Repair a Chain Link Fence
October 15, 2019
How to Repair a Chain Link Fence
You may need to repair a chain link fence for a number of reasons: a tree fell on it during a storm, it was cut by trespassers or it stretched and popped out of place under the weight of a snowplow. Whatever the cause, it is easy to repair a chain link fence with the help of another person.
Step 1: Find All the Damage
Inspect along both sides of the fence in places where there is obvious damage. Check for loose posts, gates and top rails. Find and gather all pieces that need repair or replacement.
Step 2: Remove the Damaged Fence Rail
Cut the damaged fence rail into 24-inch pieces with a hacksaw. Remove these pieces by sliding them out through the chain link tie wires.
Step 3: Measure and Buy New Parts You Need
Take measurements between intact fence posts to learn the standard length of fence railing for your existing fence. Count the posts in the damaged area to calculate the length of new fence railing you will need.
Measure the thickness of the fence railing. Buy the same size as you currently have in your fence, either 1 3/8-inch or 5/8-inch. If the fence posts or gate have been damaged, take one of each with you to get replacements in the correct size. Also check if you will need new chain link. Badly bent or cut link will need replacement. Buy the parts and the hardware to attach them.
Step 4: Remove and Replace Damaged Chain Link Fence and Posts as Needed
Take out the fence railing to the location of the damaged post. Remove the old fence post and put in the new one, and reconnect the fence railing.
Step 5: Install the New Fence Railing
Remove the nearest end post cap and the brace bands, and the vertical tension bands from one end of the fence. Slide the new fence railing into the rail cap slot, and along to where it is needed. Attach the end of this fence railing to the end post rail cap, and reconnect brace and tension bands.
Step 6: Fix the Chain Link Mesh
While you hold the closest post, ask someone to help you pull the undamaged chain link back over the new post. Insert a soft nylon cord through chain links to help pull. Look at an intact fence section to check that caps and bands are in the correct position before tightening the connecting bolts fastening the chain link to each post. Note that the vertical tension bar, woven through the chain link parallel to the fence post, is correctly aligned. Reconnect the horizontal tension bands to the vertical tension bar, and the vertical brace bands to the fence railing.
Step 7: Maintain Your Chain Link Fence
Keep your chain link fence in good repair. Check it in spring after heavy snow, and after severe storms where trees have fallen. Even if the trees fell far from your house or garage, damage to the fence at any point will reduce the stability of the entire fence.