Anti Scale Fence for Temporary High-Security Needs

Crowds surge. Pressure builds. And suddenly, a fence becomes the only thing standing between control and chaos.

Across the country, government agencies, contractors, and event organizers are rethinking how they manage crowd control and secure perimeters during protests, demonstrations, and emergency responses.

When traditional barricades fall short—and permanent fencing isn’t practical—temporary security solutions, as an anti scale fence, must perform at a higher level.

“You hope you never need it, but when you do, you better have it to quick deploy.”

— Andrew Hession, Temp Fence Specialist, SONCO

 

What Is an Anti Scale Fence?

An anti scale fence is a temporary high-security fence designed to reduce climbing by limiting handholds and footholds.

It’s commonly used in environments where access control and visibility are priorities.

Anti scale fencing emphasizes climb resistance, height, and structural rigidity, making it suitable for temporary setups that require a stronger physical and visual presence.

These systems are often used as a temporary alternative to permanent fencing when higher perimeter control is needed without long-term installation.

 

Anti Scale Fence vs Standard Temp Fence

Both standard temp fence and anti scale fence are used in temporary perimeter planning, each serving different needs.

A standard temp fence is widely used for boundary definition, site organization, and controlled movement across many projects.

An anti-scale fence is typically selected when the focus shifts to climb resistance and stronger perimeter control, such as in highly visible or security-sensitive environments.

The choice depends on the level of access control required, not on one system replacing the other.

Who Uses Anti Scale Fence Systems

Anti scale fencing is the go-to choice wherever temporary fencing must remain stable and controlled under pressure. While most people associate this type of barrier with government buildings like the White House or Supreme Court, it's also a staple at prisons and courthouses, nuclear plants, medical facilities, data security centers, construction zones and high-profile events.

Any environment where unauthorized access, vandalism or crowd pressure is a real risk is a candidate for anti scale fencing.

Public Sector and Government

Used for protests, demonstrations, and emergency response, where access points may need tighter control.

Venues and Arenas

Applied in crowd-heavy areas, secure zones, and controlled access points where visibility and perimeter definition are important.

Fence Contractors and Site Services

Used by providers supporting high-security projects that require a temporary setup with added climb resistance, without permanent installation.

 

A Purpose-Built System for Serious Security

What truly sets the system apart is its structure.

Unlike clamp-style setups, these panels bolt together at multiple points to create a rigid wall that resists force.

Each panel anchors into a heavy-duty steel baseplate with reflective markings, which helps maintain stability even under pressure. In situations that demand extra reinforcement, optional brace arms can be added to strengthen the setup.

And for access points, the system is also compatible with gates, which can be equipped with caster wheels when needed.

“When temp fencing isn’t enough and permanent fencing isn’t an option, this system offers a middle ground—high security, deployed fast.”

— Andrew Hession

Practically Impossible To Climb

The tight, diamond-shaped mesh puts tremendous pressure on the ends of your fingers when you try to lift your body, making it all but impossible to climb. Standard chain link fence is relatively easy to scale, especially for someone with experience. The diamond mesh is also tight enough to stop someone wearing gloves from climbing. If you have even a semi-thick glove, anti scale fencing might as well be a metal wall.

Connected By Bolts Rather Than Clamps

For most temporary fencing applications, clamps do a great job of creating uninterrupted perimeters. But an anti scale fence needs to be secured by a bolt, a thick metal bar that runs perpendicular between two panels and locks in place. No matter how hard a large number of people try to push through, the bolt holds under incredible pressure.

Incredibly Sturdy

The system stands on heavy-duty steel plates, providing greater overall stability to each individual panel and creating a flat, smooth perimeter around any area. Even when panels are not bolted to others, they stay upright on their own, further emphasizing their versatility and adaptability to any situation.

 

Anti Scale Fence Projectile Protection

An anti scale fence isn't just a barrier that's practically impossible to climb. It's also built to protect security personnel from projectiles like bricks, bottles, stones and other thrown objects, making it a key feature in high tension crowd control situations.

The tight diamond mesh threading is designed to break and block incoming projectiles with consistent efficiency. While you'll want to maintain a few feet of distance if glass is being thrown, the structural integrity of the mesh holds up under sustained pressure from crowds and debris alike.

This level of protection is one of the key reasons law enforcement agencies, government facilities and event security teams choose anti scale fencing over standard temporary barriers when situations escalate beyond routine crowd management.

 

Anti Scale Fence as a Visual Deterrent

The sheer size and design of an anti scale fence is a powerful deterrent before anyone even attempts a perimeter breach. Towering over people at close range and blocking sightlines at certain angles, it sends a clear signal that the perimeter is serious and not easily overcome.

The tight mesh is visibly painful to touch, which discourages climbing attempts before they start. The height also gives law enforcement enough of a visibility barrier to form tactical positions and coordinate without being observed by the crowd.

Unlike standard chain link fencing, which is familiar and relatively easy to scale, an anti scale fence creates a genuine physical and psychological barrier between security personnel and crowds in high pressure situations.

 

Anti Scale Fence Accessories and Add-Ons

SONCO's anti scale fence system goes beyond the panels themselves. The right accessories can significantly improve stability, visibility control and overall perimeter effectiveness. Custom bundle deals are available on request.

Perimeter Braces

In high wind conditions or when large crowds are pushing against the fence line, braces provide essential reinforcement. Adding braces to your anti scale fence setup ensures the perimeter holds under sustained pressure without compromising structural integrity.

Safety Tape

High-visibility anti-slip safety tape creates a clear boundary in front of your anti scale fence, signaling to crowds where they should stay. In most crowd control situations people respect a clearly marked line, which reduces direct contact with the fence itself.

Privacy Screens

Privacy screens minimize visibility between security personnel and crowds, providing a tactical advantage for law enforcement while creating an additional psychological deterrent. Combined with CCTV cameras, they give security teams full situational awareness without exposing their movements.

Custom Signage

Custom vinyl signs reinforce safety messaging and communicate expectations clearly to crowds. A clearly visible sign establishes rules of conduct and can also reduce liability exposure if incidents occur outside of posted guidelines.

 

Safety Isn’t Just in the Product—It’s in the Process

Temporary security systems aren’t just about steel and specs. They’re about trust—trust that the barrier will hold, that the setup is sound, and that people on both sides of the fence are protected.

That’s why every part of SONCO’s Anti-Scale system is engineered to work together: from the mesh panels and baseplates to the braces and anchoring accessories.

Following the full setup recommendations is key to performance. It helps reduce the risk of issues like bending, breaking, or unintended movement under stress.

Avoiding shortcuts and resisting the urge to modify the system—like skipping parts or altering components—can make the difference between a controlled perimeter and a compromised one.

Every piece is there for a reason, and small changes in setup can lead to bigger problems in the field.

At SONCO, we don’t just ship panels. We provide guidance and documentation to help teams deploy them safely and effectively—because when pressure rises, there’s no room for improvisation.

“In high-pressure situations, security decisions have to be backed by more than product specs, they need to come with experience and guidance.”

— Stephen Greer, CEO, SONCO

 

Anti Scale Fence FAQs

What is the difference between anti scale and anti climb fencing?

The terms anti-scale and anti-climb are often used interchangeably, and for good reason. Rather than referring to two distinct products, they both describe the same functional category of high security fencing designed to prevent climbing and unauthorized access. At SONCO, our Fortress system is engineered to address both concerns simultaneously, limiting handholds, footholds and climbing attempts regardless of which term you use to describe it.

What is an anti scale fence used for?

Anti scale fencing is used wherever temporary perimeter security needs to perform at a higher level than standard fencing. Common applications include protests and demonstrations, emergency response situations, government buildings, courthouses, prisons, nuclear plants, medical facilities, data security centers and high profile events.

How is an anti scale fence different from standard temporary fencing?

Standard temporary fencing is designed for boundary definition and site organization. Anti scale fencing is specifically engineered for climb resistance, structural rigidity and high pressure crowd control situations. The key difference is the level of access control required, not one system replacing the other.

Can anti scale fencing be used indoors?

Yes. Anti scale fencing can be deployed in indoor environments like arenas, convention centers and parking structures where temporary high security perimeters are needed for events or controlled access situations.

What accessories are available for anti scale fence systems?

SONCO's anti scale fence system is compatible with perimeter braces for additional stability, high visibility safety tape, privacy screens for tactical advantage and custom vinyl signage for safety messaging and crowd guidance.

How quickly can an anti scale fence be deployed?

The system is designed for fast deployment. Panels bolt together quickly and the heavy duty steel baseplates require no ground penetration, making it practical for emergency response situations where setup time is limited.

Get the Right Anti Scale Fence for Your Project

When the stakes are high and standard fencing isn't enough, SONCO has the system and the expertise to back you up.

With 50 years of perimeter security experience, we help government agencies, contractors and event organizers deploy anti scale fence systems that hold under real pressure.

Browse our full catalog, request a free quote or talk to one of our security specialists today.

We'll make sure you have the right setup before you need it.

Source:

Portions of this article were adapted from an article originally published by Fence News USA. Read the original feature here.