7 Helpful Tips for Chain-Link Fence Repair

Many homeowners across the United States use a chain-link fence to serve as a barrier between their backyard and the rest of the neighborhood.

It provides a cost-effective way of outlining your backyard and will last quite a few years before needing to be replaced.

However, that doesn’t mean it won’t need a few repairs along the way. Chain-link fences have a few different aspects to them, all of which need to be tended to every few years.

Here are a few helpful tips on how to properly perform chain-link fence repair, so that you have a fence that will last for a long time to come.

1. Gather the Necessary Equipment

As with any handyman or handywoman project, you’ll want to have all the necessary tools on hand to make the process go smoother.

Some are for production, others are for your protection, but all of them are essential to the chain-link fence repair process. If you don’t have a piece of equipment, go to the nearest store and purchase it before proceeding.

Before you get started you’ll want tools such as pliers, a reciprocating saw, an extension cord, a metal file, and an adjustable wrench to complete the task.

For safety, you’ll want a set of safety goggles, gloves, earplugs, or soundproof ear muffs.

As far as the actual chain-link fence itself, you’ll want to make sure you have a few chain-link fence rails and wire ties.

Make sure to stock up or borrow these supplies beforehand, so that you aren’t running to and from the store mid-project.

2. Measure the Old Rails

What you don’t want after you’ve purchased the new chain-link fence rails is to find out that you purchased the wrong size.

In order to avoid this fiasco, make sure that you’re measuring out the old rails before you take your trip to the local store.

To measure them, take a tape measure and place it at the end of one of your old rails. Write down whatever the size of the pipe’s end turns out to be so that you can make the proper purchase.

This way, when you make the repairs, it’ll look like a brand-new version of its former self. Not a chain-link fence with noticeable flaws.

3. Note All of the Damage

There’s one more thing to do before you head to the store to buy all your equipment and necessary materials.

Be sure to walk around the entirety of your chain-link fence, on both sides and inspect to see all of the repairs that need to be made.

Are there posts that are crooked or loose from their foundation? Is there a top rail that’s noticeably bent or rusted? Do the gates still work well or do they need to be replaced? Is the chain mesh in your fencing compromised?

4. Take off the Wire Ties First

To begin the chain-link repair process, be sure to start by removing all of the wire ties that are wrapped around the top of the rails.

Take the pliers to the wire ties and untwist them from their position. Make sure you’re only removing the wire ties of areas you’re wanting to fix. If you’re not repairing that area, there’s no reason to undo a useful wire tie.

As you’re untying them, try to have one hand on the rail to avoid putting too much pressure on it.

The chain-link fence is one of the best types of fencing you can have for your house. If you’re not sure how to properly repair it, call in an expert.

5. Measure the New Rail to the Old One

One of the handiest tricks in the book for repairing a chain-link fence is how to make sure you’re cutting the perfect size for your new rail.

The best practice for this is to hold onto the old rail after you’ve taken it down so that you can use it when it’s time to cut the new one.

While cutting, set the old one right up against your new rail and mark the new one for where you need to take the reciprocating saw to it. Using this method will promise a perfect length every time.

6. Don’t Overlook the Posts

One of the biggest mistakes that people make in DIY chain-link repair is overlooking the fence posts’ current condition.

If you don’t tend to a loose fence post, all of the new rails and chain mesh that you fixed won’t matter.

Be sure to take a hard look at whether your posts are still in sturdy condition or need to be replaced as well. If they do, all it takes is simply installing a new one in the same post-ditch.

7. Keep a Constant Eye on It

The best way to maintain the integrity of your chain-link fence is to check in on it after every season change.

The outdoor elements are your fence’s enemy. The summer can be just as harsh on it as the winter in some cases. Don’t take that season off and leave it vulnerable for the cold months ahead of it.

You can save time and effort by tending to a few small problems before they become massive, day-consuming repair projects.

Call an Expert for Your Chain-Link Fence Repair Needs

Now that you’ve seen all that goes into chain-link fence repair you might be a bit overwhelmed. If so, be sure to reach out to a trusted fencing expert for your repair or installation needs.

Make sure to read this article on the costs of fence installation for a better idea of the expenses you’re looking at.

For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact us page and we’ll be happy to assist you further.