5 common uses of barbed wire

Barbed wire is often used for a variety of purposes in agriculture, but can also be used for other reasons. Barbed wire is simply made by twisting hard wires together to form points in different places. It is a cheaper and faster alternative to building large, elaborate wooden or stone fence structures. These points are very sharp and ideal for establishing control over land or building entry points.

Containment

One of the main reasons for using barbed wire fences is containment. Fences can be used in this way in both human and non-human capacities. Prisons are usually equipped with barbed wire, called razor wire, along the prison walls. If prisoners try to escape, they risk injury because of the sharp points on the wires. Barbed wire is also used to house animals on farms. The wires prevent livestock from escaping and prevent farmers from losing a lot of money. Some barbed wire fences can also be electrified, doubling their effectiveness.

Protection

Protection is a key reason for having a barbed wire fence. Fences can be placed around specific areas to prevent anything from getting in. For example, on warm summer nights, try to keep animals away from your vegetable patch or view flowers. Farmers will use barbed wire to protect valuable crops from roaming animals. This can often cover great distances.

Division

Barbed wire was seen as a good way to divide areas of land and separate them. There are still examples of barbed wire that separates different states and towns. But most state regulations now prevent this, meaning they are harder to find. If someone has a problem with the land division and wants to move the fence, they will hurt themselves, so now the legislation is stricter on the use of barbed wire. 

Deterrents

Even if users don't have anything they want to protect, barbed wire can be used as a deterrent. Barbed wire is cheap and easily available, meaning it is cost-effective to buy some to make fences. The train company continues to place barbed wire along the railway to prevent public access to the tracks. But many companies also use barbed wire as a deterrent to potential theft of property.

The Army

Barbed wire is popular with the military. They are used in training grounds across the country. They are seen as a very popular way to simulate a wide range of combat conditions. They can also be used in team-building exercises to improve trust and morale among troops. Barbed wire is also a popular way to test the strength and stiffness of many materials, such as clothing and equipment, because soldiers have to work through sharp points during training.