In this video I describe the way I have learn to set a corner post and brace. Corner and brace assemblies are fundamental for installing fence posts and fencing that lasts. A sound fence starts with quality materials and careful attention to fencing installation techniques. Most fencing mistakes and failures are caused by improper construction of the end and corner post assemblies. These elements are critical to the overall stability of a fence. When end and corner assemblies are constructed correctly, a few line posts can actually fail without affecting the fence as a whole, and breaks in fencing wire can be easily repaired. The failure of a bracing assembly, on the other hand, may require that the entire fence be rebuilt.
The principle of bracing a corner post is simple. The greatest tension on the post is along the horizontal wire furthest from the ground. Using a cross brace and wire will transfer that tension back to the base of the post at ground level, instead of the top of the post. This helps to resist the full tension of the fence. A wire fence will exert tremendous pressure on the corner posts. With each horizontal wire potentially tensioned to several hundred pounds, the pull on the corners can be immense. Other factors adding stress to the corner posts are changes in temperature, which will cause the wire to expand and contract, and animals leaning against or challenging the wire. For these reasons, the importance of the corner brace in the overall durability of your fencing cannot be overstated.