By FencingWise Editorial Team · Updated 17 September 2026.
Decode the wire arrangement before comparing options
The common 656 notation describes two nominal 6 mm horizontal wires with a nominal 5 mm vertical wire. The 868 notation uses two 8 mm horizontal wires with a 6 mm vertical wire. A quotation should still identify whether these are steel-core or finished dimensions and state the mesh spacing.
Match gate infill, frame and fittings to the proposed fence system. Similar mesh appearance does not establish that parts from different systems are interchangeable.
Changing from 656 to 868 changes wire material, but the resulting gate behaviour also depends on frame size, welds, supports and hardware. Do not select hinges from the infill name alone.
Estimate the infill mass change on equal geometry
A simplified comparison can isolate the effect of wire diameter. Assume both options have 50 mm horizontal pitch between vertical wires and 200 mm vertical pitch between paired horizontal wires, measured centre to centre.
Ignoring edge effects, one square metre contains approximately 20 m of vertical wire and 10 m of horizontal wire because there are two horizontal wires at each of five levels.
Using 7,850 kg/m³ as an estimating density for steel:
- A 5 mm wire weighs approximately 0.154 kg/m.
- A 6 mm wire weighs approximately 0.222 kg/m.
- An 8 mm wire weighs approximately 0.395 kg/m.
The resulting estimates are approximately 5.30 kg/m² for 656 and 8.38 kg/m² for 868. The difference is about 3.08 kg/m².
For an illustrative 3.6 m² infill area, that adds approximately 11.1 kg. It does not describe the complete leaf weight: the frame, edge wires, exact cut layout, coating and hardware remain outside this calculation. Obtain the actual manufactured leaf mass for final hardware selection.
Match mesh lines where appearance matters
A continuous fence elevation looks more coherent when the gate's horizontal wire levels align with the adjoining panels. This requires a shared datum, not just equal mesh pitch.
Suppose the fixed panel's first horizontal wire is 100 mm above the finished threshold, while the gate infill's first wire is 140 mm above it. Both can have a 200 mm pitch and still remain offset by 40 mm at every level.
Decide whether alignment is required. If it is, dimension the infill within the frame accordingly and check the actual bottom frame and ground clearances. Do not cut the infill until the datum and edge arrangement are resolved.
Review frame and post compatibility
| Detail | Why it matters | Information to record |
|---|---|---|
| Infill inside or on the frame | Changes exposed edges and finished dimensions | Section and fastening detail |
| Gate-post size | Controls hardware attachment and local space | Section, wall thickness and orientation |
| Fence connection beside the gate | Can clash with hinges or locks | Bracket location and tool access |
| Leaf edge treatment | Affects contact safety and coating continuity | Cut, weld and finishing method |
| Opening direction | Determines hinge hand and latch position | Plan view with operating position |
A frame can reduce an apparent opening even when the overall gate width matches the order. State usable passage dimensions after installation, including hardware projections.
For a retrofit, measure both the existing post arrangement and the panels beside it. Catalogue names are insufficient where an older fence has been modified or supplied by several manufacturers.
Choose the infill according to the actual duty
For a general boundary with an approved lighter double-wire system, matching its infill may simplify appearance and spare-part control. For repeated ball impact or another demanding application, the complete gate and adjacent fence need the appropriate construction and evidence.
A heavier infill can increase the demand on hinges without correcting a flexible frame. Conversely, an oversized frame does not compensate for an unsuitable connection to the post. Evaluate the assembly rather than upgrading one visible component.
Where different fence types meet at a gate, use a deliberate transition detail. Keep each panel connected to its intended support rather than forcing both systems into one improvised clip arrangement.
Check the supplied set before installation
Lay out the identified leaves, posts and hardware against the approved schedule. Check handed parts, locks, drop-bolt receivers, stops and any hold-open devices. Record the intended location of each gate before separate packs are distributed around the site.
During trial assembly, verify infill alignment, latch engagement and the available hinge adjustment. At final installation, check these again under the leaf's own weight and throughout its travel.
Use the hinge-selection method when the actual leaf mass and centre of gravity are known. The completed gate schedule should then connect three things clearly: the fence family it matches, the passage it provides and the hardware that supports it.