How to Install Chain Link Fencing

Installing chain link fence can be challenging but is something most do-it-yourselfers can do. Proper preparation is key in installing a fence that will last for years. If you have never done anything like this before just take your time and follow the directions step by step and you will have an installed fence you can be proud of. Because there are many grades of fencing, shop for the best quality fencing your budget can handle. The thicker the wire and posts the more durability your fence will have and the longer it will last.

Things You'll Need

• Chain link fence parts
• Post hole digger
• Concrete mix
• Bin to mix the concrete in
• Tape Measure
• Work gloves
• Level
• Wood stakes
• String
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Fence stretcher
• Pipe cutter

Instructions

1. Find out if you need a permit. Many municipalities require permits to put up a fence. Check with your local building code office to see if your area is one of them and they have requirements for setbacks from your property line. You will also want to check with the utility companies if you have any underground utilities. They will come out and mark them for you so you don't hit any electric wires or pipes while digging for your posts.

2. Locate your boundary lines. This is best done with a copy of your survey. If you don't have a survey look for cement markers that may have been placed in the corners of your property when a survey was last done. If you can't determine the boundary lines then you should hire a surveyor to do a survey for you.

3. Set wood stakes along the line where you want to install the fence but a few inches longer than you want. Hang string between the stakes. They should cross in the exact spot for your corner posts. End posts will go next to your house or a neighboring fence. Gate posts will go where you want your gate. These posts are called terminal posts.

4. Set the terminal posts. These holes should be dug straight up and down with no slope. Dig about 8 inches wide and between 18 to 30 inches deep. The height of the terminal posts after installation should be the height of the fencing plus 2 inches. Use a crayon and mark the posts at that measurement to show the ground line. Mix your concrete mix but make sure it's not too watery or it could crack upon hardening. Pour concrete into the hole and put the pole in the center. Push the post down to the line you drew on it and then use a level to make sure it's plumb. Once you have it plumb, crown the posts by placing concrete around the post and sloping it out. This way rain water will drain away from the posts. Let it dry 24 hours.

5. Stretch a string between the terminal posts. Position it on the outside of the posts 4 inches down from the top. The line marks the height of the line posts and they should be installed and the outside face of the line posts should be 1/4 inside the string line. The holes for the line posts should be 6 inches wide and between 18 and 24 inches deep. The average distance between posts is 9 feet however it depends on the length the fence is going. Dig the holes and set in concrete the same way you did the terminal posts. Crown them also. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

6. Slip tension bands onto the terminal posts, flat surface toward outside of fence. Now put on rail end bands, bolt heads toward the outside and threads toward the inside. Now install the post caps.

7. Put loop caps on the end of the line posts. Place a piece of top rail through the and slip a rail end cup on then attach to the rail end band. Add top rails until you get to the corner and put a cup on that end and attach to rail end band. You may have to cut a top rail to fit. Do this with pipe cutters.

8. Unroll the fencing on the ground where you're going to be installing it. Insert a tension bar into the end of the fencing between the chain link. Then connect the fencing to the terminal post with the tension bands evenly spaced. Now pick up the fencing a little at a time and loosely attach to the top rail with some tie wire. Try to pull out as much slack as you can as you walk down the fence line. When you come to the next terminal post separate the fencing by using a pair of pliers and unbending the knuckle of one strand of the fencing at the top and bottom. Then twist the strand out.

9. Insert another tension rod about 3 feet inside the unattached end. Attach one end of the fence stretcher to the tension rod and the other end to the terminal post. Take off the temporary tie wires. Stretch the fencing and insert another tension rod at the end to attach to the tension bands. You can shorten or lengthen the fencing by removing strands or splicing pieces together with a strand you take off the end. Place tie wires every 24 inches along the top rail and install them every 12 inches on the line posts. Repeat the process between all terminal posts.

10. Install your gate. Install post hinges to gate post, top hinge pin pointing down and bottom hinge pin pointing up. Set the gate and adjust so the top of the gate aligns with the top of your fencing. Attach the latch and secure all bolts.

Resources

• Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Association