Spring Steel Posts: Slim Metal Posts That Give Way on Animal Contact

Spring Steel Posts: Flexible and Hard to Bend Out of Shape

A spring steel post is a thin post made of elastic steel that is easy to push into the ground. If a cow or horse runs into it, it bends and springs back instead of snapping. That makes the spring steel post a robust alternative to plastic posts for a temporary electric fence. It is slim, easy to transport and holds well even in dry ground. You can carry a good number of them in one trip.

Eyelet, Ring Insulator or Top Insulator

Because steel conducts electricity, the conductor must never touch the post directly. Models with a ring insulator or top insulator are ready to use straight away, you just clip in polywire or polyrope. The top insulator also covers the tip. On posts with a metal eyelet, you run the conductor through a hard-wearing eyelet in the insulator. Many people prefer the oval cross-section because the post twists less when tensioned. The round post is especially slim and goes in easily.

Use in the Field

Spring steel posts are mainly suited to fences with one or two lines of polywire, for example for strip grazing with cattle or for dividing a horse paddock. At around 106 to 109 cm long, they cover the usual heights. As a replacement post with double spike there is also a shorter yellow post of 90 cm. For corners and gates you need sturdy posts, because a springy post gives way under strong tension.

Frequently asked questions

When is a spring steel post better than a plastic post?
Spring steel does not break when animals push against it and is easier to get into firm ground. Plastic posts, on the other hand, offer more loops for several conductors. For simple polywire fences and hard ground, spring steel is often the better choice.

How many conductors can I attach to a spring steel post?
Most spring steel posts carry one conductor at the top. For a second conductor, add an extra ring insulator lower down. If you need more lines, plastic posts with plenty of loops are the better option.

Can I use spring steel posts with wide tape?
Narrow tape is possible. Wide tape, however, catches a lot of wind and makes the slim post sway. For wide polytape, set the posts closer together or choose sturdier posts.