How to Install Chain Link Fence
How to Install Chain Link Fence
A chain-link fence is an inexpensive way to enclose any sized area for safety or security. Unlike solid fencing, chain-link's open weave design lets people see through the fence, while still serving as a barrier to unauthorized entry. Here are the steps to installing a chain-link fence.
Step 1 of 11: Before You Install
1. Obtain any necessary permits.
2. Establish where your property lines are located.
3. Review any neighborhood covenants for regulations on Chain Link Fence.
Step 2 of 11: Mark Your Chain Link Fence Layout
1. Locate the property lines that border your neighbor's.
2. Measure the total length of your planned Chain Link Fence.
3. Find each terminal post location.
Step 3 of 11: Install the Terminal Posts
1. Dig all the terminal post holes first.
2. Fill the post holes with 4 inches of gravel.
3. Stand a terminal post in the center of its hole.
4. Plumb the post.
5. Secure the post in position.
6. Fill the hole with concrete.
7. Repeat until all your terminal posts are installed.
Step 4 of 11: Mark Your Line Posts
1. Run a string line between the terminal posts.
2. Mark the location of each line post.
Step 5 of 11: Install the Line Posts
1. Dig the line post holes.
2. Repeat the terminal post installation steps (above) for each line post.
Step 6 of 11: Add Bands and Caps to the Posts
1. Slide tension bands onto each post.
2. Add the appropriate caps to posts.
3. Tighten all the nuts and bolts, but not too tight.
Step 7 of 11: Install the Top Rail
1. Feed the top rails through the loop caps.
2. Insert the rail ends into the terminal rail caps.
3. Tighten nuts and bolts.
4. Fill the line post holes with dirt, packing the dirt firmly around the holes.
Step 8 of 11: Hang the Fence Mesh
1. Slide a tension bar vertically through the starting end of the mesh roll.
2. Bolt the tension bar to one of the terminal posts' tension bands.
3. Begin unrolling the mesh.
4. Loosely attach the mesh to the top rail.
5. Splice sections together as needed.
6. Remove excess mesh.
Step 9 of 11: Stretching the Chain-link
1. Pull the mesh taut with a fence puller.
2. Thread the fence puller's bar into an unattached section of mesh, a short distance from the far end post.
3. Run a second tension bar through the end of the mesh near the Chain Link Fence puller.
4. Remove any new excess produced by stretching.
Step 10 of 11: Tie and Tighten
1. Tie the mesh to the rails with aluminum wire.
Step of 11: Add Tension Wire (Optional)
1. Thread tension wire through the bottom mesh loops.
2. Tighten the tension wire around the end posts.
