What's the difference between Griplock & Fastlock?
November 11, 2025
When it comes to choosing the right fencing for your property, two of the most popular options in the Southern Wire range are Fastlock and Griplock. Both are Australian-made, designed for tough conditions, and trusted by farmers across the country — but they each have unique benefits depending on your fencing needs.
So what’s the difference?
The Basics
Both Fastlock and Griplock are prefabricated wire fencing - meaning the vertical and horizontal wires are knotted together during manufacturing to form a strong, rigid mesh. The difference lies in how the wires are joined and how that impacts strength, flexibility, and cost.
Fastlock Fencing
Fastlock uses a single piece vertical wire that’s knotted to each horizontal line wire with our SquareKnot. This system delivers a tight, clean knot that’s quick to install, easy to work with, and ideal for general farm use. On pure knot strength, Fastlock is approximately twice the strength of a traditional Ring-joint.
Key features:
- The vertical and horizontal wires are joined using our Fastlock Squareknot
- One piece vertical wire – doesn’t need a support wire.
- Clean, simple design that makes cutting knots and joining rolls easy
- Available in a wide range of heights and spacings
- Australian-made with high-tensile, heavy galv wire for superior durability
Best suited for: Sheep fencing, lamb fencing, stock fencing and general boundary applications.
Griplock Fencing
Griplock, on the other hand, uses a heavy-duty Griplock knot to join the vertical and horizontal wires whilst still using a single piece vertical picket wire. This gives the fence a stronger hold and rigidness, perfect for high-pressure areas or where large animals or vermin are a concern. On pure knot strength, Griplock is approximately quadruple the strength of a traditional Ring-joint.
Key features:
- Exceptional strength and resistance to impact
- Designed for heavy-duty applications such as exclusion or boundary fencing
- Australian-made with high-tensile, heavy galv wire for superior durability
Best suited for: Goats, Pigs, exclusion fencing and boundary lines in high-pressure areas
Which One Should You Choose?
If you need a versatile, easy-to-handle fence that works for a variety of animals and terrain, Fastlock is a reliable, cost-effective choice.
If your property faces heavy stock pressure or wildlife intrusion, Griplock offers extra strength and durability to stand the test of time.
Both options are manufactured right here in Australia and designed to work seamlessly with Southern Wire’s fencing machinery — including the RapidFencer, which makes installation fast and efficient.
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which fence is best for your property?
Our team can help you select the right product for your livestock, terrain, and budget.
Contact Southern Wire today or explore our full range of Fastlock and Griplock fencing on our website.