1303 – Chain Link Fence Installation Tips-Installing Posts ...

CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE

Skill Level: INTERMEDIATE Give these projects a try if you're a confident DIYer with a good working knowledge of a variety of tools.

They can take a day or more to complete. If you can build a birdhouse or install a ceiling fan, your skill level is probably appropriate.

In these instructions, you¡¯ll learn how to install the posts and hardware for a chain

link fence. Before starting the installation, watch the previous video with printable

instructions in this series, Fence Installation Tips: Layout and Digging Post Holes,

at Videos. You¡¯ll also find instructions for building a vinyl, wood or

decorative metal fence on our website.

MATERIALS

Terminal (End/Corner) Posts

Line Posts

Top Rails

Terminal Post Caps

Line Post Caps

Tension Bands and Bolts

Rail Bands and Bolts

Rail End Cups

Tension Wire (optional)

Tension Wire Clips/Hog Rings

(for tension wire)

Pliers

Gravel

Concrete

SPACING FENCE POSTS

Water

The previous video and printable instructions in this series show how to dig fence

post holes. As chain link fence posts are smaller and sturdier than many other

types, the holes should be smaller and can be

farther apart. Follow the fence manufacturer¡¯s

instructions for spacing, which typically ranges

from 4-10' apart¡ªspacing should not exceed

10' on-center. (fig. 1) The good thing is that you

can dig all the post holes at once. Use stakes

and mason¡¯s string to mark the location of the

fence posts you will install.

Socket Wrench and Sockets

Measuring Tape

Marker

Stakes

Furring Strips (for braces)

Clamps

Hammer

Mason¡¯s String

Level

(fig. 1)

Hacksaw, Reciprocating Saw

or Pipe Cutter

Fence Stretcher or Come-Along

Safety Glasses

Work Gloves

IMPORTANT

Before you begin this project, call 811 to be connected with your local utility companies. Make sure that the

site you have selected and where you will dig does not have underground utility lines that can be damaged

by digging tools. If you have additional questions, discuss them with a Lowe¡¯s associate. For a professional

installation, call 1-877-GO LOWES.

01

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CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE

SETTING TERMINAL POSTS

The following steps explain how to set chain link fence corner, end,

and gate posts in concrete. These posts are also referred to as

terminal posts. (fig. 2)

01

Calculate the height of the terminal posts to be installed:

1. Measure the height of the chain link fabric.

Add 2" to allow for attachment of the rail band and cap.

2. This measurement is where the ground will line up with

the post. Mark that measurement on the post.

3. Add the depth of the post that will be in the ground, following

local building code or manufacturer¡¯s instructions.

(fig. 2)

Chain link fabric height

+ 2"

+ Depth of post in ground

Total post height

02

Cut the terminal post if necessary.

03

Add gravel to the bottom of the post hole for drainage. Make sure the mark you made on the post earlier is

at ground level.

!

TIP

Check with local building regulations to determine how much gravel is required in the hole and how deep the post

must be set below the frostline.

04

Set a terminal post in place against the layout line. Use a level to

adjust it for plumb. Temporarily hold the post with clamps and

braces. (fig. 3)

05

Add concrete following the manufacturer¡¯s instructions, working it

06

Verify that the post is still plumb with a level.

to about 2" below the surface to allow for fill dirt later.

(fig. 3)

02

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CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE

SETTING TERMINAL POSTS (cont.)

07 Continue installing terminal posts at ends, corners and gates.

!

TIP

TIP

When setting posts for the gate(s), allow sufficient space for hardware installation. Check the manufacturer¡¯s

recommendation, as some account for the hardware in the gate¡¯s listed size. For example, a 42" gate is actually

narrower so it will fit in a 42" opening with the hinges and latch.

Cut a scrap board to the full gate width to use as a spacer between gate posts to make precise gate post

placement easier.

SETTING LINE POSTS

The next steps explain how to set chain link fence line posts between

terminal posts. (fig. 4)

01

Calculate the height of the line post(s) to be installed:

1. Measure the height of the chain link fabric.

2. Subtract 2" from the height to allow for the top rail.

3. Add the depth of the post that will be in the ground,

following local building code or manufacturer¡¯s instructions.

(fig. 4)

Chain link fabric height

¨C 2"

+ Depth of post in ground

Total post height

02

Cut the line post if necessary.

03

Add gravel to the bottom of the post hole for drainage. Make sure the mark you made earlier is at ground level.

04

Set the line post in place against the layout line, adjust it for plumb, and temporarily

support it in place with braces.

03

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CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE

SETTING LINE POSTS (cont.)

05 Add concrete following the manufacturer¡¯s instructions, working it to 2" below the ground surface.

06

Verify that the post is still plumb with a level.

07

Continue installing line posts, evenly spaced between terminal posts.

08

Allow all concrete to thoroughly dry before continuing installation.

INSTALLING

POST HARDWARE

01

(fig. 5)

Install the terminal post hardware. (fig. 5)

1. Add the tension bands and bolts.

The number of tension bands you¡¯ll need is the height

of the fence (in feet) minus one. For example, for a

4' fence, install 3 tension bands.

Make sure the flat surface of the band is on the fabric

side of the fence. (fig. 6)

For corner posts, add an extra set of bands for the adjacent run of fence.

2. Install the top rail bands, cups and bolts. (fig. 7)

(fig. 6)

If installing on a corner post, alternate the end cups¡ªbottom one up,

top one down.

3. Add the post caps to the terminal posts.

(fig. 7)

04

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CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE

INSTALLING POST HARDWARE (cont.)

the line post hardware. (fig. 8)

02 Install

1. Install line post tops with the offset ring on the fence side.

2. Slide the top rail through the line post top and into the rail end cup, then

tighten the bolt.

3. Continue installing top rails along the line. The narrower end slides into the

wider end.

4. Cut the final top rail in the line to fit snugly inside the rail end cup, and

secure with a bolt. (fig. 9)

03

(fig. 8)

Install optional tension wire along the bottom to help keep pets from squeezing

under the fence.

1. Add rail bands and bolts to the bottom of the terminal posts.

2. Secure the tension wire to the bottom rail band with pliers, making a loop

and twisting a few times. (fig. 10)

3. Run the wire along the outside of the posts and connect it to the rail band on

the other terminal post.

TIP

04

(fig. 9)

If you can¡¯t get the tension wire taught, use a fence stretcher or come-along

(used to stretch fence fabric) to stretch the tension wire.

Install the tension wire clips or hog ring clips about every 2' on the tension wire.

The clips will be attached to the chain link fence fabric in the next video and

printable instructions in this series.

(fig. 10)

Now that your posts and hardware have been installed, your new chain link fence is ready for the fence fabric and

gates. See Chain Link Fence Installation Tips: Attaching Fence Fabric and Gate, at Videos.

These How-To's are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in Lowe's "How-To" videos and printable instructions is intended to

provide general guidance to simplify jobs around the house. Because tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations are continually

changing, Lowe's assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for omissions, errors or the outcome

of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer and reader to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The

viewer or reader must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any question or doubt in regards to any

element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional.

05

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