How to hand stretch T-Post metal fence...?

[secuono]

We put up the T-Posts, but the fence on the bottom is loose. On top it's pretty straight. How do we tighten the bottom w/o buying a $50 stretcher?!?!

 

[Ridgerunner]

If the ground is not level or you don't get the fence started right on the first post, it is hard to get it uniformly tight.

I'll try to describe what I did. I took two 2x4's about 5 feet long. How long you need depends on how high your fence is. I drilled holes near the top and bottom of the 2x4's and put bolts through them. The fence was in between the 2x4's and the bolts went through holes in the top and bottom of the fence. Clamp them down tight. I then tied a rope to the top and bottom of the 2x4's with a little bit of slack. Not a lot of slack but a little bit. That is the fence stretcher. There are different ways to stretch the fence. I usually run another rope from my lawn tractor or something solid to the slack rope, usually with a come along so I can crank it tight. I attach it to the slack rope with a loop so it can slide up and down. Usually it will slide on its own but sometimes I have to help it. You can move it up and down some to follow the ground if its not level, but you really need to get it started staight. That correct start is very important. Ask me how I know.

 

[The Tinman]

Use a racheting tie down. Hook on end to the fence and the other to something stable like a tree. Use a rope if tree is to far away.

 

[secuono]

THANK YOU so much Chillin' With My Peeps!
Wow, what a life saver that was. Lol, I was able to find one of those lying around and boy did it help!
We didn't have rope long enough to reach the other tree, so the T-Posts are a bit winding, but the fence is nice and taunt!

Thanks!