Are chain links good pool Barriers?  The answer to this is yes.  Due to the alarming statistics of fatalities caused by drowning on yard pools, erecting barriers around these areas are recommended, and in most municipalities, required for pool owners.  Children below five years of age are the ones most prone to accidental drowning.  A chain link fence installed around your pool is the best way to keep your loved ones safe, because they are:

• Cost efficient – chain link fences costs less than most fencing materials. They no painting to be done, unlike other types of fencing materials.
• Easy to install – ease in installation is also one of the advantages of chain link fences. Other fence types would require more leveling and aligning work compared to chain link fences.
• Durability – chain link fences are weather resistant. This attribute makes them ideal for the pool area where there is a greater chance of exposure to water.

Having chosen chain link fences as your pool fence, you also need to know how to childproof these fences.

Mesh size

The mesh size of your chain link fence should be smaller than what is commonly used.  For standard use, chain link has mesh that is sized from 2 inches to 2 3/8 inches.  What you would want to use around your pool area should be smaller than this.  The advisable mesh size is 1 ¼ inches or smaller. This would prevent your toddlers from injuring themselves in the wires.

Height

The height of your chain link barriers should at least be 4 feet. This height would be enough to keep your children from going over the fence.

Picket distance

The pickets or poles supporting your fence should no more than 4 feet.  This would provide the ideal support for your chain link since the lesser the spacing between your pickets, the more resistant your fence is to banging.

Chain link gates

Your chain link gates should have the same height, mesh size, and picket distance as with your chain link fence. Another thing to always keep in mind in installing your chain link gates is that they should open away from your pool area.  The reason behind this is that, when children are confronted with barriers, they would most likely push (pulling would be less tempting to your toddlers) against it. Having gates that open out would be more resistant to accidental openings.  This positioning would help in case you forget to latch your chain link gate.

Self-closing hinges and self-locking latches

These types of hinges and latches will help enhance the security and reliability of your chain link gate.  These components will eliminate the margin of error should you ever forget to close and lock your chain link gate.  You can rest easier, knowing your children and your property will be safe.

For all of these reasons, chain link fences are some of the best options for pool fences.

You love your dog, and you want the best for it. That’s why you wouldn’t think of keeping it in a place where it would be uncomfortable or unhappy. If you have a commercial dog kennel, whether you sell pets, train dogs, breed dogs, or even if you’re a pet sitter, you’ll have to think about kenneling options for the dogs under your care. And one of the best options for kenneling dogs remains chain link fence.

Dog kennels should be comfortable.

Big kennels with chain link fences keep dogs happy and stress-free. Dogs like to be able to see their surroundings, and other fencing material, such as wood or plastic, are either less secure or will make the dogs feel claustrophobic. The dogs will enjoy plenty of the views and breezes that chain link fences provide.

Dog kennels should be clean.

Because of its minimalist construction that absorbs no moisture, you won’t have to spend any more time than you need to in cleaning a kennel with a chain link fence. Wood absorbs moisture, and gets dirty fast. You’ll need to spend a lot of time treating and maintaining other materials, but chain link fences are basically set-and-forget.

Dog kennels should encourage or allow interaction.

It’s better for the dogs if they can see who’s coming and going; it’s also better for your peace of mind to be able to see the dogs. With chain link fences for your kennel, you can tell at-a-glance how your dogs are doing and if they need anything. The dogs will be less stressed as they are able to interact with each other and their surroundings, leading to an all-around happier time for everyone.

Aside from being the ideal material for kennel fence construction, chain link is one of the most economical choices available.  It is also easy to install, cutting down on labor costs.  These fence materials have minimal maintenance costs. Chain link is a wise investment choice for kenneling your dogs, no matter what business you’re in.

Throughout America, it’s pretty much guaranteed that people’s schoolyard memories involve some sort of chain link fence. And with good reason, too: schools, municipalities, and sports facilities all over the country turn to chain link fences when they want security, durability, safety, and cost savings.

Campus fence

Chain link is an ideal fencing material for schools. Installed properly, they form a secure barrier, keeping out unwanted visitors while keeping your children safe. Chain link fences will clearly mark the boundaries of the school grounds. Chain link fences are the most economical fencing choice for large institutions, and once installed, they rarely need maintaining. Dollar-for-dollar, chain link fences provide the ultimate in safety, security, low maintenance, and cost savings.

Barriers other than line fences

In addition to the property line, most institutions need fences for traffic control, and other area markers. Chain link fence provides the same benefits here as it does for perimeter fencing: easy visibility, high security, low maintenance, and low cost.

Court enclosures

If your property has sports facilities, you’re going to need a chain link fence to enclose them. Chain link fence is strong enough to withstand even the biggest balls (and bodies) a sport can throw at it without damaging. Chain link fence offers unobstructed views for spectators while keeping them safe at the same time. And all the benefits mentioned above — low maintenance, low cost, security, etc.–still apply.

As you can see, virtually any outdoor area where you need to keep secure at a minimum cost can be served by a chain link fence. Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”  If you invest on knowledge, you need a safe, secure place to learn. Chain link fences will do that job.

Razor wire provides the ultimate in security and safety for your property. When criminals see a fence topped with razor wire, they’ll think twice about trying to get into your property. Razor wire makes chain link fences virtually unclimbable; people will move on to easier targets when they see your razor wire.

If you’re in charge of a razor wire install, here are some tips to help everything go smoothly. Our biggest advice: be careful! Razor wire can cause sever injuries if you’re not careful, and needs to be handled accordingly.

Length of the razor wire

Before proceeding to the installation, you should first estimate the total length of the razor wire needed to cover the entire area of the fence that you want to equip. To get the total length of the wire you need the following measurements:

An example of razor wire showing three parallel (straight) wires.

1.  Parallel wire length (PWL) which is the total length of wire placed horizontally above your fence.  These are usually composed of three wires placed on parallel lines with at least a 1 foot distance from each other.  To compute the total wire length for this, use the following formula:

Parallel wire length = fence perimeter length x 3

2.  Coiling wire length (CWL) which is the total length of the wire placed on the parallel wires.  Use this only if you chose to install the said coiling wires for added security.  Compute for the wire length as follows:

Coiling wire length = Coils per foot x fence perimeter x average length per coil of wire

As a result the total wire length needed in your installation will be equal to the combined length of the PWL and CWL.  Don’t forget to use feet in all wire measurements.

Install razor wire braces

Razor wire braces are usually placed on top of each fence pole tilted 45 degrees toward the outside of your property. This will make your fence nearly impossible to climb.

Install razor wires

You will need to install the parallel wires first.  To do this, take one end of your razor wire and attach it securely to a corner post brace.  Stretch your wire on a straight line and tie it to each brace until the entire perimeter is covered.  Do this two more times in order to complete the three-parallel-wire installation.

Then install the coiling razor wires by tying each coil onto the installed parallel wires.  Make sure that each coil runs from the bottom to the topmost parallel wire. Do this until the entire perimeter is covered.  Cut the razor wire on ends if needed.

A team of three to five would be advisable to handle this job.  While installing your razor wire, don’t forget to ensure your safety and the safety of those people working with you. Proper tools, protective gear and secured ladders should be used.

To successfully plan the installation of a chain link fence around a tennis court, you should first determine the length and width of your fence. In order to do this, you should acquaint yourself with the standard tennis court layout and dimensions.

From the net, the service lines should be placed at 21 feet in both directions. Then another 18 feet is provided from the service line to the base line which results in a measurement of 39 feet spreading on each side of the tennis court, or a total of 78 feet court length. The total width of the tennis court is 36 feet.

In order to give the players adequate playing ground to chase the ball, a setback of 21 feet on both directions is provided before the back screen, and a setback of 12 feet is provided for the side screen on each side of the court. This gives you a total screen length of 120 feet and width of 60 feet, which is the dimension of your fence line.

Please see illustration below for a better understanding of the tennis court dimensions. Bear in mind that the base back screen and the side screen is what your fence will be installed on.

Chain link estimation

The next measurement that you should take into consideration is the height of your chain link fence.  The usual height of a tennis court fence is 10 feet. You could have a shorter fence height on the area in between the two service lines, which measure at 42 feet on each side. In these areas your fence could be as low as 6 feet.

Based on the figures above, what you will need to buy is a taller chain link with a dimension of 218 feet by 10 feet, and a shorter one with a dimension of 82 feet by 6 feet. All of the following figures will be based on these 10-foot and 6-foot measurements.

Fence posts estimation

You will also need to buy fence posts with heights in accordance with the chain link fence.  These posts will be buried about 4 feet for corner posts and about 3 feet  for line posts, and spaced on average 8 feet apart, except for the gate posts. With the standard dimensions of a tennis court, you will need the following:

1)      4 corner posts with a length of  14 feet;

2)      26 line posts with a length of 13 feet; and

3)      8 line posts with a length of 9 feet.

Note:  All measurements above are based on the dimension of tennis courts for official use.  Should you decide to install a court within your yard for personal use, shorter chain link and court dimensions may be applied.

If you’re responsible for choosing a chain link fence, you’ve probably discovered that it’s not as easy as going to your fencing supply warehouse and telling them how much fence you need. There are different materials, types, and varieties of chain link to choose from, and one size definitely does not fit all.

Chain links are commonly classed based on the type of coating applied to the wires, the gauge or size of the wire, and the sizes of the square or diamond mesh.

Basic wire materials

There are three basic wire materials to choose from for your chain link fence: zinc-coated wires, aluminum wires, and stainless steel wires.

Zinc-coated, or galvanized, wires are dipped into zinc and galvanized using two different approaches. One is to galvanize after weaving (GAW), and the other is to galvanize before weaving (GBW).  There are many different opinions on which type to use since, GAW chain link fence may have uncoated portions where the mesh touches, while GBW chain link fence will have uncoated portions at wire endings. More people would recommend a GAW finish.  Despite this, both types are expected to last at least 12 years with no maintenance needed. This makes  galvanized chain link fence appropriate for use on residential or private property enclosures.

Aluminum chain link fence has the advantages of being corrosion-resistant, weather-resistant, lightweight, long-lived, and of having a high tensile strength. The coating process is the same with that of the galvanized wire. This type of chain link fence is recommended for commercial or public use such as on school grounds or on a ranch. Due to its durability, aluminum chain link fences are expected to last up to 25 years, even in harsh weather conditions.

Stainless steel wires are the most durable of all chain link wire materials and as a result, they have higher costs. This type has high alkali resistance, can sustain high temperatures, and is also resistant to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, stainless steel wires are not prone to breakage, rolling, or sagging, which enables them to retain their shape over long periods of time. This chain link fence type is recommended for high-grade enclosures or barriers such as those on airports, highways, railroads, and other applications which require high-level performance.

Additional wire coating materials

To provide additional durability and enhanced aesthetics, many decide to coat their chain link fences with paint. Although this is more economical, paint is prone to cracking and peeling which would require cheap but frequent maintenance. Paint will only be of service for around 3 to 5 years.

Plastic coating is another way to add color to your chain link fence using polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. When properly applied, PVC will not easily crack or peel.  As a result, your chain link fence will have lasting protection again rust, scratches, and other physical deterioration. The PVC will also provide additional aesthetic quality to your fence since these materials naturally shine and come in various colors.

Wire gauge and wire mesh sizes

Wire gauge and mesh sizes depend on the security risks and the anticipated tension your chain link fence may bear. In choosing your chain link fence, pick those with smaller mesh sizes and wire gauges as security risks and anticipated fence tension increases.

 Fabric — Weight and Height

Chain link fencing will add beauty, value, and security to your property and comes in many different heights and sizes. The most popular heights are the 4’, 5’ and 6’ heights, with a fabric weight of 11 gauge and 11 ½ gauge. Chain link fabric is also available in other heights and sizes such as 8’, 10’ and 12’, along with 12 ½ gauge and 9 gauge. Other special order sizes are available and   Fence Supply Inc. can meet your specific needs for all your chain link projects.

Most residential applications will use the 11 ½ gauge fabric, while most commercial applications use either the 11 gauge or the 9 gauge fabric.

 Posts — Size, Depth, and Gauge

To ensure a strong fencing solution,  Fence Supply Inc. recommends setting posts for your chain link application at a depth of 18 to 24, and at a distance not greater than 10’ OC (on center). Most residential applications will set posts at the 18 depth, while commercial application may use either the 18 or 24 depth. Residential chain link posts are 2 3/8 diameter for the terminal (corner) posts and 1 5/8 diameter for the line posts. These posts are usually either a .055 gauge or .065 gauge.

Commercial applications usually use a 2 7/8 terminal post and 2 3/8 line post. These posts are usually heavier at .080 gauge or .095 (SS20) gauge. NOTE: The gauge of a post refers to the wall thickness. The higher the number, the thicker the post wall and the stronger and heavier the post will be.

 Residential vs. Commercial Style Chain Link

Residential and commercial chain link have a lot of similarities, but there are a few important differences. Most residential chain link materials will be lighter weight than commercial applications. Commercial chain link installations may also include barbed wire and/or razor wire for added security, and is not normally seen on residential applications. Residential chain link in 4’ and 5’ heights will have fabric in a knuckle/knuckle configuration while 6’ and taller will have a knuckle/twist configuration.

Other differences in residential vs. commercial chain link include the fittings needed for each type of application. These fittings include the attachment hardware which consists of single tension bands (STB), single brace bands (SBB), one way caps, two way caps, RT caps, dome caps, rail ends (RE), loop tops, tension bars, top rail (TR),tie wire, tension wire, and pig rings.

While most residential applications use the basic set-up with one way and two way caps, commercial applications will use the SBB, RE, and dome caps to accomplish this part of the installation process. Most residential installations will use a lighter, smaller top-rail as well, usually a 1 3/8 top-rail while commercial applications will use a 1 5/8 or 1 7/8 top-rail.

 Height of Fence

While personal preference may be the biggest reason for choosing a fence height, there may be other considerations as well. City codes or zoning laws may dictate the minimum and maximum height of a fence. Safety and security may be other considerations, as well as knowing that the proper height and placement of your chain link fence will add beauty and value to your home.

 Barbed Wire / Razor Wire 

Barbed wire and razor wire are excellent ways to add additional security to your chain link fence. These products are mainly used in commercial applications, but can be used on any chain link application where an added measure of security is required. These types of applications will require the terminal posts to be 17 higher than the top of the chain link fence, and barb arms to be affixed to the line posts to attach the barbed wire/razor wire.

Most barbed wire applications use a 3-strand set-up, but 2-strand is also used. When installing razor wire, the center strand of barbed wire is omitted and the razor wire is attached to the top and bottom strands of barbed wire using hog rings.

 Bracing / Trussing 

While bracing and trussing are more commonly used on commercial or heavy duty chain link applications, they can be used on any chain link installation where extra support is needed. A brace rod, usually made of 1 5/8 tubing, is used in conjunction with the appropriate rail end (2-hole RE), truss rod, and truss rod tightener. This system gives additional support in areas that may need it, such as corners or gate posts.

 Chain Link Colors 

Chain link is available in several colors of vinyl coated chain link. The most common colors are black and green. The standard colored chain link is 9 gauge after coating, and can add an additional level of beauty to your home. Colored chain link tends to blend in with the surroundings, making it less noticeable at a distance.

 Tool Rental 

There are many tools available to make your chain link installation easier.  Fence Supply Inc. has these tools available for sale or for rent. Our Little Beaver augers make digging your post holes a breeze. Our Post Popper allows easy extraction of old posts. Use our Come-along in combination with our Finger and Stretching Bar to make stretching your fence an easy task. We also have pipe cutters available for any pipe cutting needs you may have. Please see our Tool Rental section for a complete list of tools available.

 Gates 

There are many excellent choices for gates for a chain link fence. The most common is either the single-or double-swing gate. This gate attaches with bolts on pin hinges and gate clamps and uses a bolt-on fork-latch assembly for latching and locking the gate. Double-swing gates can use a drop bar assembly to lock one panel to the ground while the other panel latches and locks to the first panel with the normal fork latch assembly. Commercial double drive swing gates can use an industrial drop bar (IDB) for additional security.

Another great choice for chain link gates is the safety roller gate. This gate uses a track assembly that attaches to the fence posts via pipe track brackets. Roller assemblies attach to the rear of the gate and it glides on the pipe track while the front of the gate is supported by a front wheel that rolls along the ground. A stable surface such as concrete, asphalt, or hard pack is needed for this type of gate for smooth operation.

Cantilever gates are also a good choice for chain link gates but are more commonly used in heavy duty or commercial applications. A cantilever gate is fully suspended on the fence via cantilever rollers which attach to the fence posts via a U-clamp. A cantilever gate must be 1.5 times longer than the actual gate opening to provide for the cantilever action. Cantilever gates virtually eliminate the need for a smooth surface since they roll on the fence itself. Both the cantilever and safety roller gates can use the cantilever latch assembly for latching and locking the gate.

V-track slide gates are also an excellent gate solution. This type of gate requires a hard, flat, straight surface such as concrete or asphalt for mounting the V-track. The gate then slides on the V-track via four or six rollers mounted in boxes attached to the bottom of the gate frame. The top of the gate uses guide rollers attached to the fence posts to stabilize the top of the gate.

Many types and sizes of electric gate operators can be used on any of the gates above and are available at Fence Supply Inc. for your every gate installation need.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before You Begin:

1. Obtain necessary zoning and building permits.  There may be local zoning or deed restrictions, or HOA rules pertaining to height and type of fence permitted in your area.
2. Find surveyors pins if the fence is to be located near property lines or have the lot surveyed.
3. Measure your fence footage and determine gate placement.
4. Check with your local utility company to make sure that there are not any underground lines that might be disturbed.

HELPFUL TOOLS

String

Tape Measure

Post Hole Digger

Level

Come -A-long

Fence Finger (Stretcher)

Fence Pliers

Hog or Pig Ring Pliers

5/16th Socket to Tighten Bolts

Wheelbarrow, Shovel to Mix and Transport concrete

Picket Man’s Chainlink Fence Shopping Supply List

STEP 1

SETTING YOUR TERMINAL POSTS

1.   Your property line will help determine the location of the corner,      gate and end posts.

2.  Dig your post holes using an auger or hand digger. The depth of your post holes will be determined by your local soil and weather conditions.  ( In the North Texas area, the terminal post hole should be 6-8″ in diameter and a minimum of 24″ deep.  )

3.  Set all terminal posts in concrete.

4.  Use a level to insure posts are plumb on all sides.

5. See fig. ? to determine the height  ground to top

STEP 2

SETTING YOUR GATE POSTS

1.  Gates come in many standard widths:  39″ – 48″ – 60″ – 72″  Single and Double Drive.

2.  Fence Supply Inc is your one stop shop for all your gate needs!

3.  The gates make the adjustments to account for the latch and hinges.

4.  When setting your gate post measure the inside to inside of the each post.

Example:  If you want a 4′ gate, set the post 4′ apart – Measuring from the inside of one post to the inside of the other post.

STEP 3

SETTING YOUR LINE POSTS

1.  Pull a taut string line on the outside of the terminal posts measuring the distance between terminal posts

2.  Mark ground for line posts-anywhere between 8′ – 10′ apart along the string line.

3.  Dig your hole 6-8″ wide with a minimum depth of 18″.

4.  Before concrete sets, adjust post height by carefully moving post up or down in footing.  See “Height to set Post Chart” for precise measurements.

STEP 4

ADDING FITTINGS TO TERMINAL POSTS

(Refer to parts list for quantities needed)

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Concrete footings must be hardened before proceeding to fittings

1.  Slip single tension bands (STB) -with the long flat surface facing towards the outside or wire side of fence – onto the terminal post.

2.  Add brace bands if using rail ends.

3.  Place cap on top of post

STEP 5

ADDING TOP RAIL

1.  Place line top cap on each line post.  Offset should face outside of post.

2.  Thread length of top rail pipe through the line-tops on the line posts adjacent to terminal post.

3.  Attach top rail to terminal post using a RT cap OR rail end and single brace band (SBB).

4.  Using a band bolt, attach the single brace band to rail end securing it around the terminal post.

5.  Continue by attaching the swedge ends of top rail together until desired length has been reached.

6.  If top rail IS NOT swedged, join top rail lengths using a top rail sleeve.

7.  Cut last piece of rail to fit tightly against terminal post.  Secure rail using a rail end and brace band or RT cap as was done on prior terminal posts.

STEP 6

HANGING FENCE FABRIC

1.  Starting at a terminal post, unroll chain link fabric on the ground along the outside of the fence line to next post.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If linear footage between terminal posts is greater than 50ft (standard roll length of chain link fabric) splicing sections of fence fabric will be necessary. 

                               See Figure 8 for splicing illustrations.

2.  Slide tension bar through the first row of chain link.

3.  Fasten evenly spaced tension bands already on post (see step 4) to the tension bar and fabric.

4.  Secure in place with a 5/16″ x 1 1/4″ band bolt with heads facing the outside of the fence.

5.  Walk along the fence fabric, standing it up against fence frame, eliminating slack as you go.

6.  Loosely attach fabric to top rail with tie wires to hold it in place.

7.  Separate enough fabric from roll to span the opening between fence posts.

8.  It is not necessary to cut wire.  (See Figure 8 for Removing Excess Fence Fabric)

STEP 7

STRETCHING FENCE FABRIC

1.    Insert a tension bar approximately 3′ inside the unattached end of the fence fabric.  (See Figure 9)

2.   Hook fence finger to the bar.

3.   Attach a “come-a-long” from the finger to the other terminal post.

4.   Stretch fabric until tight, using the come-a-long.

5.   A slight slack should be created when squeezing diamonds formed by the wire with your hands.  Diamonds should not look distorted or overly stretched.

6.   Insert tension bar at exact length needed to attach to terminal post.

7.   Attach single tension bands from terminal post to tension bar using band bolts.

8.   Once bands are securely attached to bar, carefully remove stretching bar/finger and come-a-long.

9.   Fasten fabric securely to top rail and line post using tie wires spaced 24″ apart long the top rail and 12″ apart on each line post. (See Figure 10)

10. Securely tightegn nuts on all single brace and single tension bands.

STEP 8

HANGING GATES

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Same installation procedure is used on both single walk and double drive gates (See Figure 11)

1.  Install pin (male) hinges to gate post.

2.  To prevent gate from being lifted off, top pin hinge should be installed with pin pointing down; bottom pin hinge with pin pointing up.

3.  Install gate clamps (female) to gate.

4.  Insert pin hinges into gate clamps – adjusting as needed to align top of gate with top of fence.

5.  Add gate latch and position at convenient height.

6.  Tighten all bolts securely.

Privacy?

Privacy is possible with chainlink.  Slats can be added to add design, color and privacy.  Contact Fence Supply Inc. or visit our web site www.fencesupplyinc.com to see our wide varity of Chainlink slats.

Commercial Chainlink Fence.

Commercial Applications can be installed the same as residential with a few exceptions.

1. The post tyipically are larger in diameter. 3”-4” post might be used for your terminal post and 2 3/8” would serve as the line post. 1 5/8 top rail would be used.
2. The gauge of the fence fabric will be thicker usally a 11ga or 9ga would be used
3. Barb Arms can be added to support barb and/or razor wire along the top of your fence.

Installing Barb Arms

Barb Arms

Your corner, ends, and gate post all need to be set 12”-18” higher then the finished height of the fence.  See fig ?  Barb Arms will be used instead of line tops.  Barb Arms come in 45 degree or in verticals.  The Barb Arms also include hole that the top rail will run through.