impart a twist to the tape. For it to be effective, you must
twist the barbed tape as it is installed.
Uses
You can use barbed tape in place of standard barbed
wire inmost all cases except when it is to be repeatedly
recovered and reused. The most effective fence you can
construct using barbed tape is the "Double-Apron
Fence" (discussed below).
ADVANTAGES OF BARBED TAPE.-- The
principal advantages of barbed tape are its size and
weight. For equal lengths, barbed tape occupies a third
of the space and weighs a third as much as standard
barbed wire. A double-apron fence constructed with
Figure 8-9.--Splicing barbed-steel tape.
barbed tape is more difficult to breach by crawling
through than one constructed with standard barbed wire
because the barbs of the barbed tape are closer together.
Because of the flat configuration, it is more difficult to
cut barbed tape with wire cutters.
DISADVANTAGES OF BARBED TAPE.-- At
the present time, the major disadvantage of barbed tape
is its breaking strength. Standard barbed wire is twice
as strong. Installation of barbed tape requires a
dispenser. A major problem could arise if the dispenser
is not available. The tape is not recoverable to its original
condition. However, it maybe recovered on bobbins in
a twisted condition. Barbed tape is more easily cut by
shell fragments than standard barbed wire. Barbed tape
can also be cut with a bayonet.
Double-Apron Fence
Figure 8-10.--Pickets for use with barbed wire.
The standard double-apron fence is one of the best
obstacles that can be made with barbed tape. The
effectiveness of this obstacle is increased by (1) raising
(fig. 8-9). You can also splice barbed tape by
the top wire to preclude crossing the obstacle by
interlocking the twisted barbs of two separate lengths,
stepping over it and (2) placing low wires 4 inches above
then completing the splice by affixing one steel-wire
the ground to prevent personnel from crawling under the
ring to each end of the area where spliced (fig. 8-9).
obstacle.
METAL PICKETS
Tying Procedures
Metal pickets are issued in two types: screw and
In tying barbed tape, use the wraparound tie (fig.
U-shaped. The standard lengths are short (or anchor),
8-7), since the sharp bends of other ties weaken the tape.
medium, and long (fig. 8-10). The U-shaped picket also
Steel-wire rings, crimped on, provide effective ties and
comes in an extra-long length. Pickets that are
may be used where available (fig. 8-8).
serviceable can be recovered and used again.
Splices
Screw Pickets
Connecting slots at each end of a 164-foot reel
Drive the screw picket into the ground by turning it
provide a quick method of splicing reels of barbed tape
in a clockwise direction using a driftpin, stick or another
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