How to Build Ranch Gates

Barbed wire ranch gates are inexpensive to build and easier to make than metal or wood gates. They can be installed anywhere, repaired with just a few hand tools, and upgraded when and if you have the funds. You can make barbed wire ranch gates in any width.

Things You'll Need

  • Barbed wire
  • 7- foot wood post (2)
  • 4-foot wood post (2)
  • Fence staples
  • Pliers
  • Fence stretchers
  • Gloves
  • Posthole digger
  • Concrete (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Install a set post on each end of the opening of your gate. Dig two holes at least 24" deep using the posthole digger. If desired, use concrete in the bottom of the holes. Put the two 7-foot posts in the holes, placing them so they stand at least 5 feet above the ground. Fill the postholes and tamp the soil firmly. If using concrete, allow it to set up overnight.

    • 2

      Install the pivot post, a short post that sits beside one of the set posts. It will act as a hinge to make the gate easier to swing open. Use a length of barbed wire to form a loop around the base of the first set post about 10 inches from the ground. Use a second length of barbed wire near the top of the pivot post to anchor it in place. Secure the loops to the set post with staples.

    • 3

      Install the swing post, the second short post. It is the one that will swing the gate open. Use the same method described above to install the swing post using loops of barbed wire. However, be sure the bottom wire is only a few inches off the ground and the top wire is above where your running lines will be. Secure the two loops to the set posts with staples. To open the gate, lift the top loop over the swing post, and then lift the post out of the bottom loop. Reverse this to close the gate: Set the bottom of the swing post into the bottom loop, and place the top loop back over the top of the swing post.

    • 4

      Run a minimum of four strands of barbed wire between the swing post and pivot post. These wires are called running wires. Start at the bottom and secure the barbed wire to the pivot post and the swing post. Be sure you are above the loop of the swing post or you will not be able to open the gate. Tighten the wire with the fence stretchers and then secure by wrapping the loose end around the post and twisting it on itself. String the top wire next, then the second and third wires. Test to see if you can open the gate easily. If it is too easy to open, tighten the top running wire. If it is too hard to open, loosen the top wire.

    • 5

      Install stays if the gate is over 5 feet in length. Stays are short pieces of wire that hold the running wires evenly spaced. You can make a stay by wrapping a short length of barbed wire around each of the running wires. This will help keep the wires from tangling when the gate is opened.