 Chain Link Fence Installation Manual
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Stretch Chain Link:
Weaving
The Chain Link Fabric:
Click to Enlarge
- Starting at one end of a line of fence, roll
chain link out on the outside of the enclosed area or the side you previously have chosen.
- Roll out another roll, if more is needed to
reach the next end post. Chain link is stretched in one continuous length of woven chain
link from end post to end post.
- 'Weave' chain link rolls together. This
can be a little tricky, if never done before, and requires some explanation.
- Each weave is continuous from the top to
the bottom along the vertical or height of the roll. If you follow the strand,
starting at the top, you will see that it zig-zags back and forth to the bottom. It starts
and ends with either a 'knuckled' or a 'twisted' end.
- To remove a weave, unbend the end of the
weave 'knuckle' straight. Unbend the adjacent weave that is knuckled to it. If it has
a twisted end, simply untwist the two weaves until they can be separated.
- Follow the weave to the other end as it
zig-zags back and forth and untwist or unknuckle the opposite end. Be certain you follow
carefully, so you undo the proper weave.
- At the top of the fence or the bottom,
spin the weave in a counter-clockwise direction, as if to unscrew it from the roll. Most
newly manufactured chain link spins out counter-clockwise, whereas some chain link
manufactured years ago spins out clockwise. Continue spinning and you will see the
other end unweaving from it's adjacent weaves. If you are having difficulty, you may
have disconnected the wrong weaves at the opposite end. Also check that you have bent the
far end straight or it will snag as you try to spin it. Another problem that may occur is
the chain link is stretched to tight; give yourself some slack.
- The procedure for weaving two rolls together
is just the opposite except it can be tricky getting started. It is easiest to weave two
rolls together when they lay flat on the ground, however rolls may be wove together in the
upright position as well.
- To start weaving: Chain link forms
squares or 'diamonds' as they are frequently called. You must match two sections or rolls
together before you start weaving in such a way that one roll has a full diamond and the
other roll has a half diamond. This match will be at the top and bottom of the rolls. When
you add a weave, you will end up with a full diamond and two ends to knuckle or twist
together.
- Many rolls of chain link will have a loose
wire in the roll. Use this to piece two rolls together or remove one wire from one of the
rolls to splice with. Spin the single weave into the first full diamond. Spin it
through the next full diamond of the other roll. Continue spinning and make certain
that the weave end goes through each full diamond on each roll in each revolution.
- If you have trouble, it could be from one or
more of the following reasons: Your chain link is too tight; give some slack. You missed a
diamond somewhere; unweave and try again. Lastly. you may have mismatched rolls that came
from different manufacturers or the rolls have different mesh sizes; count the number of
full diamonds in each roll, they should match in number and size.
- After you have successfully woven the two
rolls together, twist or re-knuckle the ends together. If you have no counter weave
to fasten to, you started with either two half diamonds on each roll or two full diamonds
on each roll. Take it apart and try again. Sometimes you have to flip the one roll over
(most have a half diamond at one end and a full diamond at the other) or remove a weave
from one roll to create a starting half or full diamond.
Stretching
The Fabric:
Click to Enlarge
- After rolling out the chain link and weaving
the rolls together, 'hookup' one end. Space the tension bands evenly as illustrated above
(Fig. F51). Make sure the nuts are on the inside of the fence so they can
not be removed from outside the enclosure.
- If you have a sharp incline approaching a
terminal post, the fabric must be cut on the end. This is called a 'bias cut'. See details on how to
make a bias cut in chain link fabric.
- Pull the chain link tight by hand to the other
end. You may stand the chain link and lean it against the posts or leave it on the ground
and lean it up as you stretch the fabric later. Generally the later is easier and better
on long stretches.
- Hook up stretch tools as illustrated on inside
of fence (Fig. F51). Slide a tension bar 10-12' away vertical in chain
link fabric; hook stretch bar to it on inside.
- Make sure the come-a-long
hook faces away from the fabric or it may get caught in the diamonds.
- Tighten the come-a-long slowly. Check that the
fabric is not getting caught on posts, tree roots, or other obstacles.
- 'Dress' the fabric as you tighten it. 'Dressing'
involves straightening the fabric diamonds so they run true. This is vital for heavier
gauge fabrics. Some spots will be higher than others as you sight down the top. Lift the
fabric in the low spots. This must be done before the fabric gets too tight. Once it is
tight, little can be done to straighten the fabric. Some fabric dresses easily, some does
not. If the fabric does not dress up properly, you can always loosen the come-a-long and
try again. Check top and bottom diamonds for any wires that may bind out of proper shape.
Lift and shake fabric to assure an even tension throughout roll(s).
- The fabric is stretched sufficiently when you
can't squeeze the diamonds together with one hand. Do not over stretch or post damage will
occur. The top of the fence should 'snap' back to the posts when pulled out a little.
- Hand stretch the small section of chain link
left between the come-a-long and terminal post by hand. Remove a weave to 'cut' the
fabric to proper length. Slide the tension bar into the mesh and make your last hookup.
Once all bolts are in place, remove the stretching tools.
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Related
Images:
(Click to Enlarge)
Stand up rolls on shorter stretches; use
a pul-jak to stretch.
Hook up tension bands using 5/16" x
1-1/4" nuts and bolts. Adjust height before tightening.
View of fence from inside: Notice flat
side of tension band faces out, nut is on inside.
Weave additional rolls together to get
the desired length. This is easier done laying horizontally, however it may also be done
vertically.
Remove a weave to 'cut' the fabric to the
correct length.
A pul-jak is the ideal tool for short
stretches of chain link fence.
A come-a-long is required for longer
stretches of chain link fence.
It is best to lay chain link rolls down
flat for longer stretches.
Tentatively adjust height before
tightening nuts and bolts.
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