Razor wire

13 Jan.,2025

 

Razor wire

Mesh of metal strips with sharp edges to prevent trespassing

Barbed tape or razor wire is a mesh of metal strips with sharp edges whose purpose is to prevent trespassing by humans. The term "razor wire", through long usage, has generally been used to describe barbed tape products. Razor wire is much sharper than the standard barbed wire; it is named after its appearance but is not razor sharp. The points are very sharp and made to rip and snag clothing and flesh.

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The multiple blades of a razor-wire fence are designed to inflict serious cuts on anyone attempting to climb through or over it and therefore also has a strong psychological deterrent effect. Razor wire is used in many security applications because, although it can be circumvented relatively quickly by humans with tools, penetrating a razor-wire barrier without tools is very slow and typically injurious, often thwarting such attempts or giving security forces more time to respond.

Use

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The first use of barbed wire for warfare was in during the Spanish American War, thirty-one years after the first patents were issued in . One of the most notable examples during the Spanish American War is the defense provided by the Moron-Jucardo Trocha. The trocha (or trench) stretched for fifty miles between the cities of Moron and Jucardo. Within this trench, and in addition to fallen trees, barbed wire was used. The barbed wire was arranged in a cat&#;s cradle formation that for every 12 yards of barbed fence built, 420 yards of barbed wire was strung (or 35 yards of wire per yard of fence).[1]

Later versions of this type of barbed wire were manufactured by Germany during the First World War. The reason for this was a wartime shortage of wire to make conventional barbed wire. Therefore, flat wire with triangular cutting edges began to be punched out of steel strips ("band barbed wire"). A welcome side effect was that a comparable length of barbed wire of this new type could be produced in less time. These precursors to NATO wire did not yet have an inner wire for stabilization, were therefore easy to cut with tin snips, and were also not as robust as normal barbed wire. However, they withstood the wire cutters used at the time to cut normal barbed wire, as was common at the front.[2][3][4][5]

An article in a issue of The Hardware Trade Journal tells the story under the headline: "This Cruel War&#;s Abuse of Our Old Friend &#;Bob Wire.'" After telling a little about Glidden and his invention, the article goes on as follows: "Quite naturally some animals enclosed by Glidden&#;s fencing gashed themselves on the barbs. Just as naturally, men and boys tried to climb over or under those fences and had their clothes and flesh torn...These wounds upon man and beast and the suddenness with which Glidden&#;s barbs halted all living things came to the attention of military men, and the barbed wire entanglement of which we now read almost every day in the war news was born...And it may be said right here that soldiers who have been halted by wire entanglements while making a charge say the devil never invented anything nastier."[6][7]

Starting in the late s, barbed tape was typically found in prisons and secure mental hospitals, where the increased breaching time for a poorly equipped potential escapee was a definite advantage. Until the development of reinforced barbed tape in the early s (and especially after the September 11 attacks), it was rarely used for military purposes or genuine high security facilities because, with the correct tools, it was easier to breach than ordinary barbed wire. Since then, some military forces have replaced barbed wire with barbed tape for many applications, mainly because it is slightly lighter for the same effective coverage, and it takes up very little space compared to barbed wire or reinforced barbed tape when stored on drums.

More recently,[when?] barbed tape has been used in more commercial and residential security applications. This is often primarily a visual deterrent since a well-prepared burglar can breach barbed wire and barbed tape barriers in similar amounts of time, using simple techniques such as cutting the wire or throwing a piece of carpet over its strands.

Due to its dangerous nature, razor wire/barbed tape and similar fencing/barrier materials are prohibited in some locales. Norway prohibits any barbed wire except in combination with other fencing, in order to protect domesticated animals from exposure.[8]

Construction

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Razor wire has a central strand of high tensile strength wire, and a steel tape punched into a shape with barbs. The steel tape is then cold-crimped tightly to the wire everywhere except for the barbs. Flat barbed tape is very similar, but has no central reinforcement wire. The process of combining the two is called roll forming.

Types

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Like barbed wire, razor wire is available as either straight wire, spiral (helical) coils, concertina (clipped) coils, flat wrapped panels or welded mesh panels. Unlike barbed wire, which usually is available only as plain steel or galvanized, barbed tape razor wire is also manufactured in stainless steel to reduce corrosion from rusting. The core wire can be galvanized and the tape stainless, although fully stainless barbed tape is used for permanent installations in harsh climatic environments or under water.

Barbed tape is also characterized by the shape of the barbs. Although there are no formal definitions, typically short barb barbed tape has barbs from 10&#;12 millimetres (0.4&#;0.5 in), medium barb tape has barbs 20&#;22 millimetres (0.8&#;0.9 in), and long barb tape has barbs 60&#;66 millimetres (2.4&#;2.6 in).

According to the structure

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  • Helical type: Helical type razor wire is the most simple pattern. There are no concertina attachments and each spiral loop is left. It shows a natural spiral freely.
  • Concertina type: It is the most widely used type in the security defense applications. The adjacent loops of helical coils are attached by clips at specified points on the circumference. It shows an accordion-like configuration condition.
  • Blade type: The razor wire are produced in straight lines and cut into a certain length to be welded onto the galvanized or powder coated frame. It can be used individually as a security barrier.
    • Flat type: A popular razor wire type with flat and smooth configuration (like Olympic rings). According to different technology, it can be clipped or the welded type.
    • Welded type: The razor wire tape are welded into panels, then the panels are connected by clips or tie wires to form a continuous razor wire fence.
  • Flattened type: A transformation of single coil concertina razor wire. The concertina wire is flattened to form the flat-type razor wire.

According to the coil type

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  • Single coil: Commonly seen and widely used type, which is available in both helical and concertina types.
  • Double coil: A complex razor wire type to supply higher security grade. A smaller diameter coil is placed inside of the larger diameter coil. It is also available in both helical and concertina types.

Common specifications of razor wire

[edit] Specification Wire dia.
(mm) Barb (mm) Thickness Length Width Spacing BTO-10 2.5±0.1 0.50±0.05 10±1 13±1 26±1 BTO-12 2.5±0.1 0.50±0.05 12±1 15±1 26±1 BTO-18 2.5±0.1 0.50±0.05 18±1 15±1 33±1 BTO-22 2.5±0.1 0.50±0.05 22±1 15±1 34±1 BTO-28 2.5 0.50±0.05 28 15 45±1 BTO-30 2.5 0.50±0.05 30 18 45±1 CBT-60 2.5±0.1 0.60±0.05 60±2 32±1 100±2 CBT-65 2.5±0.1 0.60±0.05 65±2 21±1 100±2

See also

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  • Access control
  • Environmental design
  • Physical security
  • Wire obstacle
  • Concertina wire

References

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Razor Wire Vs Barbed Wire - What Is The Difference?

Talking about the security fence, there are two popular options always come to mind: razor wire and barbed wire. They are different and used for various security needs. In this article, we will explain each type, their features, benefits, and when to use them. Comparing razor wire vs barbed wire can help someone choose the best option for protecting their property.

What Is Razor Wire?

Razor wire fence is a high-security fencing material known for its sharp edges and deterrent capabilities. It consists of a central strand of high-tensile wire with razor-sharp barbs at regular intervals. Razor wire is very effective at stopping people from entering without permission because its sharp edges can cause serious cuts and injuries. The razor wire fence is often used in high-security zones such as prisons, military installations, and sensitive government facilities.

Features Of Razor Wire

&#; Sharp Barbs: The barbs on razor wire are extremely sharp and designed to cause severe cuts and injuries.

&#; High-Tensile Strength: The core wire is typically made from high-tensile steel, providing robust resistance to cutting and bending in a razor fence.

&#; Corrosion Resistance: Razor wire often has a galvanized or PVC-coated finish to make it more durable and resistant to rust.

&#; Visibility: The threatening look of razor wire acts as a strong visual deterrent.

What Is Barbed Wire?

Barbed wire fence is a traditional fencing material featuring two or more strands of wire twisted with barbs spaced along the length. The sharp points can cause pain and small injuries, making it hard for people or animals to cross. Barbed wire is often used on farms to keep animals in and mark property lines. It is also utilized in various security applications, although it provides a lower level of deterrence than razor wire.

Features Of Barbed Wire

&#; Blunt Barbs: The barbs are made to cause pain and discomfort, not serious injury.

&#; Twisted Strand Construction: Usually has two wires twisted together to make it stronger and more stable.

&#; Zinc Coating: Often galvanized to prevent rust and extend the wire's lifespan.

&#; Versatility: Easy to install and adjust according to different needs.

Differences Between Barbed Wire And Razor Wire

While both types of wire serve as security barriers, there are several key differences between barbed wire and razor wire:

&#; Design And Construction

Barbed Wire: Features twisted wire strands with sharp barbs spaced regularly. The barbs length is usually 1.5 to 3.0 cm.

Razor Wire: This consists of a central high-tensile wire with razor-sharp barbs designed to cause serious injury. The barbs are usually longer and sharper than those of barbed wire.

&#; Deterrent Capability

Barbed Wire: Providing a moderate level of security, it is sufficient for agricultural and low-security applications.

Razor Wire: Offering a high level of deterrence, it is ideal for high-security environments where unauthorized access must be prevented at all costs.

&#; Applications

Barbed Wire: Commonly used for fencing in agriculture, property boundaries, and some basic security needs.

Razor Wire: Used in high-security installations such as prisons, military facilities, and critical infrastructure.

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&#; Price&Cost

Barbed Wire: It is usually cheaper and easier to install, making it a cost-effective choice for many uses.

Razor Wire: More expensive due to its design and higher security features. But it can provide superior protection.

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Barbed Wire In Three Twist Types: Single Barbed Wire, Double Barbed Wire And Traditional Barbed Wire

What Are The Advantages Of Barbed Wire From Hebei Sinostar?

How To Install Barbed Wire?

Razor Wire Installation Method: How To Install It On The Wall?

Razor Wire Vs Barbed Wire In Features

Razor Wire

High Tensile Strength: The core wire is made of high-tensile material to ensure durability and resistance to cutting.

Sharp Barbs: Made to cause serious injuries, effectively deterring intruders.

Corrosion Resistance: Often galvanized or coated to prevent rust issues and ensure longevity.

Barbed Wire

Twisted Wire Construction: It ensures stability and strength with barbs twisted around the wire strands.

Moderate Deterrence: It is much more effective at preventing any entry in lower-risk areas.

Versatility: It is suitable for various applications, from agricultural to basic security needs.

Applications Of Razor Wire And Barbed Wire

Razor Wire

Prisons: It helps to manage the prisons as the protection from escaping and any unexpected access to the facility.

Military Bases: It help to ensure the high-security perimeters around sensitive areas.

Government Buildings: It help to protect the critical infrastructure and sensitive locations from intrusions.

Border Security: It is used to reinforce the national borders and prevent illegal crossings.

Barbed Wire

Agricultural Fencing: It contains livestock and makes the property boundaries clear.

Residential Security: It provides a basic level of security around homes and small properties.

Construction Sites: It prevents any access to the building and also the equipment storage areas.

Rural Property: It is ideal for fencing large rural properties and farmland.

Conclusion

Choosing between the razor wire and the barbed wire, it should depend on the specific security needs and application requirements. While barbed wire is a cost-effective and versatile option for agricultural and basic security purposes, razor wire presents a higher protection for high-security installations. Understanding the features and differences between razor wire fences and barbed wire fences can help you make the right choice for your security needs.

Whether protecting livestock or securing a sensitive facility, selecting the appropriate fencing material is crucial for ensuring safety and security. Focusing on each type's unique features and uses can help you choose the best fencing solution for your needs, giving you peace of mind and strong protection.

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