How to Repair Chain Link Fence

Below you will find a step by step guide on how to repair chain link fence fabric. 

• Experience Required: Medium
• Tools Required: Protective gloves, Wire cutters, Pliers, Fence stretcher, Tape measure
• Materials Required: Chain link fence, Stretcher bars, Hog rings

Step 1) Identify the Damaged Section

• Begin the process of how to repair chain link fence by identifying the damaged section of the fence.

 

Step 2) Remove Attachments

• If the section is connected to a top or bottom tension wire, untie or cut it first.

Step 3) Cut One Strand

• On one side of the damaged area, cut a single wire strand using wire cutters.
• Since the fence is under tension, you won’t be able to untwist the wire at this stage.

Step 4) Untwist Strand Other Side

• On the other side, untwist the wire strand by hand, since the fence is not under tension now.
• Set this strand aside.

Step 5) Half Diamonds

• Keep half diamond ends on both sides so the replacement section can be connected later.

Step 6) Measure Out Enough Material

• Ensure the replacement material matches the size and wire gauge of the fence.
• Measure enough material to cover the gap, leaving a little extra.
• Alternatively, use the damaged section as a guide, but cut the replacement slightly longer.

Step 7) Untwist Wire from Roll

• Untwist a wire strand from the roll at the point where you want to cut the material to the required length.
• You can reuse this strand in the next step.

Step 8) Connect at One Side

• Twist the removed wire strand to secure the replacement section to one side of the existing mesh.
• If you’re unsure about this procedure, check out our How to Connect Chain Link Fence blog for more guidance.

 

Step 9) Fabric May Sag

• The mesh will sag without tension, so it’s normal for the links to droop.
• You won’t be able to connect the other side until it is tightened.

Step 10) Position the Two Bars

• Position two stretcher bars at each end of the opening, making sure they are not placed in the end diamonds.

Step 11) Pull Sections Together

• In the process of how to repair chain link fence, use a stretcher tool to pull the two sections together.

Step 12) Complete The Repair

• Once aligned, weave in the saved wire strand to connect both sides and complete the repair.

Step 13) Remove Tool and Bars

• Once secured, remove the stretcher tool and tension bars.

Step 14) Secure It Back

• Secure the mesh back to the top and bottom tension wires using hog rings.

Step 15) Finished Project

• You’re all set. The material is now repaired.

Tips and Tricks on How to Fix a Chain Link Fence

• Leave half-diamond ends on both sides of the opening so the replacement section can be attached properly.
• If you did not save a single wire strand, you can twist one out from the roll.
• When you fix hole in chain link fence, make sure the replacement fabric matches the existing fabric size and wire gauge.
• Measure enough material to fully cover the opening. You can use the damaged section as a guide, but cut the replacement fabric one or two links longer for proper fitting.
• Replace or install new posts, and change any additional materials as needed before attaching the new chain-link fabric.

FURTHER READING

• How to Cut a Chain Link Fence – A guide on how to cut the fabric accurately.
• How to Connect Chain Link Fence – Learn how to join sections of material together.
• How to Tighten Chain Link Fence – Step-by-step instructions for tightening the mesh.
• How to Unroll Chain Link Fence – A guide on how to unroll the material properly.
• How to Install Chain Link Fence with T Posts – Step-by-step instructions for installation using T posts.

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