Chain Link Fence

Durable security fencing at an economic price. Chain link fence is a cost-effective, time-tested solution for any fencing project. Reliable from light residential applications to the heavy demands of government and military agencies.

Why Chain Link Fence?

Chain-link fencing is arguably the fastest and most durable fencing solution available on the market. Each chain link fence can be broken down into three main parts: posts, fittings, and fabric. Posts are used as the framework that supports the chain link, allowing it to stand upright. Fittings are the hardware that is used to mount the chain link to each end post and line post. The chain link fabric is stretched between each end post and creates a high security barrier.

How Does Chain Link Fence Work?

Chain link fence is easy to install and repair with only 3 main components:

1.) Chain-link fabric mesh, sometimes called cyclone fencing, is the fencing material that spans the total length of a fencing area. It most often is sold in rolls that measure 50′ long and available between 3'-12' in height. The height of the roll is the height of the finished fence, e.g. a roll of 6′ chain link is used for a fence measuring 6′ tall in finished height. Each roll of chain link fence is available in several thicknesses, diamond sizes, heights, and colors.

Note, as mentioned above, some common names for chain link fence include cyclone fence, diamond link, wire mesh, metal fabric, steel guard, and woven wire mesh and many others. The two most commonly used names are chain link and cyclone.

2.) Fitting(s) is a generic term that refers to all parts used to assemble a chain link wire mesh fence. Examples of these items include : tension bands, brace bands, carriage bolts, eye tops or loop caps, dome tops, rail ends, J-hook tie wires, hog rings, and many other parts.

3.) Framework refers to the posts and rails used in a chain link fencing system. Posts are most often round or square in shape, they are used to support the chain link fence in a vertical orientation. The fencing material mounts to the terminal, or end, posts by use of fittings. The line posts, which are installed at set intervals down the length of each fence run, differ in size and use from the terminal posts. Unlike the terminal posts, line posts provide support for the wire mesh. Optional support is possible with use of railing. Rail refers to the horizontal tube(s) often found at the bottom, middle, or top of a fence. Typically, the more rail used in a fence, the greater the strength of the fence.

Installing wire mesh fencing requires few tools, most are common household items. The essential tools needed are a shovel, string, level, wrench, and pliers. It’s worth noting that there are fence specific tools to aid in fence installation. Specialty fence tools are recommended for those doing large or continuous projects. See Figure 2A and The 5 Minute Fence: Chain Link Checklist for more information.