Abstract: A fastener for mounting on a post to hold barbed wire in which an elongated member has an eye at one end and mounting means at the other end, the eye defines an enlarged opening for free movement of barbed wire therethrough and the fastener includes means for positioning the eye a predetermined distance from the associated post. Two embodiments are disclosed, one having a single shank with an open enlarged eye and a positioning washer. After barbed wire is positioned in the open enlarged eye, the eye is manually closed to trap the wire. The second embodiment is a staple for use with wood posts in which two prongs are provided with a reverse bend between an eye and the prongs, thereby limiting the distance that the fastener can be driven into the wood post to position the eye a predetermined distance from the post.