Chain Link Tension Wire and Installation Techniques - Hoover Fence Co.

Tension wire may be used for a variety of applications. It is commonly used as a bottom tension wire on chain link fences and serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. Bottom wire helps prevent animals and people from 'pushing' their way underneath a fence. It will not prevent an animal from digging underneath a fence, however may help discourage this behavior. Tension wire may be retrofitted on to existing fences. Wire would be stretched on outside and slid up under the bottom of the fence. We recommend bottom wire on all chain link fences, especially vinyl coated chain link since it tends to be more elastic in nature. Bottom wire is also recommended on all chain link fences installed for security purposes. Tension wire is occasionally used in lieu of top rail on a chain link fence. This cuts down on costs significantly and may make the fence more difficult to climb. Be sure to brace and truss all terminal connections if tension wire is to be used in place of top rail to prevent terminal posts from 'pulling'. We also carry vinyl coated tension wire in three colors.

Chain Link Tension Wire Installation Tutorial Click Images to Enlarge!
Fig. 1	Fig. 2	Fig. 3	Fig. 4
Often it is easiest for one person to hold the coil of wire upright while the other 'walks' the loose end to the other end of the fence. The next step is to hook up the loose end to the terminal post using a brace band a nut and bolt. The loose end is looped through the bolt and wrapped around the wire itself (Fig. 1 & 2) When installed, the tension wire is 'sandwiched' in the brace band. Tension wire is installed on the same side of the posts as the chain link fabric (Fig. 4.) Once chain link is stretched, the tension wire will be 'sandwiched' between line/ intermediate posts and the chain link fabric (Fig. 10)
Fig. 5	Fig. 6	Fig. 7	Fig. 8
Tension wire is most commonly stretched using a come-a-long and wire grip. Do not wrap the cable of the come-a-long around the post (Fig. 5). This action done repetitively will cause the cable to fray and be destroyed. Instead a 'sling' may be made of rope or cable to wrap around the stretch post (Fig. 6). Release and pull out 6-10' feet of cable from the come-along. The length of cable to pull out will depend on the length of stretch of tension wire. Hook a cable puller to the ratchet end of the come-a-long. Secure tension wire to cable puller (Fig. 7). By cranking with the handle of the come-a-long, the wire will be pulled tight (Fig. 7 & 9).
Fig. 9	Fig. 10	Fig. 11	Fig. 12
With the come-a-long cranked tight, bend the tension wire where it would loop into the nut and bolt. Next, cut 6-8" past this bend with bolt cutters. Be careful as both ends of the wire will 'whip' from the tension and can be dangerous. Fish the looped end of wire through the nut and bolt and wrap as before. Release come-a-long repeat process for other runs of fence. Note: Short lengths, approx. 12' and less, are difficult to do using a come-a-long. These are often simply done by hand. The tension wire naturally has crimps in it. With the use of pilers in their open position, these crimps can be crimped further causing the wire to tighten (Fig. 8). Be sure to crimp throughout the length for a uniform appearance.
Fig. 13	Fig. 14	Fig. 15	Fig. 16
Once tension wire is installed, the chain link fabric may be stretched. Chain link is installed to terminal posts using tension bars, tension bands, and nuts and bolts. Often one end is installed with the roll upright for ease (Fig. 14). The roll may then be laid down flat of the ground and rolled to other end. Additional rolls may be added easily and the weaving is easily done on the flat ground. Chain link is stretched with a come-a-long and spreader bar for longer stretches (20' or more). A pul-jak is used for shorter stretches (20' or less) (Fig 15). As tension bands are installed an equal distance apart, usually the bottom brace band holding the tension wire may be adjusted so that the tension wire is centered on the bottom diamond of the fabric. The top rail, line posts are tied last. Hog rings are installed to secure the tension wire to the chain link fabric.

Note: These photos are for demonstration purpose only, actual size and design may vary slightly.

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Description	Code	Weight	Price	View Cart
7 gauge spiral galvanized tension wire - 1000' roll	CL-TW-G4	100 lbs.	$	Add to Cart
7 gauge spiral galvanized tension wire - per foot	CL-TW-G4-F	1 lb.	$	Add to Cart
7 ga. spiral aluminized tension wire - 1000' roll	CL-TW-AZ	100 lbs.	$	Add to Cart
6 ga. all aluminum (6064-T94 Alloy/ .192 dia.) tension wire - 1000' roll	CL-TW-AL	35 lbs.	$	Add to Cart