10 Easy Steps to Installing a Chain Link Fence

Last summer my husband and I decided to get our property line zoned and marked out so we could erect a galvanized chain link fence to protect our children and pets. Before you attempt to install a fence on your property, you'll need to know where all the underground power and gas lines are located. This can be done free of charge in any state by calling 811, a surveyor will come out and mark all the pertinent and dangerous lines that may be underground and you will also have your property lines marked, all free of charge.

After you have got this step accomplished, you are ready to pick out what type of fence you want to put up. The most popular chain linked fence is the galvanized, which is silver in color. I find that the galvanized chain linked fence hold up better than a non-galvanized. We purchased ours from the Hoover Fence Co. and can be found on-line at www.hooverfence.com. We received our chain-linked fence at an exceptional price and it was delivered within 3 days, what great service is that! Listed below is a list of materials and tools needed to install your chain linked fence yourself.

Tools you will need
Level
Pliers
Tape Measure
Crescent wrench
Shovel & Hoe
Wheelbarrow
Post Hole Digger
Sledge Hammer
Wire cutters
Masonry string & Stakes

Materials you will need (most of these will come with the fence)

Galvanized fence in 50' rolls
Line posts & Terminal posts (end and corner)
Top rails & Sleeves (total fence line footage, minus gate)
Loop caps
Tension bar (1 each end, 2 every corner)
Brace band (1 per tension bar)
Tension band (4 per tension bar)
Rail ends (1 per tension bar)
Post caps (1 per terminal post)
Carriage bolts 5/16 and 1 ¼
Fence hooks and ties (1 for every 12" if line)
Post ties (1 for every 24" of line)
Galvanized chain link walk gate
5 lbs concrete

10 Easy steps to installation

Mark off the area with the stales and masonry string.

Mark off every 10 feet with stakes to mark where the holes will be dug for the posts, once this is done, take the masonry string and wrap it all the way around the perimeter.

Locate where you want to place the gate and insert stakes and paint them a bright color, this will be where the gate will go and will be done last.

Using the post hole digger, dig the holes according to the manufacturers guide that came with the fencing material you purchased. Post hole sized will vary depending on the geographical location, fence size, height and fencing material. Dig holes with the post hole digger to the correct depth.

Mix the cement; you will want the cement to be thick and not runny. Fill the holes with concrete leaving 3-4 inch from the top to allow curing room.

Insert the posts into position while the cement is wet, you do not want the cement to cure before putting in the posts. Insert the posts as close to the masonry line as possible. After all posts are in place, install the gateposts with the exact opening size that is recommended by the fence manufacturer. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours before you continue with the project. If you do not allow for sufficient curing time, your fence will end up at a slant.

Lie out the fence fabric and prepare all of the fittings, rails and brace bands to have all the equipment necessary to finish the project. Stretch out the first 50' roll of fence fabric and start to tie off the fabric to the secure fence posts in 10' intervals (you will need assistance with this step). Make sure that the fabric is nice and tight; you don't want a sagging fence.

Install the corner brackets as you attach the fence fabric, following the manufacturers guidelines. Put all post rail caps in place and make sure that all the ties, braces, rail ends, tension bands, bolts and ties are in place and there are no left over pieces.

Almost there, when you received the fence from the manufacturer the gate comes fully assembled for you. Install the gate according to the manufacturers guidelines, if you have installed the fence properly, the gate will be easy to install.

After the fence is all finished, you will want to do a walk around the perimeter to inspect your work; with the level make sure that the fence is level all the way around. Be sure to check the stability of the fence as well. If the fence has no or limited movement when you test it, the fence was installed correctly, if the fence has a lot of movement then there is a problem and would probably need professional assistance.

References for this article came from my own personal experience and hooverfence.com and ehow.com