HEY THIS LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF GOOD FUN!! NEAT SITE. I'M A CITY BOY THAT MARRIED A COUNTRY GIRL WHOSE AUNT AND COUSIN LIVES ACCROSS THE ROAD. THEY'RE GOING TO LOSE THEIR AG. EXEMPTION IF THEY DON'T PLANT A CROP OR PUT IN SOME CATTLE. I'VE BEEN ELECTED TO FIX THE FENCE FOR 1/2 THE BEEF. I'LL TAKE THAT!!! JUST ONE PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH I AM A CAPABLE PERSON WITH MY HANDS AND I'VE EVEN FOOLED WITH A FEW T-POSTS BEFORE, I'M STILL NOT SURE OF ALL THE BEST PROCEDURES FOR TIGHTENING UP THE OLD SAGGING FENCE, ESP. AT THE CORNERS, AND MOREOVER, BECAUSE I AM REAL SURE I,M GOING TO BE STRETCHING SOME WIRES, AND MAYBE EVEN PUTTING IN A GATE OR TWO. I ESPECIALLY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE DIAGONAL BRACING OF T-POSTS WITH THE LITTLE ALUMINUM BRACKETS SOLD AT AG CENTERS FOR THE CORNERS ONLY, AND THE WIRE STRETCHING TOOL AS OPPOSED TO THE COME-ALONG ETC; THE BEST GAUGE OF BARBED WIRE, SPLICING METHODS ETC; OTHER TIPS ARE WELCOME. THANKS!!! YOUR TRANSPLANTED FRIEND. E.B. SWIFT

In my neighborhood, HOA requires a split rail fence with some flexibilities to do what is necessary to construct a gate. So, please don't limit your viewpoint to simply this structure. On the side of the house, the previous owner poured a concrete slab. Because I have dogs, I would like to enclose the fence from the prexisting fence line, across the concrete, and abutting to the house. Because of the concrete and the desire to put a gate here, I'm at a loss for a good way to secure the posts to support a gate and the additional fence. The span is about 13.5 ft and I would like the gate to be large enough to allow a small tractor access (8 ft. gate?). I was thinking to help alleviate stress on the hinge of the gate and the post supporting it, I would use a spring-shock wheel to roll along the concrete for opening and closing the gate. Beyond that, I'm stumped. Any help?