Steel fence post

T-shaped, studded post used for fencing

A steel fence post, also called (depending on design or country) a T-post, a Y-post, or variants on star post, is a type of fence post or picket. They are made of steel and are sometimes manufactured using durable rail steel. They can be used to support various types of wire or wire mesh. The end view of the post creates an obvious T, Y, or other shape. The posts are driven into the ground with a manual or pneumatic post pounder. All along the post, along the spine, there are studs or nubs that prevent the barbed wire or mesh from sliding up or down the post. They are generally designated as 1.01, 1.25 or 1.33, referring to the weight in pounds per lineal foot. They are commonly painted with a white tip on top; white improves the visibility of the fence line.

While T-Posts are more common in the United States, Y-posts are more common in Australia and New Zealand where they are sometimes called either star pickets or "Waratahs", after the company which registered a patent for them in 1926.[1] In New Zealand Waratahs are often used for trail blazing.

In areas (such as the British Isles) where treated timber is relatively inexpensive, wooden fence-posts are used and steel ones are unusual for agricultural purposes. In the British Isles steel posts are however often used for fencing into solid rock. In this case a hole is drilled into the rock, and the post is fixed using cement or epoxy. In Australia these are normally called a star picket and sizing is by length, normally one notch on the top and holes down the length. They are often covered in a black bituminous coating.

• A steel post on a standard seven wire fence in New Zealand.

• End-on view of a T-post, showing the T-shape that gives the post its name.

• Two T-posts and red post pounder (or driver) used to drive them into the ground. The flat plate helps stabilize the post, which is driven into the ground until the plate is buried.

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   Outback magazine, "Outback Story", Issue 62, Jan/Dec 2009

Metal T-posts rank among the most versatile and useful items for any farmer to have on hand, which is why you’ll probably want to have dozens of them at your disposal. These tough metal stakes, which come in various sizes, are small enough to easily install and remove from the ground but hold their position well. They can be used for a wide variety of farming projects.

Coming from someone with a lot (and I mean a lot) of experience using metal T-posts, here are just a few of the ways that they can come in handy on the farm.

Building Fences

Certainly one of the main uses for T-posts is in fence construction, as they make excellent posts and are easy to use. All sorts of wire fencing, including mesh wire and electric wire, can be used in combination with T-posts; in fact, I constructed a mesh garden fence earlier this year that has proven very effective at keeping deer from munching on vegetables.

Supporting Fruit Tree Branches

Sometimes fruit trees can become so eager to grow an abundant crop of large fruit that they produce more than their branches can handle, with the weight of the fruit causing the branches to droop severely or even break. Placing a T-post underneath a troubled branch can give it a boost and help protect it from damage. Even if it has already suffered a crack, you might be able to save the branch by using a T-post for extra support.

Building A Trellis

Looking for a way to support climbing plants such as peas, beans or grapes? You can use T-posts as the anchor posts for simple trellises, running mesh or wires from post to post to provide handholds for the tiny tendrils of these climbing vines. Case in point—I built a simple T-post trellis for some old grape vines earlier this year, and they’ve been thriving all summer.

Marking Hidden Obstacles

Remember that giant rock jutting out in the middle of your hay field? It might be easy to find in the spring when the grass isn’t growing, but in the middle of summer, finding that rock (and avoiding it with your machinery) can be a challenge. That’s why it can be wise to use T-posts to mark the locations of such hidden obstacles, providing a clear visual reminder of the objects’ whereabouts so you don’t have to worry about hitting them and damaging your machines.

Anchoring Trees In The Wind

Planning to plant a row of young trees in a windy area of your farm? If they’re small and spindly, it could be difficult for them to stand up in the face of strong winds. But fortunately, you can anchor them in place by tying them to T-posts, which will provide extra support during their formative years and help protect them from damage.

What are some of the ways that you use T-posts on your farm?