Choosing the right fence knot
June 6, 2025

When you’re building a fence that’ll cop the full brunt of Aussie weather, wildlife, and livestock, it pays to know what’s holding it all together. The type of knot used in your fencing plays a massive role in how strong, long-lasting, and practical your fence will be.
At Southern Wire, we use three main knot types in our prefabricated wire fences: Griplock, Square Knot (also called Fastlock or FarmFence), and Hinge Joint. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right one for your job.
Griplock Fixed Knot
The Griplock fence is our strongest knot and is ideal for tough conditions. Built to withstand pressure from feral animals, kangaroos, and stubborn livestock. Griplock stays put and won’t slip or sag, even when pushed on.
Griplock is the toughest knot on the market. It’s ideal for fences that need to
stand up to everything from pigs and goats to wild dogs and roos. With no loose ends and a tight grip between vertical and horizontal wires, this knot gives your fence real backbone.
Used in:
➡️ Griplock Stock Fence
➡️ Griplock Vermin & Exclusion Fencing
➡️ Griplock with Radius Apron
Square Knot
The Square Knot is the next generation of the old Ring Joint fence. It is used across a wide range of our prefabricated fencing and is the go-to for everyday fencing.
The tight square knot minimises the chance of vertical wires slipping and is smooth on both sides, making it safer for livestock.
The square knot is easy to install and strain, making it great value for money.
Used in:
➡️ FarmFence
➡️ Fastlock Horsefence
➡️ Fastlock Toughline
➡️ Fastlock Premier50
➡️ Fastlock YardFence
➡️ Fastlock Vermin
Hinge Joint
The hinge joint knot is a traditional style fence, still popular amongst farmers. This style needs to be clipped to top, middle and bottom support wires to keep it strong.
The hinge joint knot is designed to flex and move with livestock pressure, and is great in areas with hills and valleys.
Great for sheep or cattle fencing where there’s not too much pressure or wildlife traffic.
Used in:
➡️ Hinge Joint Stock Fence
So, Which One Do You Need?
Fence Knot |
Best Use |
Advantage |
Griplock |
Exclusion zones, vermin control, boundary fences |
Maximum strength and pressure resistance |
Square Knot |
General farm use, horse & stock fencing |
Easy to install, great value, animal safety |
Hinge Joint |
Rolling terrain, suspension fencing |
Flexible and durable |
Whether you’re setting up a fence to keep stock in or pests out, choosing the right knot makes all the difference. And with Southern Wire, you’re getting fencing that’s Australian made, built tough, and backed by decades of experience.
Need a hand picking the right fence?
Give us a call on 1800 627 722 or visit southernwire.com.au
— we’re always happy to help.