The back yard is an asset no homeowner should fail to make the most of. The space allows families to safely pursue mutual activities, ranging from playing with pets to working on vehicles. This is particularly true here in central Georgia, with winter temperatures that seldom dip below the high 30s, and with 212 sunny days per average year.
Mentioning safety is important. A good fence is beneficial in almost all situations; pets can’t run onto roads, and tools are less likely to disappear. One of the most cost-effective solutions available should be a snap with our guide to how to install chain link fence.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Before beginning any of the structural work, consult with:
- The real estate agent who sold you the property, a local surveyor or your municipality, to establish your exact property lines. If you rent, check with the landlord that erecting a fence is okay.
- Your local Code Enforcement office, to learn the legal maximum heights allowable for fencing (particularly important if you’re working along your frontage).
- Utility providers, to ensure there are no pipes or cables running close to the surface anywhere you’re intending to work.
Draw a detailed plan for installing your chain link fence on a sheet of graph paper. Measure the overall length of the fencing, showing all posts, gates and other accessories you may need, then calculate and purchase the materials (see below).
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
Every project differs. To suit the size of the project, most DIY chain link fence installations will require the following materials:
- Bottom tension wire
- Fence ties
- Gate fork latch(es)
- Gate frame hinges
- Gate post hinges
- Line post tops
- Line posts
- Rail end bands
- Rail ends
- Tension bands
- Tension bars
- Terminal post caps
- Terminal posts
- Tension wire clips
- Top rails
For explanations of any of these components, to make your purchases, or for more advice on how to install chain link fence, contact Central Fence.
The tools you should have at hand include:
- 1/2-inch and 9/16-inch wrenches (or a universal crescent wrench)
- Carpenter’s level
- Crayon or felt marker
- Fence stretcher
- Hacksaw or pipe cutter
- Hoe
- Pliers
- Post hole digger
- Rubble
- Shovel
- String or chalk line
- Stakes
- Tape measure
- Tension wire clip pliers (sometimes called hog ring pliers)
- Wheelbarrow
SETTING THE TERMINAL POSTS
Transfer your graph paper plan to the ground, using your string or chalk line.
Site that line four inches inside the boundary, so your concrete footings won’t intrude on the neighboring properties.
Use a stake to mark the location of each terminal post (terminal posts are the corner, end and gate posts). Dig the terminal post holes, usually around eight inches in diameter and 30 inches deep, using your post hole digger.
Mark a line, with your crayon or felt marker, on the post – measuring downward from the top – that is equal to the height of the fence fabric, plus two inches.
Center the terminal posts into your holes, trapping them in place with a few pieces of rubble. Your crayon or felt pen mark must be exactly at ground level. Ensure each post is plumb upright, using your carpenter’s level, in all orientations. Mix your concrete in the wheelbarrow, using your shovel and following the manufacturer’s directions for water content. In one continuous pour, surround each post with concrete.
HOW TO INSTALL THE CHAIN LINK FENCE
Once the terminal posts’ footings are set, stretch a string line taut between them, 4 inches below the top on the outside faces of the posts. Dig holes and set the line posts following all of the instructions for the terminal posts.
Once those footings have set, slip all your rail end bands, tension bands and terminal post caps into place.
Fit a line post top onto each line post. Insert a length of top rail through one line post top adjacent to a terminal post, slide it into place and attach it to the terminal post using a rail end band and a 5/16 inch by 1-1/4 inch carriage bolt.
Continue the process until all top rails are secured in position, cutting at each terminal post so the last length fits tightly.
Attach tension wire to the carriage bolt of one bottom rail end band, and twist tight using pliers, then stretch around entire project. Install tension wire clips two feet apart.
FITTING FENCE FABRIC
Unfurl your chain-link fabric, onto the ground below where it will be fitted. Starting at a terminal post, slip a tension bar through the first row of links, then fasten it to the tension bands. Stand the fence fabric up, resting it against your framing. Use a few fence ties to loosely attach the fabric to top rail, stretching out the slack as you go.
Retrace your steps, installing fence ties every two feet.
Although this was a lengthy tutorial, for a talented handyman or woman, the job is doable. Of course, if you have a need for help, and you’re within our fence coverage area, please let us know.
Ready to order a chain link fence and get started? Contact us today for a free quote!
