Chain Link Fence DIY

Are you installing your first chain link fence? Installing a chain link fence may seem overwhelming at first because of all the parts and pieces that are involved. But with a little effort you can install your own chain link fence. The first thing to do is get familiar with all the various chain link fence parts. Take a moment to look over the list below. Then look at a chain link fence in your neighborhood to see how all these different parts fit together. Then buy your chain link fittings from Jeften. There is no need to push an orange cart around looking for what you need. And why pay more for your fence parts? We are the only online fence supply store that you will need.

Chain Link Fabric (or mesh) is the actual fence material. It often goes by the trade name of "cyclone" fencing.

Fence Posts come in two varieties. Terminal posts include end,corner and bare posts. Line posts are installed in-between the terminal posts.

Top Rail extends across the top of the fence. It is used to hold the fence fabric up. It comes in lengths of 10' 6" and 21 feet. Top rail comes with a swedged end so that one piece will fit into another.

Post Caps are installed on top of the terminal posts. They are used to keep water out and for aesthetics.

Eye-tops also known as loop caps, are installed on top of the line posts to hold the top rail.

Tension Bars are used to hold the fence fabric next to a terminal post. The tension bar will weave in through the diamonds of the fence fabric.

Tension Bands are used to attach the tension bars to the terminal post.

Rail Ends go on the ends of the top rail where it meets a terminal post. They are attached to the terminal posts with brace bands.

Brace Bands (also known as rail-end bands) are used to attach the rail- ends to the terminal post. They are also used to attach a bottom tension wire if needed.

Post Hinges attach to the gate post and have pins that will allow the frame hinges to swivel.

Frame Hinges attach to the gate frame itself and will swivel on the pins of the post hinges.

Gate Latches are attached to the gate frame and are used to secure the gate to a terminal post. Most common is a fork latch but buttefly latches are also used.

Fence Ties are used to attach the fence fabric to the top rail and to the line posts.

Fence Calculator

With our calculator it is easy to determine what you will need for your fencing project. Make a quick sketch of the fence line. Measure and record the distances between each terminal post. Using the calculator select the height of the fence. Enter the quantity of each type of terminal post. (The number of line posts needed will be calculated for you.) Enter the lengths for each fence section. The calculator can handle up to 12 different fence sections.

The example fence below would have: 6 end posts, 4 corner posts, 1 bare post and fence sections of 10, 52, 32, 44, 52, 8, and 4 feet. Do not enter any lengths for the gates. You can also send your sketch to us and we will part out your fence for you.

The accuracy of the calculator is not guaranteed. It is intended only as a tool to help you part out your fence. The items listed cannot be put directly into a shopping cart. Jeften does not sell or ship any pipe, posts, wire or gates. We encourage you to get those locally and support your local economy. But then save money, and time, by getting the parts and accessories you need shipped directly to you.

Chainlink Fence Calculator

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Chainlink Fence Installation Instructions

All fence posts should be set in concrete or foam. If you are using concrete be certain that the hole depth goes below the frost line for your area. The frost-line can vary from 0" to over five feet deep. If the concrete does not go below this point the post can be shoved up when the frost comes out of the ground in the spring. If you are using structural foam there is no need to go below the frost-line as foam is not affected by the spring thaw like concrete is. In either case be sure that your post is plumb and square. Let the concrete set up for at least three days. The foam will be ready in about an hour.

1. Set the terminal posts at the full height of the fence. Install the caps.

2. Set the line posts 3 inches lower than the terminal posts. Install the eye-tops.

3. Feed the top rail through the eye-tops and connect it to the terminal posts with rail ends and brace bands.

4. Attach the fence fabric to one terminal post with a tension bar and tension bands.

5. Lay the fabric along the fence line.

6. Loosely attach the fabric to the top rail with ties.

7. Stretch the fabric to the next terminal post.

8. Attach the fabric to the post with a tension bar and tension bands.

9. Tie off the fence along the top rail and at the line posts.

10. Using brace bands and hog rings install a ground wire along the bottom if desired.

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