What you’re describing is a very common electric-fence problem: over time the fence wire (or “clutch wire / GI wire / high-tensile wire”) loses tension due to temperature expansion–contraction, posts settling, animals/birds pushing it, wind load, and vegetation snagging the line. When the wire sags, it’s more likely to touch grass/branches or damp posts/insulators, which creates leakage/shorts and your fence feels “weak” even if the energizer is fine.
What this is “about” (in simple terms)
To restore performance, you generally do two things:
Re-tension the fence line (tighten the wire so it stays off vegetation and doesn’t flap).
Reduce leakage points (clear vegetation, replace cracked insulators, check joints).
The “strainers” you saw on YouTube are exactly for (1). In high-tensile systems they’re often called in-line strainers / ratchet strainers / in-line wire tighteners—they let you tighten a section without re-stringing the whole perimeter. Extension guidance also notes that high-tensile systems commonly use in-line strainer devices specifically for tightening/loosening wire.
Practical approach that works on big perimeters
Goal: make it easy for labour to do small, periodic tightening—without needing an electrician every time.
A. Add “in-line strainers / ratchet tensioners” at strategic points
Install them near end/corner posts (or every long run, depending on your layout).
Then tightening becomes: insert handle / use ratchet/spanner → a few clicks/turns → done.
Gallagher (well-known fencing brand) describes an in-line tightener that can tighten existing fences and can be used with a handle/ratchet.
B. Use tension springs to handle heat/cold movement (optional but very helpful)
Tension springs keep more consistent tension as wire expands/contracts with weather.
This reduces “loose again after a month” complaints.
C. Make labour-proof instructions
Put a paint mark on the strainer + post: “Tighten until spring reaches X length / until wire just ‘pings’ when plucked.”
Do it once yourself with them watching. After that it’s repeatable.
Safety note (important)
Always switch OFF the energizer (and ideally disconnect the fence lead-out) before tightening. Tighteners can pinch fingers and a live fence can give a nasty surprise.
Products people typically use: https://amzn.to/4akUcKO
