How to join electric fence wire/rope/tape

Wire

Rope

Polywire

Tape

EquiFence

Knotting*

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✓

✓

✓

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Twisting*

✓

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✓

Splicing

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✓

✓

✓

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Rope Connectors

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✓

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Polywire Connectors

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✓

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Tape Connectors

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✓

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Wire Connectors

✓

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✓

EquiFence Connectors

✓

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✓

Using rope/polywire 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.

Joining electric fence tape with tape buckles

If your electric fence uses tape rather than rope or wire, you’ll need tape connecting buckles, also known as tape joiners, to ensure a solid and conductive connection. Simply tying the tape together won’t allow the current to pass through properly, leading to weak or broken sections in your fence. How to do it:

• Overlap the two ends of the tape.
• Slide them into a tape connector, making sure the conductive wires in the tape are aligned.
• Secure the connector firmly.
• Use a fence tester to ensure power is flowing properly across the connection.

Joining high tensile wire with crimp sleeves

For electric fences using high tensile wire instead of rope, crimp sleeves are the best way to create a secure and conductive join. Unlike rope, where knots might work temporarily, high tensile wire requires a firm, long-lasting connection to keep power flowing efficiently. For instance when extending the boundary fence crimp sleeves ensure a strong, weather-resistant connection that keeps a herd safely contained. How to do it:

• Overlap the two ends of the wire.
• Slide a crimp sleeve over the joint.
• Use a crimping tool to tightly compress the sleeve, securing the wires together.

Joining EquiFence

This EquiFence Connector provides an easy and reliable way to connect fence wires, especially designed for use with EquiFence. Whether you're setting up a new fence or repairing an existing one, this connector ensures a strong and secure connection between wire ends. How it works:

• Insert the wire ends into the connector
• The wires hook together like in a finger trap

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.

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.