[john and helen]

Not knowing much about fencing, i have noticed two or more different set ups for the corner post
what do most people use….the 1st or 2nd

[Buttermilk]

We use the second.

[Stereo]

Most around here use the first but it's tricky to stop the diagonal pushing into the ground, even with the brace. Also the diagonal can in some cases push the post upwards. But it's generally OK. 2 looks better though.

[john and helen]

excellent, thank you very much…  i do prefer the 2nd , but did wonder if there was a reason...

[pgkevet]

The first is stronger than the second but harder to get right. third and fourth options include double posting close together with a short brace or a thicker post buried deeper.

[Fleecewife]

We use the first, with a big rock at the bottom of the diagonal.

[Foobar]

I thought it was firm ground (the 1st option)  vs soft ground (the 2nd option), as you can drive the vertical post in much deeper than you can get the diagonal strut.

[Fleecewife]

I thought it was firm ground (the 1st option)  vs soft ground (the 2nd option), as you can drive the vertical post in much deeper than you can get the diagonal strut.

We live on rock, so every teaspoonful of it has to be removed by the use of pinch bar and hands to dig every post and stob hole. Depth is difficult to achieve however you go about it, but we've discovered the effort is worth it to get secure straining posts (which we set in concrete).  When I say we, actually I mean Mr F 

[john and helen]

  thank you all…very interesting… i may experiment with both set ups ,to see what works best

[Carey boy]

Hi.

 We use number 1 but with a 6-7 ins strainer every 75-100 foot. (Snowdonia)

[Dan]

We don't routinely brace unless it's going to be strained hard. As long as there's enough strainer in the ground and it's packed well (no concrete) it shouldn't shift.

If we do brace we use #1, with a big rock like Fleecewife does.

Would recommend this, learned a lot from it (and from an old farm hand locally): http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/books/a-guide-to-stock-fencing/

[Foobar]

Would recommend this, learned a lot from it (and from an old farm hand locally): http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/books/a-guide-to-stock-fencing/

+1

[Me]

Pulled too hard on 1 a few times so experimenting with 1 + 2 (so two posts, diagonal strut and diagonal wire t'other way) can't see it could possibly move.... !

[john and helen]

thanks for the link Dan…book now ordered

[cloddopper]

No 1 for  me , notch the up right to stop the braces flying out   , notch the peg post to stop the brace slipping down and nail the brace in place top & bottom into the notches  with some 6inch galv or sheradized nails or if you feel wealthy .... put in with a big battery drill or a brace & socket that takes a decent quality Phillips etc head some long stainless steel screws such as those found in Screwfix  in the decking sections .

You could also use a small auger and use stainless or galv studding & nuts that goes through post & peg .