ElectroBraid® Tension Kit - 1-Pack

ElectroBraid^® Tension Kit

Use an ElectroBraid^® Tension Kit to create proper tension in your ElectroBraid^® fence.

• Quickly and easily adds tension to your ElectroBraid^® fence
• Simple and secure tensioning system
• Rugged, sturdy components
• Can be reused again and again as needed
• Instructions included

The ElectroBraid^® Tension Kit includes everything you need to quickly and easily add tension to your ElectroBraid^® fence:

• Ratchet
• S-hook
• Clamp
• Length of rope
• Simple instructions

How many tension kits will I need?

You will need at least one tension kit to tighten your ElectroBraid^® fence system. A second tensioning kit is required for paddocks of one acre and larger to properly tighten the fence. In addition, an additional tension kit is recommended when tensioning lengths of Braid™ around multiple corners. NOTE: Tensioning kits are reusable tools and do not stay on the fence. Store until needed.

Tension Kit Assembly

Tie the “S” hook on one end of the ratchet rope. Insert the ratchet rope opposite the release switch, around the ratchet wheel and back the opposite direction. Make sure the ratchet rope travels all the way around the wheel and underneath the housing pin.

How do I tension ElectroBraid^®?

After a strand of Braid™ is installed, you can apply the ElectroBraid^® tensioning device.

• Using a cinch knot, secure the ratchet rope to the post hook (1) and hitch the rope to the post.
• Feed the free end of the winch rope around the ratchet wheel (2) and tie a simple knot on the free end.
• Attach the tension clamp (3) on to the ElectroBraid^® with the ratchet hook engaged in the clamp eye.
• Pull the free end of the ratchet rope (2) until the fence is as tight as you can make it.
• Pull the slack from the fence at the splicer (4) and tighten it fully.
• Pull the ratchet rope (2) to put tension on the fence, push the ratchet release (5) and allow the rope to slide back through the ratchet.

CAUTION: ALWAYS USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN TENSIONING. It is possible for a poly braid splicer to slip or an insulator to break and become a dangerous projectile.

NOTE: Always wrap black electrical tape around ElectroBraid^® before you cut it. Use a utility knife to cut your ElectroBraid®, then singe the end with a lighter until it melts so the rope won’t fray when the tape wears off.

CAUTION: Do not tension the Braid™ with a tractor, come-along or other mechanical device. The ratchet can handle 250 lbs. before it will slip, so do not worry about over-tensioning when tightening by hand as you must release the rope to apply the poly braid splicer which will allow it to slip within tolerance level. When you can’t pull anymore, loosen the poly braid splicer, pull out the slack you have created and re-tighten the poly braid splicer. To release the ratchet, apply pressure to the rope while pressing on the release switch, and allow the rope to slide out carefully.

Tension from both ends

Loosen and remove the tensioning device and return to the post at the beginning of the strand. Just as you tensioned the Braid™ where you terminated the strand, tension once again at the post where you began. Tensioning from both ends helps to ensure you get full and even tension on the line.

Be sure to re-tension after 24 hours

Let the ElectroBraid^® sit for 24 hours after initially tensioning and then check the tension on each strand again. Re-tension, after 24 hours to complete the tensioning process.

Tensioning process for large paddocks and pastures

If you are fencing a paddock or pasture an acre or larger, we recommend you tension from corner to corner. To do this you will require a second tensioning kit. Starting at an end post, walk the perimeter until you come to the first corner. Tension this corner. Go to the next corner and repeat the process. After tensioning, return to the first corner and remove the ratchet. Repeat this process until you have tensioned the entire perimeter of your fence.

Routine fence checks are important

Check the tension on the Braid™ on a regular basis to ensure each strand is tight. ElectroBraid^® maintains its tension very well so you will not have to constantly re-tension. However, if one of your posts moves due to frost or the impact of an animal or vehicle, the ElectroBraid^® will need re-tensioning. Re-set the post and apply the tensioning device to re-tighten the Braid™. Consider strengthening your bracing to ensure the post won’t shift again.

What should I do if I notice a loss of tension?

If you detect a loss in tension in your fence, check the following:

• Posts—A post may have moved at a corner, end or gate due to frost heave or the impact of an animal or vehicle. If this has happened, you may need to reset the post and retighten each strand. You should also consider strengthening the bracing to ensure the post does not shift again.
• Poly braid splicers—a connector/splicer may have slipped and needs to be tightened.
• Insulator—An insulator may have broken.

The advantages of ElectroBraid^® tensioning

Standard electric rope can fray under tension and needs constant tightening. By contrast, ElectroBraid^® fencing is dimensionally stable because of its braided-over-inner-core construction, which shrinks back to its original length, even after stretching. ElectroBraid^® also uses copper wire conductors rather than the parallel electric conductors within woven electrical horse tape. Because the copper conductors are formed in helical-coil-like springs, they stretch and bend while letting the fiber strands take all the tension.

There’s a reason ElectroBraid^® is America’s #1 Horse Fence

ElectroBraid^® fencing components are made to be durable and perform as part of the safe, high-quality copper-based ElectroBraid^® fencing system. Use ElectroBraid^® as a permanent perimeter fence or a movable fence for rotational grazing.