Building a chain link fence
If you are looking for a quick and durable method for enclosing a portion of your yard, try installing a chain link fence. The wire mesh is less insulating compared to vinyl fence or wood, so you can use wire fences to separate areas for pets or children to play. Short wire fences are also used in areas of high traffic to prevent people to walk through the gardens of a house.
Instructions
- Mark the two ends of the segment to surround with stakes. Attach thread to the stakes that extends from one end to the other to create a reference point that you can use when you insert the rest of the stakes.
- Measure the length of the rails using a tape measure. Use this measurement and mark it with stakes in order to place the rest of the posts for the fence. Make a hole in each place where there is a stake using a shovel or post excavator. The holes should be at least 1/3 the length of your fence posts. Add a few extra inches and add some gravel in the bottom of the hole for drainage.
- A bag of concrete mix is needed for each hole and follow the package directions to prepare it. The two end posts are wider than the rest of the posts, so you should make sure you are installing them correctly. Ask an assistant to hold the post in place while you add the concrete into the hole around it. Repeat this step to install the remaining nearby poles.
- Place a tension and clamp on each of the end posts. The tension should be placed about 10 inches below the top of the pole and the clamp should be two inches above this.
- Connect one end of the top rail of the fence to the clamp at the first end post. Slide the rail through the frames that are above the middle of the poles. Connect the free end of the top rail with the clamp at the other end post.
- Move to one end of the fence and tie the edge of the wire mesh on the tension using a bolt. Tighten the bolt with a wrench. Unroll the mesh along the fence line. Stretch it as tight as possible so there are no bulges. Use a wire tie for every two feet of wire to secure the mesh to the top rail. When you reach the end of the fence, cut the wire mesh with mesh pliers and connect it with the tension that is at the end post. Use the wrench to tighten the bolt.
Tips & Warnings
- Check with the utility company in your city to ensure that no underground pipes are located where you want to dig post holes for your fence. See if you need to apply for a building permit.
- Use safety gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges of the wire mesh.
