Installation Guide

23
Step 7: Installing Barrel Tensioners & Tensioning Rail
Each barrel tensioner is capable of tensioning 660 ft. of straight rail, but you must deduct 100 ft. from that
length for directional and elevation changes.
Step One: Determining Barrel Tensioner Locations
.
2.
Step Two: Attaching Barrel Tensioners To Post
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
1-A
1-B
2-A
2-B
NOTE: Make sure the locking block is always facing toward the
ground. This can be achieved by unscrewing the bolt that holds
the locking block and moving it to the opposite hole on the
tensioner bracket. DO NOT overtighten bolt, as locking block
needs to rotate back and forth.The barrel assembly must also be
flipped by straightening and removing the copper pin, flipping
the barrel assembly and reinserting the pin.
Pilot holes must be drilled first. To do this, position the top rail
of fencing, making sure it lines up correctly. Mark the top of
the rail on the post as shown in Illustration 1-A.
Measure down 2.5 inches from the mark as shown in Illustra-
tion 1-B. This mark is where the first pilot hole will be drilled.
For additional barrel tensioners, use the same spacing that was
used when installing fence brackets.
Using a 3/8” drill bit, drill pilot holes for all barrel tensioners.
Attach the one-way barrel tensioners using the supplied lag
screw [A] and washer [B] in the order shown in Illustration
2-B.
The two-way barrel tensioner should be mounted as shown in
Illustration 2-A, making sure the locking block is facing
down toward the ground.
The one-way barrel tensioner can be mounted facing left (as
shown in Illustration 2-B) or right, depending on the
location of the fence.
Step Three: Mark and Cut Rail
4-A
4-B
3-B
4-C
EQUAL TENSION
3-A
A
B
C
A
B
C
2.
1.
Hold rail up to barrel tensioners and mark the rail as shown in
Illustrations 3-A and 3-B. If the fence you are tensioning is
less than 200’ long, then mark the fence at line A (right next
to the lag screw). Mark it at line B (halfway between the lag
screw and the edge of the bracket) if the fence is 200’ - 450’
long. Mark the fence at line C (even with the edge of the
bracket) if the fence is 450’ - 660’ long.
Once the rail is marked, cut the polymer using a straight edge
to ensure the end of the rail will be square. Cut the excess
wire off using wire cutters.
Step Four: Tensioning Rail
1.
2.
3.
Insert end of rail into slot on barrel as shown in Illustration
4-A. Next, insert a 1/2” drive ratchet into the square hole on
the end of the barrel. Begin turning the barrel to wrap the
rail around it as shown in Illustration 4-B. Use the square
locking block on the bottom of the barrel to prevent the rail
from uncoiling as it is tensioned.
IMPORTANT: When tensioning a two-way barrel tensioner, be
sure to apply tension in small increments to both sides to
avoid causing the post to lean or break off. See Illustration
4-C.
Continue to coil rail onto barrels until the rail is satisfactorily
tight. Do NOT overtighten the rail, as this will reduce the
flexibility of your Centaur fence.