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Constructing end assemblies
The end assembly must be well constructed to take the weight and strain of the wires. The design of the assembly and the position of the stays prevent the post from tipping over. Each stay should be fitted securely into its strainer post. This can be done by cutting a mortise hole in the post, shaping the stay and fitting it snugly into the hole. Alternatively, the stay in a box end assembly can be secured with steel rods or wires.
A chainsaw is usually used to mortise the holes needed to fit strainers and stays together. This should only be done by an experienced operator using a chainsaw with a chain break. Kick back is a common hazard when mortising posts and can lead to serious injuries. Chainsaws are used for many aspects of fencing, including falling and cutting logs and ripping posts. They can also be used to dress posts and stays and sharpen posts for ramming with a post driver.
If a suitable chainsaw is not available, a special axe called a mortising axe can be used to cut mortise holes in a strainer post. An axe is another essential and versatile farm fencing tool. It is used to bark logs, dress posts, cut timber, sharpen posts and shape stays. A good axe has a well-fitted and balanced handle and a sharp blade.
Mortise holes may be finished with a sturdy wood chisel that should be driven with a wooden mallet not a steel claw hammer.
The top end of a diagonal stay is fitted into the mortise hole in the strainer post (right) and then secured by a footplate at its base. Metal plates and large flat rocks make good foot plates as they last longer in the ground than timber foot plates.
A box end assembly is finished with a diagonal wire windlass or long steel rod that runs from the top of the stay post to the base of the strainer post. The windlass makes the end assembly rigid and transfers the load of the strained wires to the base of the strainer post.
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