DIY: Repairing a Chain Link Fence

Chain link fences seldom need repair, but when they do the repairs are straightforward and easy to complete. When your chain link fence was installed, you may have been left some scrap pieces. If so, you can use these pieces to repair the damage to the fence. Also useful is a knowledge of how chain link fences are constructed, so you can competently take one apart and replace the damaged pieces.

Step 1: If the top or bottom rail of the chain link fence is damaged, it should be removed and replaced. Cut out a section of the rail using a hack saw. With a section from the rail gone, you should be able to pull out the other sections of the damaged rail as well.

Step 2: Measure the space that the rail just occupied and note the diameter of the rail you have removed. Find a suitable replacement rail.

Step 3: Remove the post cap from one of the posts adjacent to the missing rail. Also remove the brace bands and tension bands from that side.

Step 4: Slide the rail into place. Replace the brace bands, tension bands, and finally the post cap from the post in step three.

Step 5: If the actual chain link is damaged, cut away the damaged panel of chain link and discard it. Keep the tension bars on the chain link panel to use when installing the new piece of chain link. Cut away the tie wires from the top rail as well.

Step 6: Cut a new piece of chain link to fit the space. Thread the old tension bars through both sides of the chain link. Attach the tension bands as well.

Step 7: Attach the tension bars to the posts, having a friend help you stretch the chain link. Tighten all of the hardware until the chain link panel is firmly in place.

Step 8: Use new tie wires to attach the top of the chain link to the rail. Twist the tie wires with a set of pliers to ensure that the chain link remains taunt.