CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE
Skill Level: INTERMEDIATE Give these projects a try if you're a confident DIYer with a good working knowledge of a variety of tools.
They can take a day or more to complete. If you can build a birdhouse or install a ceiling fan, your skill level is probably appropriate.
In these instructions, you’ll learn how to install the posts and hardware for a chain
link fence. Before starting the installation, watch the previous video with printable
instructions in this series, Fence Installation Tips: Layout and Digging Post Holes,
at Lowes.com/Videos. You’ll also find instructions for building a vinyl, wood or
decorative metal fence on our website.
MATERIALS
Terminal (End/Corner) Posts
Line Posts
Top Rails
Terminal Post Caps
Line Post Caps
Tension Bands and Bolts
Rail Bands and Bolts
Rail End Cups
Tension Wire (optional)
Tension Wire Clips/Hog Rings
(for tension wire)
Pliers
Gravel
Concrete
SPACING FENCE POSTS
Water
The previous video and printable instructions in this series show how to dig fence
post holes. As chain link fence posts are smaller and sturdier than many other
types, the holes should be smaller and can be
farther apart. Follow the fence manufacturer’s
instructions for spacing, which typically ranges
from 4-10' apart—spacing should not exceed
10' on-center. (fig. 1) The good thing is that you
can dig all the post holes at once. Use stakes
and mason’s string to mark the location of the
fence posts you will install.
Socket Wrench and Sockets
Measuring Tape
Marker
Stakes
Furring Strips (for braces)
Clamps
Hammer
Mason’s String
Level
(fig. 1)
Hacksaw, Reciprocating Saw
or Pipe Cutter
Fence Stretcher or Come-Along
Safety Glasses
Work Gloves
IMPORTANT
Before you begin this project, call 811 to be connected with your local utility companies. Make sure that the
site you have selected and where you will dig does not have underground utility lines that can be damaged
by digging tools. If you have additional questions, discuss them with a Lowe’s associate. For a professional
installation, call 1-877-GO LOWES.
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CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE
SETTING TERMINAL POSTS
The following steps explain how to set chain link fence corner, end,
and gate posts in concrete. These posts are also referred to as
terminal posts. (fig. 2)
01
Calculate the height of the terminal posts to be installed:
1. Measure the height of the chain link fabric.
Add 2" to allow for attachment of the rail band and cap.
2. This measurement is where the ground will line up with
the post. Mark that measurement on the post.
3. Add the depth of the post that will be in the ground, following
local building code or manufacturer’s instructions.
(fig. 2)
Chain link fabric height
+ 2"
+ Depth of post in ground
Total post height
02
Cut the terminal post if necessary.
03
Add gravel to the bottom of the post hole for drainage. Make sure the mark you made on the post earlier is
at ground level.
!
TIP
Check with local building regulations to determine how much gravel is required in the hole and how deep the post
must be set below the frostline.
04
Set a terminal post in place against the layout line. Use a level to
adjust it for plumb. Temporarily hold the post with clamps and
braces. (fig. 3)
05
Add concrete following the manufacturer’s instructions, working it
06
Verify that the post is still plumb with a level.
to about 2" below the surface to allow for fill dirt later.
(fig. 3)
02
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CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE
SETTING TERMINAL POSTS (cont.)
07 Continue installing terminal posts at ends, corners and gates.
!
TIP
TIP
When setting posts for the gate(s), allow sufficient space for hardware installation. Check the manufacturer’s
recommendation, as some account for the hardware in the gate’s listed size. For example, a 42" gate is actually
narrower so it will fit in a 42" opening with the hinges and latch.
Cut a scrap board to the full gate width to use as a spacer between gate posts to make precise gate post
placement easier.
SETTING LINE POSTS
The next steps explain how to set chain link fence line posts between
terminal posts. (fig. 4)
01
Calculate the height of the line post(s) to be installed:
1. Measure the height of the chain link fabric.
2. Subtract 2" from the height to allow for the top rail.
3. Add the depth of the post that will be in the ground,
following local building code or manufacturer’s instructions.
(fig. 4)
Chain link fabric height
– 2"
+ Depth of post in ground
Total post height
02
Cut the line post if necessary.
03
Add gravel to the bottom of the post hole for drainage. Make sure the mark you made earlier is at ground level.
04
Set the line post in place against the layout line, adjust it for plumb, and temporarily
support it in place with braces.
03
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CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE
SETTING LINE POSTS (cont.)
05 Add concrete following the manufacturer’s instructions, working it to 2" below the ground surface.
06
Verify that the post is still plumb with a level.
07
Continue installing line posts, evenly spaced between terminal posts.
08
Allow all concrete to thoroughly dry before continuing installation.
INSTALLING
POST HARDWARE
01
(fig. 5)
Install the terminal post hardware. (fig. 5)
1. Add the tension bands and bolts.
The number of tension bands you’ll need is the height
of the fence (in feet) minus one. For example, for a
4' fence, install 3 tension bands.
Make sure the flat surface of the band is on the fabric
side of the fence. (fig. 6)
For corner posts, add an extra set of bands for the adjacent run of fence.
2. Install the top rail bands, cups and bolts. (fig. 7)
(fig. 6)
If installing on a corner post, alternate the end cups—bottom one up,
top one down.
3. Add the post caps to the terminal posts.
(fig. 7)
04
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CHAIN LINK FENCE INSTALLATION TIPS: INSTALLING POSTS AND HARDWARE
INSTALLING POST HARDWARE (cont.)
the line post hardware. (fig. 8)
02 Install
1. Install line post tops with the offset ring on the fence side.
2. Slide the top rail through the line post top and into the rail end cup, then
tighten the bolt.
3. Continue installing top rails along the line. The narrower end slides into the
wider end.
4. Cut the final top rail in the line to fit snugly inside the rail end cup, and
secure with a bolt. (fig. 9)
03
(fig. 8)
Install optional tension wire along the bottom to help keep pets from squeezing
under the fence.
1. Add rail bands and bolts to the bottom of the terminal posts.
2. Secure the tension wire to the bottom rail band with pliers, making a loop
and twisting a few times. (fig. 10)
3. Run the wire along the outside of the posts and connect it to the rail band on
the other terminal post.
TIP
04
(fig. 9)
If you can’t get the tension wire taught, use a fence stretcher or come-along
(used to stretch fence fabric) to stretch the tension wire.
Install the tension wire clips or hog ring clips about every 2' on the tension wire.
The clips will be attached to the chain link fence fabric in the next video and
printable instructions in this series.
(fig. 10)
Now that your posts and hardware have been installed, your new chain link fence is ready for the fence fabric and
gates. See Chain Link Fence Installation Tips: Attaching Fence Fabric and Gate, at Lowes.com/Videos.
These How-To's are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in Lowe's "How-To" videos and printable instructions is intended to
provide general guidance to simplify jobs around the house. Because tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations are continually
changing, Lowe's assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for omissions, errors or the outcome
of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer and reader to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The
viewer or reader must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any question or doubt in regards to any
element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional.
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