DIY Chain Link Stretchers

Chain link fences -- commonly found in school yards, homes and various other properties -- are used to create clearly defined perimeters. The term chain link, however, actually refers to the woven fabric installed on the posts to create the fence. During installation, you must stretch the fabric and remove any tension before attaching the end of the fabric piece to the terminal post of your fence. A chain link stretcher is usually used to perform this task. If this tool is not available, however, you can create your own chain link stretcher with simple tools commonly found at hardware stores.

1-ton come-along winch
Heavy-duty chain, 5 feet in length
Tension bar
Nuts, bolts, tension bands
Heavy-duty cutters

Instructions

- 1
  Connect the hook and cable on the come-along winch to the terminal post that is located at the end of your fence.
- 2
  Slide the terminal bar downward into the chain link fabric's links or mesh approximately 3 feet from the end of the fabric. Insert the end of the terminal bar through the last link of a heavy-duty chain when the terminal bar is approximately one-third of the way in the chain link fabric.
- 3
  Push the terminal bar through the mesh approximately two-thirds of the way in. Insert the end of the terminal bar in the remaining link on the free end of the chain. Insert the terminal bar through the chain link until it is completely in.
- 4
  Connect the remaining hook on the come-along winch to the center-point on the chain. Use the handle on the bar to stretch the chain link fabric.
- 5
  Cut off and remove any unnecessary or excess links in the fabric.
- 6
  Push a tension bar through the links on the end of the fabric. Secure the bar to the terminal post with nuts, bolts and tension bands.
- 7
  Remove the cable and hook from the terminal post. Release the come-along winch with the use of the handle. Remove the tension bar connected to the cable in order to detach the chain.

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