Razor Wire International

Common Questions

What product should I use?

Deciding which product to use means considering several things like the value of what you are protecting; the budget available for security upgrades; the existing fencing; local zoning regulations; etc. For basic security upgrades of existing fencing, 18" or 24" Commercial Hela-Coil is the typical choice for improving security. For protecting higher value assets or to insure public safety from hazardous situations, Barrier Concertina products (including Super Barrier and Double Barrier) in 24", 30", or larger diameters are recommended.

Where can I buy razor wire?

Razor Wire products are best purchased through fencing distributors and contractors. They can provide professional guidance for installation, local regulations, and additional fencing accessories. Call or email to find a local supplier in your area.

How long is a roll?

A roll of razor wire comes in a compact coil of several loops, only about 5" in the box. This coil can then be stretched out to the level of security desired. The less it is stretched, the higher the level of security. Each roll has a recommended length and maximum length. For example, a roll of 18" Commercial Hela-Coil has 33-loops. It can be stretched up to 50' (an 18" gap between each loop), but is typically stretched to 33' (12" between each loop). For high security it is stretched to just 25' (9" between each loop). How far you stretch a roll can be an aesthetic consideration, but tighter spacing always makes for higher security.

How many rolls will I need?

The quantity of rolls required will depend on the total linear distance of fencing, divided by the length per roll of your selected product. Remember that the length per roll of any given product will be determined by the desired loop spacing (tighter spacing for higher security). If you have 3,300' of fencing and are installing 18" Commercial Hela-Coil at the typical 12" loop spacing (33' per roll), then you will need 100 rolls to cover the distance. If you decide to use the tighter 9" spacing for higher security (limiting the roll to 25' yield) you would need 132 rolls to cover the distance.

How is razor wire manufactured?

The most common type of razor wire is referred to as wire-reinforced. First, the razor sharp barbs are punched from a strip of stainless or carbon steel. Then the strip of steel with its barb clusters is roll formed around a high-tensile core wire and formed to various diameters. Concertina style coils get additional clips to create the diamond shaped concertina pattern for higher security. Click here to see a video on how razor wire is made.

Stainless steel or galvanized?

The barbs and flange portion of razor wire can be made of either stainless or galvanized steel. The core wire can also be stainless or galvanized. For most permanent security situations (and especially medium to maximum security), stainless steel is always recommended for the barb portion of the razor wire. It provides for optimum hardness, barb sharpness, and durability. Many specifiers choose stainless steel tape/barb material, with a galvanized core wire, to achieve a high level of durability while balancing cost. In lower security installations, or for temporary installations, galvanized razor wire can provide the lowest cost alternative.

Helical or concertina?

Helical style razor wire is a simple spiral, like a spring or slinky. Concertina style razor wire has adjacent loops clipped in pairs at various points around the circumference of the razor wire. The clips force the roll to open in diamond shaped patterns, more like an accordion than a slinky, creating a much denser and more secure barrier. Concertina coils look to some like two rolls of razor wire intertwined. Helical style is generally used for lower level security. Concertina style is used to protect high value assets and to insure public safety.

Other Questions?

If you have additional questions, see our extended FAQ page or please contact us directly.