How to Install Galvanized Chain Link Fencing

Pound wooden stakes into the ground where the end posts, also called the terminal posts, for the chain link fence will be and wind string around them. Measure the length of the string to determine the amount of galvanized chain you need.

Dig holes for the end posts using a post hole digger. Keep each hole 8 inches wide and 20 to 30 inches deep. Generally, the height of the posts after installation should match the height of the fence plus 2 inches. Mark the posts at that height with masking tape to show the ground line.

Mix a batch of concrete according to the instructions on the bag. Pour concrete into a hole until one-third full. Set a post vertically in the hole, up to the marked line around it, and check that it is plumb. Fill the hole with concrete until a few inches from the edge and leave it to cure. Repeat the procedure of installing the remaining terminal posts in the holes.

Run string between the terminal posts along the fence line, 4 inches below the tops. The string marks the height of the line posts, that you can install 9 to 10 feet apart along the fence line. Mark the spots for the line posts on the ground and dig the holes 6 inches wide and 20 to 24 inches deep. Set the line posts in concrete the same way as the terminal posts, and leave to cure.

Insert the tension band, brace band and post cap onto each terminal post. Slip a loop cap on the end of each line post. Insert a piece of top rail pipe through the loop cap of the first line post. Join it to the adjacent terminal post using a brace band. Continue this process at every terminal post along the fence line.

Attach top rail pipe to the rest of the fence line, cutting it whenever required with a hacksaw. Join the pipe sections using top rail sleeves.

Unroll galvanized fencing on the ground, near the first terminal post. Slip a tension bar at the end that will face the terminal post. Hold the fencing up and join the tension bar to the post with evenly spaced tension bands. Walk along the fence line holding the fencing, and loosely tie it to the top rail using tie wires every 3 feet. When you reach the next terminal post, unbend the knuckle of a top and bottom strand with pliers and twist the strand.

Slip a tension rod 36 inches inside the second terminal post. Connect the fence puller to the post and tension rod, and stretch the fencing to pull it taut. Remove the wire ties and unwind excess fencing. Slip a tension rod through the end of the fencing and join it to the post using tension bands. Remove the fence puller and the rod it is connected to. Install wire ties every 12 inches to join the fencing to the fence post. Repeat this process at the remaining terminal posts.