How to Use a Fence Stretcher
Chain-link fencing needs to be tight to be effective. When the chain-link fabric is loose, children and animals can escape and intruders can penetrate the confines. Tightening a chain-link fence requires the use of a fence stretcher. These stretchers are available for installing a new chain-link fence, tightening an existing one and repairing a broken fence.
The most common type of fence stretcher is a bar with three or four hooks that attach to a tension bar and are pulled by a cable come-along attached to an eyelet on the fence stretcher. A cable come-along is a piece most often found attached to a hoist.
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Instructions
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Weave the tension bar into the chain-link fence three feet behind the leading edge of the chain-link fabric. It is important to install the tension bar back from the edge of the fence fabric to reduce the amount of deformation of the fabric and to add strength to the pull of the fence stretcher.
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Attach one hook of the come-along to a fence post, tree or vehicle hitch. Connect the fence stretcher to the tension bar using the stretcher's three to four hooks. Pull out the cable from the come-along to connect it to the fence stretcher. Make sure that the stretcher and the fence posts are in line, or slightly behind, the fence post line. If the fence stretcher is aligned in front of the fence line, the chain-link fabric will sit at an angle to the fence posts, which will make fastening the fabric difficult.
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Remove the slack from the come-along and make sure that all the components are fastened properly. Tighten the come-along slowly by working the handle back and forth. Once tension has been applied, inspect the fence stretcher and the chain-link fabric to make sure that the fabric is pulling evenly. If the fabric is not pulling at a 90-degree angle to the fence posts, readjust the location of the tension bar.
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Tighten the chain-link fabric until there is no slack remaining. Fasten the fencing fabric to the fence posts. Release the pressure from the come-along and remove the fence stretcher. The chain-link fence material may sag after the fence stretcher is removed.
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Reattach the fence stretcher and remove more slack from the chain-link fence fabric if the fence still appears loose. Only disconnect the fence fabric from the fence posts in the area that needs to be tightened. Move onto the next section of fence fabric and repeat the process until the entire fence is tightened.
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Tips & Warnings
Perform a proper inspection of the come-along cable to ensure that the cable is not frayed or damaged. A damaged cable can snap during use and cause severe injury.
