Installing a fence may seem straightforward; set the posts, stretch the wire, and secure everything in place. In reality, wire handling is one of the most time-consuming and physically demanding steps in the process. From lifting heavy rolls to maintaining proper tension, every stage can slow progress if you don’t have the right approach.
For fencing contractors, time is money. A single project delay can impact the rest of your schedule, increase labor costs, and even affect client satisfaction. The challenge becomes even greater when working with long fence runs or multiple projects in a day. Whether you’re building a chain link fence for a sports facility, installing woven wire on a farm, or adding a security fence around a commercial site, wire dispensing is where many teams lose valuable time.
So, how do you speed up the installation process without sacrificing quality? The answer lies in using the right wire dispensing tools and techniques. In this post, we’ll cover practical tips to make wire handling faster, easier, and safer.
Why Wire Dispensing Efficiency Matters
Wire dispensing plays a major role in the overall pace of a fencing project. When it’s done manually, crews spend extra time lifting, unrolling, and managing heavy rolls of chain link or woven wire. These steps not only slow progress but also increase the risk of strain and job site injuries.
For fence contractors, every hour lost handling wire is an hour not spent finishing the fence or moving on to the next job. Labor costs climb quickly when additional crew members are needed just to unroll and stretch wire. On larger projects, this can mean hundreds of dollars in added expense.
Using purpose-built equipment changes the equation. Mechanized wire dispensing tools allow a small crew to handle long fencing runs with less effort and greater consistency. Tasks that used to take hours can often be completed in a fraction of the time, helping contractors stay on schedule and protect their bottom line.
Common Wire Installation Challenges
Contractors installing chain link, barbed wire, or woven fencing often face the same problems:
- Tangled wire rolls that slow progress
- Uneven tension, leading to sagging and poor alignment
- Heavy lifting and strain from manually carrying and unrolling wire
- Extra manpower needed for holding, stretching, and securing
- Safety hazards, including cuts and back injuries
These challenges can lead to delays, rework, and higher labor costs, making it important to rethink the approach to wire handling.
Wire Dispensing Tips for Faster Fence Installation
The good news? By applying the tips below, contractors can reduce wasted time and improve efficiency on every fence installation job.
1. Choose the Right Wire Dispensing Tool
Having the right fence installation tools for wire dispensing makes all the difference. Basic hand tools may work for small repairs, but large projects demand equipment designed for speed and precision. Skid steer-mounted dispensers, such as EZG’s Fence Hog® and Stretch-N-Go Hog®, make loading, unrolling, and stretching wire far easier and faster than traditional methods.
2. Preload Wire Rolls Efficiently
Preparation matters. Staging rolls of chain link fabric or woven wire close to the work area reduces downtime. Use mechanical lifting equipment or skid steer attachments to load heavy rolls safely. This approach minimizes strain and prevents unnecessary handling during installation.
3. Maintain Consistent Tension
Proper tension is important for a straight, long-lasting fence. Uneven pull can cause sagging and structural weaknesses. Tools like stretcher bars or mechanized tensioning systems allow contractors to keep uniform tension throughout the installation process. This not only saves time but also produces a professional, clean finish.
4. Reduce Labor with Mechanized Equipment
Manual methods often require multiple crew members to pull and hold the wire while another person secures it. Mechanized attachments handle the heavy lifting and stretching, reducing the crew size needed for installation. For example, the Stretch-N-Go Hog® allows two operators to stretch and install up to ¼ mile of wire fence without reloading – a major time saver.
5. Work in Sections for Better Control
Breaking the job into smaller sections can speed things up while improving accuracy. Install and secure one stretch of fencing before moving on to the next. This prevents alignment problems and eliminates the need to re-tension large sections later.
Must-Have Tools for Wire Fence Installation
Here are some of the most effective tools for speeding up wire fence installation:
| Tool | Purpose | Why It Saves Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Hog® | Dispenses and stretches chain link wire | Eliminates manual unrolling and lifting |
| Stretch-N-Go Hog® | Installs woven wire fencing while stretching | Handles up to ¼ mile of wire per load |
| Hog Hanger | Secures tension wire and chain link fabric | Faster than manual tying |
| Skid-Steer Loader | Powers mechanized attachments | Reduces crew size and speeds up tasks |
How EZG’s Wire Dispensing Solutions Save Time and Labor
Fence Hog® for Chain Link and Wire Fence
The Fence Hog® is designed to take the strain out of chain link installation. Powered by a skid steer’s hydraulics, it picks up and dispenses rolls of chain link, woven wire, or vinyl-coated fabric with ease. Available in three models, it accommodates roll sizes up to 36″ in diameter. Optional tilt plates and accessories allow for use on uneven terrain and for taller fences up to 16′.
Benefits for Contractors:
- Reduces heavy lifting and manual unrolling
- Cuts installation time by eliminating extra handling
- Improves safety on the job site
Stretch-N-Go Hog® for Woven Wire Fence
For large woven wire projects, the Stretch-N-Go Hog® provides an all-in-one solution. It stretches and installs wire at the same time, holding it upright against posts for easy fastening. With capacity for two 660′ rolls or four 330′ rolls, this tool can handle up to ¼ mile of fencing without reloading. An adjustable brake system controls tension, while coated tension rolls protect the wire during installation.
Why Contractors Choose It:
- Requires only two operators
- Installs long fencing runs without interruption
- Provides consistent tension and alignment
Additional Tips for Efficient Fence Installation
Speed doesn’t come from the equipment alone. Pair the right tools with smart practices:
- Use string lines and alignment tools to keep the fence straight.
- Pre-dig fence post holes and set posts accurately to avoid corrections later.
- Have hardware like hog rings and ties ready before starting.
- Check attachment plates, tensioning systems, and brakes before the job begins.
- Work in sections for better control. Install and secure one stretch before moving to the next to maintain alignment and tension.
- Train your crew on proper tool operation to avoid mistakes and improve workflow.
Faster Fence Installation Starts with the Right Tools
Installing wire fencing doesn’t have to be slow or labor-heavy. By using the right dispensing tools and following practical tips, fencing contractors can reduce crew sizes, shorten installation times, and improve results.
EZG Manufacturing’s Fence Hog® and Stretch-N-Go Hog® are designed to help professionals achieve these goals. Built with input from fencing experts, these tools are reliable, durable, and engineered for performance in the field.
Explore EZG’s Fence Hog® and Stretch-N-Go Hog® or contact our team today to learn more about wire dispensing solutions that can improve your fence installation process.
