Perimeter & Farm Wire

Barbed Wire

Barbed wire is a fencing wire made of one or two twisted line wires with short sharp barbs wrapped around them at regular intervals, used to deter people and animals from crossing a boundary.

Line wire
1.6 – 2.8 mm
Barb wire
1.6 – 2.2 mm
Barb spacing
75 – 150 mm
Barb points
4 points
Coil length
100 – 500 m
Finish
Galvanized or PVC coated

Double-twist, reverse-twist and single-strand types. Custom wire sizes, spacing and coil weights available.

What is barbed wire?

Barbed wire is made by twisting two line wires together and wrapping short barb wires around them at fixed spacing, leaving four sharp points at each barb. It is the most economical way to add a barrier along farm boundaries or the top of a security fence.

There are three common constructions. Conventional double twist has barbs wound around both line wires. Reverse twist alternates the twist direction at every barb, so the barbs cannot slide. Single strand uses one line wire and is lighter for animal control.

Wire is electro-galvanized or hot-dip galvanized for outdoor use, or PVC coated in green or other colours. Coils are supplied by length or by weight to suit your market.

Barbed wire constructions: single strand, conventional double twist and reverse twist
Single strand, conventional double twist and reverse twist barbed wire, with close-ups of each barb. In reverse twist, the twist direction changes at every barb so the barbs cannot slide.

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Barbed Wire Specifications

Standard configurations by type and wire size.

ItemStandard specification
ConstructionConventional double twist; reverse twist; single strand
Line wire diameter1.6–2.8 mm; common 2.5 mm (BWG 12)
Barb wire diameter1.6–2.2 mm; common 2.0 mm (BWG 14)
Common gauge pairsBWG 12 × 12, 12 × 14, 14 × 14, 14 × 16, 16 × 16
Barb spacing75–150 mm; common 100 / 127 / 150 mm
Barb length15–30 mm
Barb points4 points
Coil length100 / 200 / 250 / 400 / 500 m, or by weight (e.g. 25 / 50 kg)
MaterialLow-carbon steel wire; high-tensile wire available
FinishElectro-galvanized; hot-dip galvanized; PVC coated over galvanized wire
PVC coloursGreen, blue; other colours on request
PackingCoils with or without wooden or plastic handle, wrapped in plastic film; palletized; custom packing on request

Custom wire sizes, barb spacing, coil lengths and weights, finishes and packing are available. Send your wire sizes, barb spacing, coil length and quantity for a quotation.

Applications

Farm & ranch boundaries

Livestock fencing for pastures, ranches and plantations.

Security fence toppings

Extra strands on top of mesh and palisade fences.

Military & border areas

Low-cost barriers for camps, borders and restricted zones.

Industrial & storage sites

Perimeter deterrent for yards, depots and construction sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between conventional and reverse twist?

In conventional twist the line wires twist in one direction and barbs are wrapped between them. In reverse twist the twist direction changes at each barb, which locks the barbs in place.

What does 12 × 14 mean?

It is the wire gauge pair: a BWG 12 line wire (about 2.5 mm) with a BWG 14 barb wire (about 2.0 mm). Please also give sizes in millimetres when ordering.

How is barbed wire sold?

By coil length (for example 200 m or 400 m) or by coil weight. Tell us which your market uses and we will pack accordingly.

Galvanized or PVC coated?

Hot-dip galvanized gives the longest outdoor life. PVC coating adds colour and extra protection, and is often chosen for residential and visible areas.

Can barbed wire be added to an existing fence?

Yes. It is commonly fixed on extension arms on top of mesh, chain link and palisade fences.

What information do you need for a quotation?

Construction type, line and barb wire diameters, barb spacing, finish, coil length or weight, quantity, and the destination port.