Chain link fences are reliable and durable options for homeowners and entrepreneurs seeking to secure their property. However, with time, these fragile fences can become worn out and saggy leading to bending and gaps, thereby deteriorating their integrity and practicality. Fortunately, we have a simple yet cost-effective idea to restore the strength of your chain link fence. Hold on because, in this article, we will disclose the secrets of how to stretch a chain link fence in just a few steps. Here you’ll also explore some tips and tricks fence experts use. So grab your pliers and get ready to learn how to stretch a chain link fence.
How To Stretch A Chain Link Fence? Step-by-step Guide
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to stretch a chain link fence like an expert using simple and handy tools.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Pliers
- Fence stretcher
- Fence ties
- Wire cutters
- Come-along
- Tension bar
- Tension bands
- Gloves
Step 1: Prepare Your Chain Link Fence
Stretching a chain link fence begins with removing any excess weight and debris. The process includes cutting off overgrown greenery around or through the barricade or unwanted vegetation like weeds. It also involves removing any extra chain link or wire that may weigh your fence, making it saggy.
Also Read: Say Goodbye to Overgrown Grass! Learn How To Trim Grass Around A Vinyl Fence?
Step 2: Loosen Your Chain Link Fence
Next, use pliers to loosen the tension bands and remove the tension bar from the fence. This process will allow your barricade to become more pliable, flexible, and easier to stretch.
Step 3: Attach the Fence Stretcher
Connect the fence stretcher to the end of the fence you want to stretch. Check to ensure that the fence stretcher is securely attached and that the ratchet mechanism is facing in the direction of your chain link barricade.
Step 4: Stretching Fence
Use a come-along to stretch your chain link fence. Attach one end of the come-along to the fence stretcher and the other to a sturdy anchor point, such as a tree or post. Begin ratcheting the come-along to tighten the fence stretcher and stretch the fence.
Step 5: Install Tension Bands and Bar
Install tension bands and a tension bar to hold the fence in place once it has been stretched to the desired tension. Attach the tension bands to the fence posts with pliers and slide the tension bar through the fence top.
Step 6: Secure the Fence
The last step is securing the fence to the tension bands and bars using fence ties. If there is any excess wire, clip it with wire cutters and ensure your chain link barricade is tightened and secured.
Follow these steps to get a perfectly tightened chain link fence that delivers accurate security, integrity, strength, and practicality. Using the right tools and techniques, you can master fence stretching quickly.
Tips and Tricks
Stretching a chain link fence can be challenging and tiring work; nevertheless, using the right tools and techniques and following the tips and tricks mentioned below, you can accomplish this task quickly and easily.
Inspect the Fence Condition
Before you begin stretching your chain link fence, ensure that it is in good condition. In other words, inspect your barricade for damages, worn-out spots, brittle edges, and rust. Resolve all these issues first; repair, restore, and refurbish them accordingly.
How About Using A Belt?
If you don’t have a fence puller tool, you can use a super-elastic and sturdy belt to stretch your chain link fence. For this purpose, wrap the strap over your barricade and attach its one end to a come-along tool or any other pulling device. Slowly tighten and ratchet the come-along instrument and get an accurately stretched chain link fence.
Opt for Heavy-duty and Efficient Supplies
Always opt for heavy-duty and efficient supplies to accomplish the process quickly and easily. Ensure the tools are adequately greased and moveable.
Work Slowly yet Carefully
Work slowly and carefully, especially when you are working with heavy-duty supplies, to avoid any injuries to yourself or damage to the property. Give enough time, pay attention, work keenly, and do not be a hassle. Moreover, follow the cautions and warnings as labeled on the tool packaging.
Using these tactics and suggestions, you can confidently stretch a chain link fence, and the results will look good. Never forget to put safety first and take your time to finish the work properly.
FAQs
How Much Should You Stretch A Chain Link Fence?
When stretching a chain link fence, it’s crucial to balance applying sufficient stress to pull it taut and prevent slumping and refraining from applying too much force to avoid risking damage to the barricade or the posts.
As a general rule, you should strive to produce a tension of roughly 150–200 pounds per foot of fence. The height of the fence, the kind of wire used, and the durability of the posts can all affect this value.
What Is The Best Way To Stretch A Chain Link Fence?
The best way to stretch a chain link fence is to use a come-along device since it is quick, cost-effective, and functional, making the process easier for you.
What Is A DIY Fence Stretcher?
A DIY fence stretcher is a tool used to stretch a fence’s wire without powered or commercial devices. Simple materials like wood, bolts, and hooks can make you this fantastic handy tool. This DIY fence stretcher uses a lever and fulcrum to achieve tension and stretch the fence’s wire. It enables you to change the fence wire’s tension as necessary without using specialized tools or hiring a pro.
How To Make A Diy Fence Stretcher?
- Measure and cut out a 3-foot piece of wood.
- Insert a metal hook into the two holes you drilled in the wood.
- In the middle of the wood, attach a metal bolt.
- Place a nut on each end of the bolt to secure it.
- Connect the hooks on the wood’s ends with a metal chain.
- Fasten the chain to the fence wire mesh, and use the lever to pull the fence wire taut by applying pressure to the bolt.
- Secure the fence wire with staples or nails once it is tight.
Here is an example of how you can make a DIY fence stretcher, but there may be other designs and methods you can try as well. Whatever way you choose, ensure your handy tool is sturdy and practical.
