Strainers
Shop our range of electric fence strainers and tensioners — inline wire strainers, ratchet tensioners and wire tighteners for maintaining correct tension on electric fence lines, plain wire and high-tensile wire fencing across Australian farms and rural properties.
Electric Fence Strainers & Tensioners — Buying Guide
Why Fence Tension Matters
Electric fence wire must be maintained at the correct tension to perform properly. Slack wire sags, contacts vegetation and posts more easily, and is less effective as a deterrent because it gives under pressure without delivering a consistent shock. Properly tensioned wire is more visible, delivers a more reliable shock and has a longer service life because it is less affected by repeated small impacts from animals and debris.
Types of Fence Strainers
- Inline wire strainers — compact tensioning devices installed inline on the fence wire; allow the tension to be adjusted periodically without replacing the wire or removing the fence section; ideal for permanent electric fence installations
- Ratchet tensioners — ratchet mechanism that provides controlled, incremental tensioning; suitable for lighter gauge wire and polywire/polyrope
- Chain-and-hook strainers — traditional high-tensile wire strainers with strong chain-link mechanism; the standard tool for tensioning high-tensile and hard-drawn wire
- Gripple joiners with tensioners — modern one-way locking wire joiner/tensioner combination; fast to install and reliable for medium-tension applications
When to Use Inline Strainers
Inline strainers are particularly useful on long fence runs or where seasonal soil movement (swelling and shrinking in clay soils) causes the fence tension to vary significantly throughout the year. They allow you to quickly adjust tension by a partial turn without any special tools, keeping the fence performing consistently year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight should an electric fence wire be?
Wire should be tensioned firmly so it does not visibly sag between posts, but not so tight that posts are pulled out of alignment or that the wire hums and vibrates noisily in the wind. Refer to the wire manufacturer’s specifications for recommended tension values.
Can inline strainers be used on polywire?
Standard inline strainers are designed for metal wire. For polywire and polyrope, use purpose-designed polywire joiners and tensioners that won’t cut or damage the plastic filaments.
Order Electric Fence Strainers Online — Australia-Wide Delivery
Order online for fast dispatch. We supply electric fence contractors and rural property owners across Australia with fencing tensioning hardware and accessories.