Razorwire vs Barbed wire: A Comparison

Razorwirehttps://www.gryffin.com.au/products/tigertape and barbed wire are both common security options used all around the world to protect property from intruders. While both razorwire and barbed wire are used for the same purpose, their applications are very different. If you’re wondering whether you need barbed wire or razor wire to protect your property, read on to learn more about their differences.

What is Razor wire?Razorwire is a type of security fencinghttps://www.gryffin.com.au/ measure that makes it impossible for people to climb over it. Made of high-tensile galvanised core wire, it is manufactured in a continuous stainless steel strip with four razor-sharp barbs cold clenched around the core wire. These barbs made of reinforced steel are very difficult to bend and prevent any kind of handhold. The core wire is extremely strong and difficult to cut and provides maximum security. It is typically available in two main configurations: Long Barb and Short Barb.

Long Barb Razor WireThe barbs of a long barb razorwire measure a minimum of 60mm in width and the wire is available in a number of diameters ranging from 630mm to 1500mm. A long barb razorwire is extremely dangerous and is only used for correctional facilities, prisons, jails and detention centres, or other areas where maximum security is required. While both long and short barb razorwires are designed to deter intruders from scaling the top of a fence or roof, long barb razorwires can cause serious injury. This is why it is the best option for applications such as between the borders of two countries, in military zones and in areas that include chemical, radioactive or other types of dangerous materials.

Short Barb Razor WireThe barbs on a short barb razorwire, on the other hand, measure at least 10mm in width and the wire is available in a number of diameters ranging from 470mm to 760mm. Short barb razorwires are commonly used for commercial applications like utility offices, railway centres, bus depots, council offices, or anywhere where scaling deterrence is required. This type of razorwire is also available in a number of different configurations, including concertina, single-coil and flat loops.

What is Barbed wire?Barbed wire is a more commonly used type of physical deterrent, although it doesn’t provide the same level of protection. This is a type of fencing wire with sharp edges or pointed barbs arranged at regular intervals along a central wire. It is most commonly used to keep livestock and cattle within the boundaries of land, to protect residential properties or anywhere where cost-effective fences are required. However, it does not provide the same amount of security as it is quite easy to climb over. An intruder may tear his clothes or get a few scratches while climbing over a barbed-wire fence, but will be able to use a simple pair of gloves and pliers to cut through it. This type of fencing can be classified as a single or double strand depending upon the structure of the wire.

InstallationBecause razorwire is so sharp and dangerous, it requires the expertise of trained professionals to set it up. On the other hand, to set up a barbed-wire fence, you will only need some fence posts, nails and a hammer, which makes it quite easy to install, even for inexperienced people.

UsesDepending upon what you want to protect, the type of security fencing you choose will change. If you only need to keep livestock, horses or cattle inside your property, a simple barbed wire fence will suffice. However, if you need to protect a commercial or residential building, airport, railway office or utility centre, a short-barb razor wire will be more appropriate. On the other hand, long-barb razor tape works best for high-security applications like jails, prisons, detention centres and for military use.

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