1303 – Chain Link Fence Installation Tips-Installing Posts and Hardware (2024)

FAQs

How do you set chain link fence posts? ›

Most chain link posts can be installed by actually pouring the cement in the hole first and then 'sticking' the post in the wet cement. Simply push the post into the cement mix in the center of the hole. Set terminal posts as tight to the string as possible without touching the string.

Most residential and commercial fences are made from a 9-gauge chain link with a 2-inch diamond pattern. Temporary fences often are made from thinner 11- or 11½-gauge wire. If you're fencing a high-security property, a 6 gauge works best, while a 9 gauge works perfectly fine if you're fencing a typical home.

You can install a chain link fence without using concrete, but it is not recommended. Anchoring each fence post in concrete is the best way to ensure your fence will stand straight and tall for many years.

Installing a chain-link fence requires a moderate level of DIY knowledge. You need to know how to measure, and you need to be able to use tools such as a post-hole digger.

As a general guideline, fence posts should be buried at least one-third of their total length. For example, if you have a 6-foot chain link fence, the posts should be buried approximately 2 feet deep.

Tension wire is the most common piece to add to the bottom of a chain link fence. Its main purpose is to help stabilize the fence and to attach the chain link mesh or fabric. It can come in multiple lengths and various gauges. There are also options for galvanized or aluminized.

A tension wire can prevent animals from pulling up the chain link fencing at the bottom. This can be installed during the chain link fence construction, or it can be retrofitted after the fact. The wires are secured to the posts, but they are not woven into the chain link fabric.

Weave a temporary tension bar about 3ft from your end post. Then attach a stretcher bar to the tension bar. Attach a fence puller to the stretcher bar and the end post, then crank the tool to tighten the mesh. The mesh is tight enough when you can squeeze around 2-4 cm with your hands in the tensioned area of mesh.

The number of tension bands you'll need is the height of the fence (in feet) minus one. For example, for a 4' fence, install 3 tension bands. For corner posts, add an extra set of bands for the adjacent run of fence.

Stainless Steel—Stainless steel wires are the strongest and most durable (but also most expensive).

How deep should chain link fence posts be buried? ›

For a 6-foot chain link fence, the posts should typically be buried at least 2 feet deep. This depth ensures fence stability, withstanding wind and tension from the chain link fabric. However, consider soil conditions and local codes, which may require deeper post holes or additional measures for stability.

SPACING FENCE POSTS

As chain link fence posts are smaller and sturdier than many other types, the holes should be smaller and can be farther apart. Follow the fence manufacturer's instructions for spacing, which typically ranges from 4-10' apart—spacing should not exceed 10' on-center.

Even though there are various methods to put in chain link pipe, such as using no-dig tactics by pounding a post in, most fence installers use concrete or cement when putting in a chain link fence post. However, this is not always the chosen method depending on the conditions of your terrain.