High Tensile vs Medium Tensile Wire — When to Use Each

When you're buying fencing wire, you'll come across two main grades: high tensile (HT) and medium tensile (MT). They look similar on the roll but behave differently in the fence, and choosing the right one for your application makes a real difference.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

The "tensile" rating refers to the breaking strength of the wire — how much force it takes to snap it.

High tensile (HT): Stronger steel that holds more tension before breaking. It's stiffer, springier, and maintains its shape under load. Wire gauge of 2.80mm at 0.0484 kg per metre.

Medium tensile (MT): Softer steel that's easier to work with but doesn't hold as much tension. Wire gauge of 2.44mm at 0.0367 kg per metre.

We also carry light tensile (LT) at 2.24mm and 0.0309 kg/m, but that's used mainly for tie wire, not structural fencing.

In practical terms, HT wire is like a stiff spring — it wants to hold its shape, resists being bent, and springs back when pushed. MT wire is more pliable, easier to bend and twist, and stays where you put it more willingly.

THE ADVANTAGES OF HIGH TENSILE

Holds tension better: HT wire stays tight for longer because the steel resists stretching under constant load. A fence strung with HT wire needs re-straining less often.

Stronger: Higher breaking strain means it's harder for stock, roos, or fallen trees to snap the wire.

Longer spans: Because it's stronger and stiffer, you can use wider picket spacing with HT wire compared to MT — the wire sags less between supports.

Better for permanent fencing: If you're building a boundary fence that needs to perform for 20+ years with minimal maintenance, HT is the way to go.

THE ADVANTAGES OF MEDIUM TENSILE

Easier to handle: MT wire bends more easily, wraps around posts without fighting you, and ties off more smoothly. For someone who doesn't fence professionally, MT is genuinely more pleasant to work with.

Better for tying and fabrication: If you need to make fence ties, twist wire around posts, or do any fabrication work, MT is far easier to manipulate.

More forgiving of mistakes: If you bend HT wire sharply, it creates a stress point that weakens it. MT wire tolerates being bent back and forth without becoming brittle.

Cheaper: Our HT 2.5mm 1500m rolls are $200; MT 2.5mm 1500m rolls are $190. The difference isn't huge, but it adds up across a big job.

WHEN TO USE HIGH TENSILE

  • Boundary fences (the main structural fences on your property)
  • Long, straight runs where you want maximum wire tension
  • Cattle fencing (cattle put more load on wire than sheep)
  • Top wires above mesh (these carry significant tension)
  • Any fence that needs to hold its tension through seasonal temperature changes
  • Electric fencing (HT wire is standard for electric fences due to its spring and conductivity)

WHEN TO USE MEDIUM TENSILE

  • Internal paddock fences where the load is lighter
  • Tie wires and stays in strainer assemblies
  • Fences where you need to bend the wire around obstacles frequently
  • Temporary fencing
  • When you're doing the fencing yourself and want wire that's easier to handle

BARBED WIRE OPTIONS

We also stock barbed wire in several gauges, all on 500m rolls:

  • 1.57mm HT ($85): The lightest option, good for deterrent top lines
  • 1.8mm MT ($125): A good mid-range barbed wire
  • 2.0mm MT ($135): Heavy-duty barbed wire for serious stock containment

The gauge choice for barbed wire follows similar logic — heavier gauge for more demanding applications, lighter gauge for deterrent or lighter-duty fencing.

MIXING HT AND MT

It's perfectly fine to use both on the same fence. A common setup is HT wire for the structural tensions (top wire, bottom wire, any plain wires) and MT for tie wires and any sections where you need to manipulate the wire extensively.

HANDLING TIPS FOR HIGH TENSILE

If you're not used to working with HT wire, a few tips:

  • Unroll it carefully using a wire spinner. HT wire under roll tension can spring violently if released uncontrolled.
  • Don't try to bend it sharply — use large-radius bends
  • Use proper wire joiners (gripples or compression sleeves) rather than tying knots — knots create weak points in HT wire
  • Wear gloves and eye protection. HT wire that snaps under tension is dangerous.

We carry both grades in all the standard sizes at Outback Fencing Supplies. If you're planning a fencing job and want advice on which wire to use where, come see us at 76 Astill Drive, Orange, or call 0434 093 077.

Back to blog