How to Install Chain Link Fencing — Step by Step

What you need

• Fabric to IS 2721:2003 — mesh, wire and height as specified, in rolls
• Line wires — two for fabric up to 2 m high, three above (IS 2721)
• Posts — straining posts with struts at ends, corners and gates; intermediate posts between; size, spacing and foundation as your drawing or BOQ gives
• Stretcher bars, binding wire, and barbed wire or concertina if the top is to be secured

Quantities for your fence: chain link calculator.

Step by step

1. Set out the line and mark every end, corner, gate and change of level — each gets a straining post.
2. Fix the straining posts with their struts in concrete and let it cure. The tension of the whole fence hangs on these.
3. Fix the intermediate posts in line and to height between them.
4. Run and strain the line wires — top and bottom, and middle on fences over 2 m — from straining post to straining post.
5. Unroll the fabric along the fence, stand it up, and fix one end to a straining post with a stretcher bar threaded through the last row of diamonds.
6. Stretch the fabric from the far end until the diamonds stand square and the mesh rings when struck, then fix it with a second stretcher bar.
7. Tie the fabric to the line wires and posts with binding wire at close, even intervals.
8. Join rolls by unwinding one helix from the end of a roll and winding it back through the end diamonds of both — the joint disappears.
9. Finish the top with barbed wire on extension arms or a concertina coil where specified.

On uneven ground

Chain link follows a slope better than any rigid fence: the diamonds rack to the gradient. Step the posts to the ground, keep the bottom line wire close to the soil, and on steep ground cut the fabric on the bias at the straining posts instead of forcing it.

Common mistakes

• Straining posts without struts — the fence slackens within a season.
• Leaving out the line wires — the fabric bellies and can be lifted from the bottom.
• Too few ties, or plain wire ties on PVC coated fabric (use PVC coated binding wire).
• Thin wire to save money — compare by weight: sizes and weights.

Questions