If you’re considering the best way to secure a polythene cover to your polytunnel, you’ve likely come across Wiggle Wire, sometimes known as spring lock. While it’s a widely used system in commercial and hobbyist polytunnels, some growers have concerns about its long-term availability and safety.
In this post, we’ll address these common concerns and explain why it remains one of the most reliable, durable, and user-friendly options for securing polytunnel covers.
Will Wiggle Wire Still Be Available in 10 Years?
One common concern growers have when investing in any fixing system is its long-term availability. What happens if you need to replace your cover in a decade, will Wiggle Wire still be around?
The Reality:
✅ Wiggle Wire is an industry standard solution
Wiggle Wire has been used for years in commercial and hobbyist polytunnels worldwide, and its reliability means it’s not going anywhere. Unlike some proprietary systems, wiggle wire is globally available from multiple manufacturers, ensuring future supply.
✅ Wiggle Wire can be reused
Unlike wooden battens, which will break or degrade over time, Wiggle Wire can be removed and reused multiple times without losing its effectiveness. If you replace your cover in 5-10 years, the same Wiggle Wire and channels will likely still be usable. Our Wiggle Wire is both galvanised and plastic coated for extra-long life. Should you want to replace it? It’s one of the most affordable fixing components you’ll buy.
Is Wiggle Wire Unsafe?
Some growers worry that wiggle wire might be sharp or hazardous to handle, especially compared to other materials like wooden battens.
The Reality:
✅ It’s no more hazardous than garden wire
Like any metal product, wiggle wire has edges, but when used correctly, it is no more hazardous than handling garden wire or fencing materials. Its plastic coating adds protection for your hands and cover.
✅ No piercing or damage to the polythene
Unlike wooden battens, which require screws or nails that can weaken and tear the cover over time, wiggle wire securely holds the polythene in place without puncturing it. This extends the life of your cover and helps maintain a better seal.
✅ No timber, no rot
Wooden battens will absorb moisture, warp, and rot over time, especially in damp (and let’s face it, typically British) conditions. Wiggle Wire, made from galvanized steel and plastic coated, resists corrosion and remains effective for years.
✅ Minimal tools required for installation
Once snipped to length, Wiggle Wire can be installed by hand, with no need for drilling, screwing, or hammering. This method puts less stress on your structure and it allows for adjustments as needed, reducing the risk of errors or damage.
Why Wiggle Wire is the Best Choice for Fixing Polytunnel Covers a Comparison
| Feature | Wiggle Wire | Wooden Battens |
| Reusability | ✅ Yes | ❌ Very unlikely |
| Polythene-Friendly | ✅ No piercing | ❌ Fixings pierce cover |
| Longevity | ✅ Rust-resistant | ❌ Prone to rot |
| Installation | ✅ Fit by hand | ❌ Needs nails/screws |
| Adjustability | ✅ Easy to reposition | ❌ Difficult to adjust |
Wiggle Wire remains one of the most trusted fixing methods in the industry, used by commercial growers and hobbyists alike. It offers a secure, reusable, and long-lasting solution that protects your polytunnel cover better than traditional methods.
At Northern Polytunnels, our EasyBuild Polytunnel comes equipped with Wiggle Wire as standard, meaning the entire structure is metal – no timber, no rot.
For more information on the EasyBuild Polytunnel, please visit www.northernpolytunnels.co.uk/the-easybuild-polytunnel/
