How to Install a 20 Ft Chain Link Fence

Measure the 20-foot location for the fence installation. Tie a string to two stakes and place the stakes in the ground at the beginning and end of the fence line. This also marks the locations of the terminal posts. Mark a spot at the 10-foot point for the line post.

Dig holes 30 inches deep for the posts along the string line using hand-held posthole diggers, or jobbers. This depth should put the posts below the frost line in most areas to help keep the posts from heaving out of the ground during freezing and thawing cycles. Terminal postholes should be 10 inches in diameter and line postholes should be 8 inches. Make the holes 2 inches wider at the bottom than at the top to also prevent the posts from heaving.

Mix a batch of quick-set concrete following the package directions. Place a terminal post in its hole. Hold the post straight up and down, using a carpenter’s level for accuracy. Shovel the concrete mixture into the posthole. Fill the hole, then mound the concrete at the top so water runs away from the post.

Repeat Step 3 to set the remaining posts. Measure each post’s height to keep it uniform with the other posts. Allow the concrete time to dry before proceeding. Follow package directions for drying time. The temperature and humidity can also affect how long it takes the concrete to dry.

Slide one tension band per foot of fence height over each of the terminal posts. For example, if the fence is 4 feet tall, use four tension bands. Add a rail end band by sliding it on the post as you did the tension bands. Attach the offset line post cap with the offset facing the side where you plan to install the chain link. Attach terminal post caps to the end posts. Both types of post caps simply slide over the end of the fence posts.

Slide the end of a piece of top rail through the opening in the line post cap. Fasten one end of the rail into the top rail end band. Hold the rail in the end band with a 5/16-by-1 1/4-inch carriage bolt tightened with an adjustable wrench or a socket wrench. Slide the opposite end of the top rail into the top rail end band on the other terminal post. Secure it with a carriage bolt. If the rail is too long, cut it with a hacksaw. Check that the top rail is level using a carpenter’s level and tighten the bolts attached to the rail end bands to secure the end bands on the terminal posts.

Unwind a small portion of the roll of chain link fabric. Thread a tension bar through the end row of diamond shapes. Connect the tension bar to the tension bands you placed on one of the terminal posts using 5/16-by-1 1/4-inch carriage bolts. For the best results, evenly space the tension bands along the tension bar.

Continue unrolling the chain link. Stand it against the line post and remaining terminal post as you unroll it.

Thread a tension bar vertically into the chain link fabric approximately 3 feet from the remaining terminal post. Attach one end of the fence stretcher or come-along tool to the tension bar. Fasten the other end to the terminal post. Use the fence stretcher’s handle to tighten the tension on the chain link fence. There should be a slight amount of give in the fence fabric when it's tight enough.

Pull the chain link fabric toward the remaining terminal post to fill the gap between the tension bar and the post. Insert another tension bar into the chain link fabric diamonds closest to the post. Connect the tension bar to the tension bands on the terminal post using 5/16-by-1 1/4-inch carriage bolts. Space the tension bands evenly.

Release the pressure on the fence stretcher or come-along. Remove the tension bar you used to tighten the fence.

Tie the fence to the top rail with fence ties spaced 24 inches apart. Secure the fence to the line post with fence ties as well. Space the ties 12 inches apart on the line post.