How to Install Steel Fencing

Steel fencing is an affordable and attractive way to keep your property safe and secure. It is strong enough to resist being cut into, and, when installed properly, can usually stand a great deal of force before collapsing. Steel fencing can be used to mark property lines, enclose a swimming pool or child’s play area, or keep pets confined outdoors. It can be purchased as a “kit,” with posts, fencing, gates, and mounting hardware included.

Things You'll Need

• Steel fencing, posts, gates, and caps, mounting hardware
• Stakes and string
• Post hole digger or shovel
• Concrete for setting posts
• Tape measure
• Level
• Fence stretcher
• Pliers, wrench, hacksaw

Instructions

1. Decide how far apart your fence posts need to be. This will be determined by how much fencing you are installing. The fencing company can supply you with a chart or instructions on how to properly space your fence posts, or you can go online and find this information. Drive a stake where each post will be set.

2. Make sure the stakes are in the right place using your tape measure, and then stretch string from stake to stake. Measure again to make sure the lines made by the string and stakes are straight.

3. Dig your holes at each place where the fence posts will go using the posthole digger or shovel.

4. Put the post caps on top of the posts, and set the posts firmly into the ground. All posts—center, end, and line—should line up in the center with each other. Use your level to make sure the posts are set evenly, and are not tilting to one side or the other.

5. Mix the concrete (if you are setting the posts in concrete) according to the directions given for setting fence posts, pour it in the holes, and allow it to dry completely.

6. Install tension bands, brace bands, and other necessary fittings, as well as the post caps and eye tops.

7. Start at an end post and install the top rail by sliding it through the loop cap. If needed, cut off any excess railing, but remember to leave enough so that the rail will fit tightly into the loop cap.

8. Repeat Step 7 until you have completely installed the top rail.

9. Attach one end of unrolled chain link fencing to a corner post. Use tension bands placed at evenly spaced intervals to hold the fencing.

10. Stretch the fencing by hand to the next nearest corner post.

11. Use the fence stretcher to remove the slack from the fencing and ensure that the fencing is stretched as tightly as possible. When it becomes very hard or almost impossible to operate the fence stretcher, then the fencing is tight enough.

12. Cut off the excess fencing. Install the tension bars and make any final hook-ups necessary.

13. Secure the chain link fencing to the post tops with the tie-downs or other fastening hardware.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using steel fencing to mark a property line, make sure the fencing is installed ON your property. Either have the property professionally surveyed, or use the original deed. And, just to be on the safe side, back the posts up about 4 feet. That way, you’ll be sure you’re on your property.

• Stop every so often and make sure everything is still straight and level. This way, you can correct errors as you go, instead of having to come back and do it later.

• Make sure you are not violating any codes, covenants, or other ordinances by installing steel chain link fencing. Obtain any permits you may need before beginning the project.