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What are the Different Chain Link Fence Parts?

By Troy Holmes
Updated: May 16, 2024

A chain link fence is a form of metal fence that is made from several parts. These include poles, fence posts, gates, clamps, and the chain link mesh material. The chain link fence parts can be purchased as complete kits or in separate units. Each part has a specific function in the overall fencing structure.

The first item required in a chain link fence is the fence post. Fence posts are among the most important chain link fence parts because they are used as the primary support for the main fencing material. These posts should be placed into the ground at 6-foot (1.82-meter) increments, and reinforced with concrete footers to ensure the posts are sturdy.

Once the fence posts are securely buried, the fencing mesh material can be unrolled to begin the pole-mounting process. The fence mesh is attached to each pole with a special chain link clamp. Clamps are one of the most widely used chain link fence parts because each pole will require at least three clamps. These clamps secure the mesh material to the pole.

Before the chain mesh is attached to the pole, it must be pulled tight with a special chain link pulling device. This is similar to a hand crank, which is designed to take the slack out of the fence before it is permanently connected to the pole. The chain puller is available in both manual and electric versions. It can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Fence poles are another item included in chain link fence parts. These poles are attached at the top portion of the fence mesh material. The poles are connected to each post and to each other with special pole-connection hardware. This is a metal clamp device with two pole holes on adjacent sides.

The poles are connected to the chain mesh material with post clamps. These are the same type of clamps that were used to connect the wire mesh to the fence posts. These clamps take out any slack from the ground area to the upper portion of the fence.

Gates are the last of the necessary chain link fence parts. The gate is the area that enables entry into the surrounding fence. Most gates are purchased pre-assembled. The gate is attached to the fence using special gate swing hinges. This enables the gate to open and close freely without putting stress on the entire fence structure.

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Discussion Comments
By orangey03 — On Jan 19, 2012

When my husband told me he planned to install chain link fence around our house, I was upset. I like the organic look, and to me, a fence is anything but that.

However, I was delighted when I figured out that I could use the mesh part of the fence to my advantage. I could plant climbing vines along the base of it, and they would cover the fence so much that it would appear I had a natural fence of greenery!

I planted starflower vine all along the fence. It has fluffy green leaves and tons of little red, star-shaped flowers, and it quickly covers a large area.

Within two months, the entire fence was covered. As an added bonus, it attracted hummingbirds and butterflies to my yard. So, my favorite part of a chain link fence is the mesh that can support plant life.

By kylee07drg — On Jan 18, 2012

I have a large backyard that is enclosed with a chain link fence. When I was getting ready to have it installed, I discovered that I could reduce the cost by only purchasing a few chain link fence posts to use at the corners only.

For support along the rest of the fence, I used cheap metal poles. Each one has a few prongs that stick out, and I pulled the fence over these prongs to keep it in place.

The actual chain link fence posts are thicker and more sturdy. This is why I placed them at the four corners.

I have not had any problems with the fence leaning or sagging. I guess this means I had a pretty good idea.

By OeKc05 — On Jan 17, 2012

@lighth0se33 – I have a chain link dog fence also, and I particularly love the gate. It is so huge that it opens wide enough for me to drive a truck through, so getting the lawnmower into the pen to cut the grass is no problem.

The gate latches with a horseshoe-shaped piece of metal on a long rod. The rod goes into a deep hole in the ground, and when I'm ready to open the gate, I pull it up and slide the horseshoe to one side.

As long as the rod is out of the ground, the gate will swing loosely in either direction. When I'm ready to shut it, I put the horseshoe latch back on and push the rod into the hole. It's so easy that I fear one day, my dogs may learn this trick!

By lighth0se33 — On Jan 16, 2012

My dad had considered getting a chain link fence for our dog pen, but once he got a quote on the cost, he decided to do it with chicken wire instead. He did purchase a chain link gate for the pen, though, and it proved to be the sturdiest part of the whole thing.

Our puppies were vivacious and wanted out of the pen, even though it was a large area with trees and grass. So, they pulled and tugged at the chicken wire until they had bent it up enough to squeeze under the fence.

After this, my dad decided that a chain link fence might be the only thing that could contain them. He bit the bullet and had one installed, and the puppies were not able to escape from it.

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