How to Join Electric Fence Rope

If you've got a broken electric fence rope or need to extend your fence with an extra length of wire, making a proper join is key to keeping everything working as it should. A bad connection can mean power loss, weak shocks, and animals pushing through where they shouldn’t. Luckily, joining electric fence rope isn’t hard if you do it the right way. Here’s how to get it done properly.

When an electric fence rope isn’t properly connected, power can’t flow through properly. This means the current weakens or stops, making the fence useless. Whether you’re fixing a break after a storm or adding another section to your paddock, getting a solid join ensures the fence stays strong and does its job.

The best ways to join electric fence rope

There are a few ways to connect electric fence rope, some better than others. Here’s what works and consider how urgent the situation is to find the fix that works for you.

1. Using rope connectors for a permanent solution

The most reliable way to join electric fence rope is with proper rope connectors. These metal clamps keep the wires in firm contact so the current flows properly. For instance a sheep farmer in Cumbria had issues with sections of their fence losing power due to too many knots along the rope. After switching to rope connectors instead of knots, the fence worked perfectly, keeping the flock where they should be. How to do it:

Overlap the rope ends and place them inside the connector.
Tighten the screws to clamp the rope securely.
Use a fence tester to check the power is flowing correctly.

2. Tying a knot as a temporary fix

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have connectors, a strong knot can work – but it’s not ideal long-term. We had a customer asking for advice as they had a section snap in high winds and didn’t have connectors on hand. A quick knot kept the fence working until they could replace it properly the next day. We recommend a figure-eight knot or similar will hold the rope together while keeping some wire contact. How to do it:

Overlap the two ends of the rope.
Tie a loose figure-eight knot, making sure the wires inside still touch.
Pull the knot tight and test with a fence tester.

3. Splicing the rope for a stronger temporary hold

Splicing is a good option, especially for thicker ropes. This method weaves the strands together, keeping good contact between the wires. We spoke to a dairy farmer in Devon who used this method to join an extra length of rope when extending a grazing area. It held strong even when cattle leaned on the fence. How to do it:

Unravel a few inches from both ends of the rope.
Twist the wires together first, then weave the outer fibres back over them.
Secure the join with electrical tape or a clamp for extra strength.

Although it is doable, we should mention that this method can be challenging for many. If you're unsure, it's best to use rope connectors to fix your rope fence.

Wrapping it up

Once you’ve made the join, don’t just assume it’s working – test it! Use a fence tester to check voltage across the connection. Look for any loose strands that could affect conductivity.If you used a knot, plan to replace it with a proper connector as soon as possible.

Whether you're repairing a broken rope or adding more length to your fence, a strong connection is key to keeping your animals safe and where they should be. Proper rope connectors are the best bet, but if you’re in a hurry, a well-tied knot or a splice will do until you can fix it properly.

Need reliable electric fence connectors? Check out our webshop for everything you need to keep your fence in top shape.

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