Chain Link Installations

A chain link fence can be a great addition to any yard, and thanks to it’s low percentage of opacity, it can legally be placed in front yards or corner lots without impairing traffic visibility, in most locations. Have a set plan in mind, and be prepared for a little research to make the process of chain link fence installation go smoothly and stress free.

Chain link may seem like a simple option but there are many variables that can be added to help bring life to it. Consider a coating or enamel, black is the most common, to protect the metal from weathering. The standard metal posts can also be replaced by wood to create a more rustic design.

Before any construction begins, understand there are specific restrictions and rules to follow while building a fence. Here are a few important aspects to examine prior to breaking ground.

You can employ the help of a surveyor, or even obtain city records to be certain your fence is completely on your own property. Locating property pins and taking precise measurements will be vital.

If you wish to build precisely on the property line, an agreement will have to be reached with your neighbor for a boundary fence. This will mean shared ownership and responsibility of maintenance.

Utility lines can be hidden under the ground and to interfere with them is not wise. Contact your utility company so you can have a marked copy of any spots you need to avoid during installation of your fence. You will be responsible for any damages caused during construction.

Building permits can be applied for and received according to your city codes. Some cities do not even require a fence permit. Often a permit may also require a drawn out map of your plan along with it.

Each city has its own specific legal and safety requirements. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local codes before committing to any particular placement. Failing to do so may result in costly fines or extra work relocating it.

You will need a specific set of tools to complete each step. Review this list and get all necessary tools together before beginning construction.

• String
• Stakes or flags
• Post-hole digger or shovel
• Concrete
• Wheelbarrow
• Hammer
• Crescent or socket wrench
• Pliers
• Carpenter’s level or plumbline
• Hacksaw
• File

Mark your terminal post (corner, gate, or end post) locations with a stake or other markers, such as large rocks. Connect string to these markers so that you can make sure they are placed in a straight line.

Once you have a measurement of your entire fencing plot, this will provide the amount of material you will need to purchase. Local retailers will be able to take that measurement and tell just how many posts you will need for appropriate spacing. Without the proper amount of posts a chain link fence can easily begin to sag.

Terminal Post holes should be dug first. The holes will be one third the length of the post and three times as wide. Add four inches to the hole’s depth to allow for extra filling. Dig these holes in a cone shape to avoid shifting during heavy rains.

Each terminal post will need filled with four inches of gravel. It is important to compact the gravel to make a solid foundation for the cement which will later be poured.

Place a pole in the center of each hole, this is best done only a few at a time. Since a quick setting concrete is suggested, mix only the amount of concrete you will need at the moment to avoid wasting materials. Use your wheelbarrow to quickly transport and pour the mixture around each post. Leave one to two inches to cover the concrete with dirt once it is dried. Smooth the surface of the concrete to slope away from the post, this will help direct water elsewhere.

As the concrete begins to set, use a carpenter’s level or plumbline to make slight adjustments to straighten each terminal pole. Poles may need held in place by hand or with makeshift braces until the concrete is set enough to support the pole on its own.

Once the terminal posts are completely set, begin preparations for line posts. Attach a string between each terminal post, this will show you the correct placement to keep the supporting posts in line.

Follow the same directions as the terminal posts to bury and secure line posts. Take your time to ensure each pole is placed precisely in the line with the rest.

Slide tension bands over the top of each pole, these will be used to attach the chain link mesh. You should use as many tension bands as the pole is tall in feet, minus one. For instance, a 5 foot pole should have 4 tension bands equally spaced. Tighten bolts just enough to keep them in place for now since they may need adjusted in later steps.

Add your post caps to each pole only after tension bands are placed. Post caps should fit snugly, use a hammer to get it fully secured. Be sure to only tap lightly, this way you avoid leaving small scuffs and dents. Terminal poles should have a different type of caps than line poles. Line poles should allow space for top rails to pass through and terminal poles should have attachments that protect the ends.

Start by feeding the top rail through the loop caps. Use male-female coupling ends to attach poles for longer fence lines. Any excess will need to be trimmed with a hacksaw, use a file second to smooth sharp edges left over from cutting. Ensure your top rail is the correct length before attaching to terminal rail caps. Tighten nuts and bolts on the loop caps to get top rails completely secured.

Start on a terminal post and fully attach the starting end of the mesh using a tension bar to keep it stiff and secure as you unfurl the roll. Attach the mesh to one pole at a time in order, so you can take out the slack as you go. Loosely attach the mesh to the top rail as you go in case it needs adjusted. The top of the mesh should be slightly higher than your top rails. Examine the pattern of the mesh before tightening tension bands on poles to ensure it is kept straight. Having someone to hold the roll while another attaches the mesh to poles will make things much simpler.

Mesh can be spliced together by twisting together the end of rolls. Line up diamonds and do your best to use as little material as possible while still allowing enough to keep it secure so it is less noticeable. Do this in line with poles if you can to hide it even better.

Any extra mesh will need removed. Since it is twisted together securely, use a pair of pliers to untwist it directly where you want the mesh to stop. Unwind that strand of metal through the links until it is completely free. By doing this the two sections will now be free from each other.

First, have the mesh stretched tightly with the help of a fence puller. This is so the fence does not sag under the pressure of the applied chain link.

Do this by hooking the fence puller’s bar on a section of the mesh that is a few inches from an end post. Take the pull bar as close to the adjoining post until the mesh barely moves when pinched. It should not be able to be squeezed more than one-third of an inch when done by hand.

Afterwards, go back and tighten all loose bolts.

Tension bars should be run through each diamond at the end of the mesh. Attaching ends on terminal posts with tension bars will ensure that it does not loosen gradually on the top or bottom.

The final step is to begin tieing the mesh to the rails. Use aluminum wire to make ties around two feet apart on the top rail. On the bottom rail, make the ties one foot apart.

Extra Tips:

• Cement that is quick-setting can save a lot of time in installation. The mesh fence should not be stretched or attached until the cement is completely set.
• If you want a DIY option, you can use wooden posts as well.
• Set up your tools in a manner that make sequential sense. Have the gravel ready with your shovel to start, then make sure tools are available for pouring cement. Having tools ready in the order you’ll need them can shave time off the process.
• Always request the help of others during installation. Steps like stretching the mesh and bracing posts can be difficult without an extra pair of hands.

After researching the different regulations your chain link fence must meet, use your discretion if you can complete the installation yourself, or would like to contact a professional. Following a step-by-step guide can be exactly what you need to accomplish your intended construction quickly, and efficiently. It is up to you to ensure all steps are performed correctly, especially beginning steps of securing the posts, which will aid in the sturdiness of the chain link fence.