How to Install and Properly Tension Cameo™ Fence
With your:
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End posts drilled and hardware installed
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Line Post Insulators mounted
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Corner Post Insulators secured
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Cameo Pulse™ installed
It’s time to run and tension the main structure of the fence:
Cameo™.
In Episode 9 of the Cameo™ Skill Builder Series, Clayton walks through how to:
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Run Cameo strands
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Feed line through One-Way Vices
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Apply correct tension (no tools necessary!)
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How to neatly secure Cameo lines to the end/gate post
This is where many installers get it wrong.
And it doesn’t require tractors, skid steers, or come-alongs.
Step 1: Run the Cameo Strands
Load your Cameo roll onto a dowel and begin walking the fence line.
If you have multiple installers:
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One person pulls
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One keeps lines separated
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One feeds into brackets
Clayton notes that you can run multiple lines at once — but it can also be done one at a time.
As you walk:
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Feed into Line Post Insulators ("brackets")
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Wrap around the outside of corners posts
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If you've lost the Corner Post Insulator Pin ("Collar pin"), no worries, just insert a screw to hold the line in place
Keep tension light — just enough to prevent tangles.
Step 2: Cut the End on a 45° Angle
When you reach the end post:
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Cut the Cameo on a 45-degree angle.
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This makes feeding into the One-Way Vice easier.
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Insert through the pre-drilled hole.
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Feed through the One-Way Vice.
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Leave about 12 inches of tag end.
The angled cut prevents binding.
Step 3: Remove Sag — But Do NOT Fully Tension
This is critical.
Clayton emphasizes:
At this stage, you are not tensioning the fence.
You are only removing sag between posts.
Walk the line visually:
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Is the sag gone? No dips?
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Is the line level between posts?
That’s your starting point.
If you’re running long stretches, you may need to remove sage from both end/gate posts.
Step 4: Apply the 1% Tension Rule
Here’s where most people get it wrong.
You only tension Cameo about 1% of the total run length.
Example:
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180-foot run
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1% = 1.8 feet
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Roughly 1 foot 8 inches
Mark that measurement on the fence line, just before it's fed through the end/gate post.
Now:
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Wrap the line around your hand
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Pull until your mark reaches the post
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That’s full tension
That’s it.
No machinery.
No over-tightening.
No stretching the life out of it.
Why 1%?
Over-tensioning:
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Strains posts
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Warps brackets
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Shortens lifespan
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Makes future adjustment harder
Under-tensioning:
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Creates sag
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Reduces fence performance
1% is the engineered sweet spot.
Step 5: Secure Tag Ends with Line Straps
Once tensioned:
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Fold tag end downward.
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Cut about an inch behind front strand.
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Install Line Strap halfway up post.
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Insert strap screw.
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Tuck tag end into strap.
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Snug it down.
Why secure tag ends this way? It keeps adjustments simple.
If you ever need to re-tension:
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Remove one screw
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Pull tension again
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Re-secure
Final Result
A properly tensioned Cameo fence:
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Has no sag between posts
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Feels firm but not over-tight
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Maintains consistent spacing
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Looks clean and professional
Clayton puts it best:
He installed Cameo Pulse and Cameo in a collared shirt — and didn’t get dirty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using tractors or heavy equipment
❌ Over-tensioning
❌ Skipping the 1% measurement
❌ Cutting too short before tensioning
❌ Not removing sag before applying final pull
Proper tension protects the system long-term.
What’s Next?
With Cameo and Cameo Pulse installed and tensioned:
The next step is connecting your electric system; creating a fully operational fence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need machinery to tension Cameo fencing?
No. Cameo fencing is designed to be tensioned by hand.
How tight should Cameo fencing be?
Only tight enough to remove sag, plus approximately 1% of total run length for final tension.
Why cut the end at a 45-degree angle?
It makes feeding the strand into the One-Way Vice easier and smoother.
How much tension is 1%?
For a 180-foot run, 1% equals approximately 1 foot 8 inches.
Can Cameo be run multiple strands at once?
Yes, with multiple installers, several strands can be run simultaneously.
Why use line straps at the end?
Line Straps secure tag ends but allow easy future re-tensioning if needed.