What concertina fencing is
Concertina wire is a coil of high-tensile steel wire with razor-sharp blades along its length. When the coil is opened out, it forms a spring-like barrier that is difficult and painful to cross. It is a top-of-wall solution: it adds a strong deterrent where the wall or fence below already marks the boundary.
Coil diameters of 450 mm, 600 mm and 900 mm are common. A larger coil gives a deeper barrier, and multiple coils can be stacked in a pyramid pattern for higher-risk perimeters.
Where it is used
- Factory, godown and warehouse compound walls
- Schools, colleges and institutional campuses where the wall is low
- Electrical substations, solar plants, telecom sites and water works
- Vacant land and construction yards that need to stop theft of material
How we fix concertina wire
- Check the wall or post. We make sure the wall top, existing Y-arm or post can carry the extra load.
- Install supports. Y-arms or angle brackets are fixed on the wall or posts at regular intervals, leaning outward.
- Run straight support wires. One or more high-tensile wires are strained along the arms to carry the coil.
- Open and clip the coil. The coil is stretched to its working length and clipped to the support wires and to neighbouring coils.
- Walk the line. We check for loose clips, sharp tails and gaps at corners and gates before handover.
Safety note. Razor wire should be mounted high enough to be out of reach for passers-by, children and animals, and leaning away from public paths. Please check any local rules that apply to your property. We will advise on safe mounting height when we visit.
Pair it with the right fence
Concertina works best as one layer in a layered perimeter: a solid wall or chain link fence below, a Y-arm or bracket on top, and the coil above. Our security fencing page explains how these layers work together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between barbed wire and concertina wire?
Barbed wire has short, spaced barbs on a twisted wire, and is mostly a boundary marker and animal barrier. Concertina has continuous razor blades on a coil, and is a security deterrent for people. It is mounted high, usually on a wall or fence top.
Can concertina wire be fixed on an existing compound wall?
Yes. We fix Y-arms or brackets into the wall top, run support wires and clip the coil on. The wall should be sound enough to hold the fixings. We check that on site.
Which coil diameter should I choose?
600 mm is a common choice for compound walls. 900 mm gives a deeper barrier for higher-risk sites; 450 mm suits lower walls and tight spaces. We recommend a size after seeing the wall.
Is razor wire safe to install near public roads?
It must be placed high and angled inward or outward as appropriate for the site, away from reach. We plan the mounting height and angle to keep the public safe while keeping your boundary secure.
