How to Build a Chain Link Fence Gate?
If you’re looking to add a fence gate to your property, it’s important to build a sturdy one that will last. You’ll also want to consider using the right materials and tools.
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Chain link gates are usually preassembled, which saves you time and effort. If you prefer to assemble your own, however, there are a few things you’ll need to know.
First, mark out where you’d like the corners and gate to be placed, using spray paint or a movable marker. Measure the length between the corner and gate posts to calculate how much chain link mesh you’ll need.
Next, dig holes for each new post. These will need to be a little larger than the end, corner and line posts. This is because the additional weight of a fence gate will increase the stress on the fence, especially in windy conditions. Depending on your location and fencing material, you may need to dig post holes to a depth of 30-36″ and a 6-8″ diameter.
Once the hole is dug, pour a mixture of concrete to within several inches of the bottom of each post. The concrete will help bind the chain link fabric to the gate frame. It will also act as a shock absorber for the gate when it’s used by vehicles.
Then, pour six inches of concrete into the end, corner and gate post holes. You’ll need a helper to pour this concrete into the hole. It’s easy to rush this step, but it’s critical that you pour the concrete slowly so that the end, corner and gate posts are properly set.
Ensure that all the tension bands are on the posts and that the flat side of the bands is facing toward the outside of the fence. This will keep the wires from being pulled inside the fence as they pass through the gate, which will damage the fence.
To make the fence more secure, thread a tension wire through each bottom link in the mesh all the way around the fence. Loop the wire around each end and corner post a few times to fasten the wire.
Now that the end, corner and gate posts are in place, you’ll need to hang the chain link mesh on them. You’ll need a tension bar and a stretcher bar to help you do this.
Slide a tension bar down through the end links of one end of the mesh. Then, slide a second bar down through the last links on the other end of the mesh. Once you’ve slid each tension bar down, connect them together with nuts and bolts.
Continue the process until you’ve hung the entire perimeter of the fence, leaving about a 3′ space between each end and corner post. Then, tie the mesh to the top rail and line posts with aluminum tie wires every 2 feet.
This step is not always necessary, but it can add some rigidity to the fence. It’s also a good idea to use aluminum tie wires to attach the end and corner posts to the rails and line posts, as this will increase the overall strength of the fence and prevent it from shifting in the wind or heavy rain.
