How to Install a New Fence Using Existing Metal Posts

Check with your local building code administrator to make sure the area you wish to enclose complies with all current codes. You should also consider having your property lines surveyed. Just because there are metal fence posts present doesn't mean they are on your property. If you stray onto your neighbor's property due to an improperly placed fence post you might end up having to remove your fence after installing it. The Chain Link Fence Manufacturing Institute recommends making sure your fence posts are at least four inches inside your property line.

Measure the distance around the area you wish to enclose with your fence. This will determine the amount of fencing fabric and fencing supplies you need to purchase. Gather all of your supplies and equipment prior to starting the job.

Attach a string line between the terminal posts at the top height of the fence fabric. The string should be parallel with the general slope of the ground. Make sure that all line posts between the the terminal posts are of a proper height to accommodate the fencing fabric.

Slide a rail end band onto each end post. Slide two rail end bands onto each corner post. Slide one tension band onto each end post and two tension bands onto each corner post. Slide one additional tension band onto each end post and two additional tension bands onto each corner post for each 12 inches of fencing fabric height. Slide another rail end band onto each end post and two additional rail end band onto each corner post. Fit the post caps onto the end and corner posts.

Attach the rail post loop caps on each line post, insuring the offset is to the outside of the fence. Slide a length of top rail through the rail post loop toward the terminal post. Slide the end of the top rail into a rail end. Attach the rail end to the top rail end band using a carriage bolt and nut. Install with the head of the carriage bolt to the outside of the fence. Continue sliding lengths of top rail through the corresponding rail post loops. Connect the top rails together with top rail sleeves. You may need to cut the top rail to the appropriate length to attach it to the next terminal post. Repeat this process until you have reached the end of your fence.

Stand a roll of chain link fabric up next to your initial terminal post. Insert a tension bar through the first row of links. Attach the tension bar to the tension bands at equal increments of approximately 12 inches using carriage bolts and nuts. The heads of the carriage bolts should be toward the outside of the fence.

Unroll the fence fabric along the perimeter of the fence, removing slack from the fabric as you go. Attach the fence fabric loosely to the top rail using fence ties. Insert a temporary tension bar into the fence fabric, about three feet from the next terminal post. Attach a fence stretcher to the tension bar and to the terminal post. Stretch the fence fabric until it provides a slight give when pressed against by hand. Once you reach the next terminal post you will need to separate the fabric by untwisting the top knuckle of wire and unwinding it through the fabric.

Insert another terminal post into the final row of links. Attach the tension bar to the tension bands using carriage bolts and nuts about every 12 inches. The heads of the carriage bolts should be toward the outside of the fence. Release the tension from the fence stretcher and remove the temporary tension bar. Repeat this process for each section of fencing. Use fence ties to fasten the fencing fabric securely to the top rail at 24-inch intervals. Use fence ties to attach the fencing fabric to the line posts at 12-inch intervals.