Editing Barbed wire (section)

=== Gates ===
[[file:Wire gate.jpg|thumb|Wire or "Hampshire" gate]]

As with any fence, barbed wire fences require gates to allow the passage of persons, vehicles and farm implements. Gates vary in width from {{convert|12|ft|m|order=flip|round=0.5}} to allow the passage of vehicles and tractors, to {{convert|40|ft|m|order=flip}} on farm land to pass combines and swathers.

One style of gate is called the [[Hampshire gate]] in the UK, a New Zealand gate in some areas, and often simply a "gate" elsewhere. Made of wire with posts attached at both ends and in the middle, it is permanently wired on one side and attaches to a gate post with wire loops on the other. Most designs can be opened by hand, though some gates that are frequently opened and closed may have a lever attached to assist in bringing the upper wire loop over the gate post.

Gates for cattle tend to have four wires when along a three wire fence, as cattle tend to put more stress on gates, particularly on corner gates. The fence on each side of the gate ends with two corner posts braced or unbraced depending on the size of the post. An unpounded post (often an old broken post) is held to one corner post with wire rings which act as hinges. On the other end a full-length post, the tractor post, is placed with the pointed end upwards with a ring on the bottom stapled to the other corner post, the latch post, and on top a ring is stapled to the tractor post, tied with a [[Stockgrower's Lash]] or one of numerous other opening bindings. Wires are then tied around the post at one end then run to the other end where they are stretched by hand or with a stretcher, before posts are stapled on every {{convert|4|ft|m|order=flip}}. Often this type of gate is called a portagee fence or a portagee gate in various ranching communities of coastal [[Central California]].

Most gates can be opened by push post. The chain is then wrapped around the tractor post and pulled onto the nail, stronger people can pull the gate tighter but anyone can jar off the chain to open the gate.