How to Build a Coyote Roller
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Time to read 3 min
Table of contents
Whether you’re trying to keep the coyotes out of your yard or keep your dogs from escaping, this DIY fence roll bar known as a coyote roller will do the trick. We’ll list the materials you need along with each step explaining how to build your very own coyote roller.
Materials:
- Tape measure
- PVC pipe: 1” diameter inner roller, 3” diameter outer roller
- Steel Braided Wire (measure about 1 foot longer than the pipe, for tie-down purposes)
- L-brackets 4” x 7/8” (2 for each section of PVC pipe)
- Crimps/wire anchor locks (2 for each section of PVC pipe)
- Electric drill
- Hacksaw
- Wire cutters
Step 1
You’ll need to determine the length of the fence where you’ll put your coyote roller. This will allow you to determine the length of pipe and wire you need to cover the fence line. Do this before ordering your supplies. A good rule of thumb is about 4-5 ft sections. Use this number to determine your L-brackets, crimps, and wire anchor locks.
Step 2
Once you have your PVC Pipe and other materials, use the hacksaw to cut the pipe to the desired lengths. You can cut the small-diameter PVC Pipe about ½” to ¾” longer to allow the larger diameter pipe to roll freely and for easier use of connecting the wire.
Step 3
Attach the L-Bracket to the top of your fence. The L should be facing the center of where the wire will be placed. Measure for the second L-bracket. Leave about a ¼” gap between the PVC pipe end.
Step 4
Measure the distance between L-brackets, add about 12 inches to that measurement, then use the wire cutters to cut your first section of wire.
Step 5
On one of the L-brackets, secure the wire with the crimp/wire anchor lock and thread the wire through the smaller diameter PVC Pipe. Take the larger diameter PVC Pipe and slide it over top of the smaller one.
Step 6
On the other L-bracket, pull the wire tight so that the “roller” is sitting above the top of the fence and secure it with another crimp/wire anchor lock.
Repeat these steps as needed until you’re satisfied with the coverage you have on your fence.
This should keep out anything that is trying to jump or climb its way into your yard. Additionally, if you have an escape artist dog, it should keep them inside the fence. This is not a guarantee, but we have gotten feedback that this method can be an effective solution. If you’re still having trouble with wildlife, we suggest contacting your local representatives to assist you further.
Dual-Purpose Protection: Designed as an effective DIY solution to both keep predatory coyotes out of your yard and prevent "escape artist" dogs from jumping over the fence.
Simple Mechanical Design: Uses a "pipe-within-a-pipe" system (1” PVC inside 3” PVC) held by steel braided wire and L-brackets to create a rolling surface that prevents animals from gaining leverage.
Easy Customization: The guide recommends building the rollers in manageable 4–5 foot sections, making it easy to adapt the project to any total fence length.
Budget-Friendly DIY: Utilizes affordable, standard PVC materials and basic tools like a hacksaw and drill, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive commercial roller systems.
FAQs
What size PVC pipe should I use for the roller?
To ensure the roller spins effectively, the guide recommends using two different sizes of PVC pipe:
Inner Roller: 1” diameter PVC pipe.
Outer Roller: 3” diameter PVC pipe. The larger pipe slides over the smaller one, allowing it to spin freely when an animal tries to gain traction on the top of the fence.
How do I determine how much material I need?
The amount of material depends on the length of your fence line. A good rule of thumb is to build the rollers in 4 to 5-foot sections.
For each section: You will need two L-brackets and two crimps/wire anchor locks.
Wire length: Measure the distance between your L-brackets and add about 12 inches to ensure you have enough slack for securing and tie-downs.
How do I make sure the roller actually spins?
The key to a functional roller is leaving enough "wiggle room" during assembly:
Cutting: Cut the inner (smaller) PVC pipe about ½” to ¾” longer than the outer (larger) pipe.
Spacing: When mounting your L-brackets, leave approximately a ¼” gap between the end of the PVC pipe and the bracket.
Tension: Ensure the steel braided wire is pulled taut between the L-brackets so the roller sits securely above the fence line without sagging.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
