What Do You Call the Things That Hold Wire on a Fence?

The components that hold wire on a fence vary with the type of post. Most livestock fences are built with one wooden post for every three to five T-posts. This fence design requires two types of fasteners, one for the wooden posts and another for the T-posts. Each type of fastener requires a different tool for installation.

  1. Wire Clips

    • Clips hold wire to T-posts and are made of heavy-gauge wire. They fit around the post, and a hooked end is slipped over the fence wire on each side of the post. The hooks are tightened on the fence wire with either a pair of pliers or specially designed clip tools.

    Fence Staples

    • Fence staples are used to fasten wire to wooden posts. These fasteners are U-shaped, with each end cut at a slant to facilitate its entry into a post. A strand of fence wire is positioned inside the "U," and the staple is driven into the post with a hammer.

    Big Heel Fasteners

    • Big Heel fasteners are a relatively new product and are suitable for attaching most wire types to wooden posts. They are rectangular-shaped with a screw in one end and a "U" cut into the other end. The "U" is fitted over the wire; then the screw is used to fasten the wire to the post.

    Electric Wire Insulators

    • Wire insulators are used to fasten electric fence wire to posts. There are different designs for attaching to either wooden or T-posts. The insulators are made of porcelain or some other type of non-conductive material.