problem 4: Low Electric Voltage
Cause: Insulator failure (wire touching post), vegetation contact, or inadequate grounding. Test systematically by disconnecting fence sections to isolate the fault.
Fix: Walk the fence with a voltmeter, testing every 300 feet. Replace cracked or arced insulators. Clear vegetation under the fence. Add ground rods in moist soil if voltage is consistently low across the entire fence.
Problem 5: Posts Heaving in Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Cause: Water in soil freezes and expands, pushing shallow posts upward. Most common with T-posts in wet, clay soils.
Fix: Re-drive heaved posts in spring. In problem areas, use longer posts (set 30+ inches deep) or pour small concrete footings that extend below the frost line.
Our Recommendation
Walk your high-tensile fence line twice yearly with a voltmeter and a tension gauge. Catching sagging wire and insulator failures early prevents livestock escapes and costly repairs. Keep a repair kit on the farm: fence sleeves, pliers, ratchet strainers, extra insulators, and 50 feet of spare wire.