Wire fencing products are manufactured using either high tensile wire or low carbon wire. Low carbon wire is made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.10%. This type of wire is easy to work with and fairly forgiving. However, it is prone to elongation (stretching and sagging), which produces a lower breaking strength than high tensile wire.
High tensile wire is made with higher carbon content at approximately 0.28%. The increased carbon content significantly increases the wire's strength and reduces elongation minimizing the need for future tensioning and repair. This allows you to use a smaller diameter, high tensile wire replacing the thicker low carbon wires.
High tensile wire can be installed using fewer posts than low carbon fences. Once properly installed, high tensile wire remains tight for years and requires very little maintenance. Low carbon wire begins to stretch and sag over time requiring regular maintenance. Watch a Fence Pro alumni demonstrate the breaking strengths between both types of wire: Breaking Wire: High Tensile wire vs low carbon wire!