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The first step is the choosing of the right crop wire. There are 2 types: galvanised wire or Crapal wire.

• Galvanised wire: this is a galvanized wire. In most cases its used with a galvanised wire of 3.40 mm diameter. The breaking point of this thickness is about 450 kilos. 
• Crapal wire: this is a galvanized wire with an alligation of 5 % aluminium. This wire is harder than a normal galvanized wire and also has an higher breaking point and corrosion resistance. In most cases, Crapal wire is used with a diameter of 3.15 mm. The breaking point at this thickness is about 590 kilos.

Fixing the crop wire is a fairly simple task, but there are a number of issues that you should take in account to ensure that no damage or breaking occurs. Below we sum up the most important points of attention. 

For the attachment of the crop wire, you should use the arch wire connection set. It consists of two M12 turn buckles with assembled thimbles, two M16 wire clamps and 4 M6 wire terminals.

After attaching the wire clamps and turnbuckles on both sides of the glasshouse, you can stretch the wire between them. Use the following method:

• Pull the thread through the thimble.
• Twist the wire 5 to 6 strokes, without sharp bends.
• Connect the wire firmly with two wire terminals M6. Put the first clamp as close to the thimble as possible. So that the wire cannot shoot out of the thimble. 
• Please note that the turnbuckles are never fully turned in or out during the tensioning.

It’s very important that the wire has enough slack. Keep a minimal slack of 20 centimetre and 25 centimetre with tomatoes. The slack is measured at the middle of a section. You can lower the wire with an wire lowerer. The wire lowerers are placed around the 5 metres post to post.

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