How a Professional Can Repair a Damaged Top Rail on a Chain Link Fence
- Remove the Damaged Rail. The first step of fixing a damaged top rail on a chain link fence is to completely remove the damaged section.
- Hammer the Rail Ends in Place. When a top rail gets damaged, its bolts and brackets may become misaligned. ...
- Reattach the Rail Section. Once the brackets and bolt holes are in position, your contractor will be ready to reattach the rail section.
How do you fix a bent chain link fence?
Fortunately, chain link fence repairs are fairly straightforward. The first step in repairing a bent top rail is disconnecting the chain link fence fabric from the rail. Simply find the wire wrapped around the top rail and use linesman’s pliers to untwist it. There will be several ties, so make sure you remove them all.
How do you remove wire ties from a chain link fence?
Remove the wire ties on the fence’s top rail. The ties connect the top of the chain mesh to the rail. Put on a pair of gloves and use pliers to bend the ends of the ties. Pull the ties through the chain links to free the rail. Remove all the ties on the part of the rail you need to replace.
How to replace a chain mesh fence rail?
The rail should have one tapered end and one wider end. Remove the wire ties on the fence’s top rail. The ties connect the top of the chain mesh to the rail. Put on a pair of gloves and use pliers to bend the ends of the ties. Pull the ties through the chain links to free the rail. Remove all the ties on the part of the rail you need to replace.
How do you replace a broken rail on a fence?
Start by removing the wire ties that hold the fence fabric to the top rail. Then rest the new rail on top of the damaged rail and have your helper hold it in place while you mark a cutting line on the old rail.
How do you fix the top rail on a chain link fence?
Step One: Untie the fencing. The first step in repairing a bent top rail is disconnecting the chain link fence fabric from the rail. ... Step Two: Cut out the bent section. ... Step Three: Measure and cut the replacement pipe. ... Step Four: Replace the rail. ... Step Five: Reattach the fencing.
How do you fix a fence top rail?
1:226:05Top Line Fence Rail--How to Cut and Replace! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd tell this piece right here comes loose so do what you'll do is kind of flip this up. And pullMoreAnd tell this piece right here comes loose so do what you'll do is kind of flip this up. And pull this end of the rail out. And once you have all these twists off you should just be able to pull.
What is the top rail of a chain link fence called?
17-gauge galvanized top rail is part of the fence framework and helps support the chain link fabric horizontally. These posts are used at the top of a chain link fence to allow the chain link fabric to attach. Made from galvanized steel, this top rail connects to terminal posts with rail ends and brace bands.
How do you connect the top rail chain link?
The end of the top rail fits into the rail end fitting, attached to the terminal post as shown in figure 12. Join the top rail together by sliding the small end (swedged-in) into the larger end. If not swedged, a sleeve will be necessary that slides on the outside of the rail, adjoining the two sections together.
How do you remove a chain-link fence post cap?
Remove the clamps holding the fence fabric to the post. The clamps are generally attached with a bolt and nut. Loosen the nut with a wrench and pull the bolt out. Pull the clamps off the fence post.
How do you bend top rail?
2:3310:25Bending Hoops For A Cold Frame or Greenhouse - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's pretty thin walled pipe which allows us to manually bend it like we're about to do there's aMoreIt's pretty thin walled pipe which allows us to manually bend it like we're about to do there's a lot of different types of pipe benders. You can go and rent a more industrial pipe bender.
Does a chain link fence need a top rail?
Almost all permanent chain link fences have a top rail to support the weight of the chain link fabric and keep it from sagging over time.
How much is the top rails for a chain link fence?
1-3/8" Galvanized Chain-Link Fence Top Rail at MenardsEveryday Low Price$41.9911% Mail-In Rebate Good Through 7/24/22$4.62
What is a Swedged top rail?
Top rails are used to hold the chain link fence fabric up and extend the fence across the top from terminal post to terminal post. It comes with two end styles - swedged and unswedged. Swedged top rail will be fit inside the unswedged top rail to form a piece of continuous rail without other special element.
How do you tell if a chain link fence is yours or neighbors?
0:402:58How Can You Tell if a Fence is Yours - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it's on your side of the property line then it's yours. If not it's on theirs if your home hasMoreIf it's on your side of the property line then it's yours. If not it's on theirs if your home has been around for a while you may also be able to call your city or your appraiser office to get this.
How long are top rails for chain link fence?
The metal top rail for chain link fencing comes in 10 foot 6 inch lengths.
How do you join two pieces of chain link together?
0:003:00DIY Tip How to seam or splice chain link Fence together - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to straighten it with the pliers right. There. Like that now you got it good look eat aMoreYou want to straighten it with the pliers right. There. Like that now you got it good look eat a little straighter. Let's see it's kind of hard to do with one. Hand.
How do you straighten a bent fence top rail?
Unbolt both rail ends that hold the top rail on the terminal posts using the adjustable wrench and socket wrench. Pull the rail ends off the brackets they were attached to. Remove the rail ends from the bent top rail. Realign and make true the terminal and line posts, if necessary.
How do you fix a section of a chain link fence?
3:204:29How to Repair a Chain Link Fence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou know this has been a really easy project it took us about an hour to do if you had a biggerMoreYou know this has been a really easy project it took us about an hour to do if you had a bigger fence it might take a little bit longer. But it only cost us about 30 bucks.
How do you fix a broken chain link fence post?
1:364:18How To Repair Chain Link Fence by Fix-A-Fence LLC - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's called pipe wrench and pipe cutter the old-fashioned manual labor no. So but yeah if if youMoreAnd it's called pipe wrench and pipe cutter the old-fashioned manual labor no. So but yeah if if you got a small repair like this you know it really doesn't take much to get the job done.
How do you fix a sagging chain link fence?
3:0214:13How To Fix A Sagging Chain Link Gate the proper way! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you want to go ahead and run this wire back through both the clamps in order to do so youMoreAnd then you want to go ahead and run this wire back through both the clamps in order to do so you might need to loosen the bolts on this side.
Save money with this simple DIY repair
A damaged chain link fence rail can easily be repaired by cutting out the bad section and sliding in a new piece. Learn how from our fence experts.
Repair a bent fence rail
Slide the new chain link fence top rail down so the crimped end is located over a straight section of the damaged rail. Then mark the cutting line.
Required Tools for this How to Repair a Fence Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Required Materials for this How to Repair a Fence Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
How To Repair a Chain Link Fence: Bent Rail
Chain link fences are sturdy but fallen tree limbs or fence-hopping teenagers can bend a top rail. Fortunately, chain link fence repairs are fairly straightforward.
How To Fix a Chain Link Fence: Replace a Post
Cold weather can heave a metal post from the ground just as easily as it can a wood post—and metal posts can sustain damage or degrade over time. Here’s how to fix a chain link fence post.
How To Repair Chain Link Fence Fabric
On occasion, the chain link fence fabric (the metal mesh that stretches from post to post) can be the issue. Whether someone cut it to gain access, the weather took its toll, or a family of critters bent it up over the years, you’ll need to fix it.
How To Repair a Chain Link Fence: Bent Rail
Chain link fences are sturdy but fallen tree limbs or fence-hopping teenagers can bend a top rail. Fortunately, chain link fence repairs are fairly straightforward.
How To Fix a Chain Link Fence: Replace a Post
Cold weather can heave a metal post from the ground just as easily as it can a wood post—and metal posts can sustain damage or degrade over time. Here’s how to fix a chain link fence post.
How To Repair Chain Link Fence Fabric
On occasion, the chain link fence fabric (the metal mesh that stretches from post to post) can be the issue. Whether someone cut it to gain access, the weather took its toll, or a family of critters bent it up over the years, you’ll need to fix it.
How do I repair a fence rail?
Depending on the nature of the connection, you may to twist the ties off or cut them through. Next, with your hacksaw or reciprocating saw , cut out the damaged section of rail.
Why are chain link fences so popular?
Chain link fences are widely prized for reasons that include low purchase cost, durability, and preservation of outdoor sightlines. However, despite their toughness, fences in this category can sustain significant damage as a result of fallen tree limbs or other types of accidents.
What to do when a fence post is bent?
You may also need to purchase replacement brackets if the existing ones are bent out of shape.
How do I install a new fence rail?
Begin installation by fitting the non-tapered end of the new rail onto the tapered end of the existing rail. Next, slide the tapered end of the new rail into the non-tapered section at the other end. If you removed any brackets when cutting out the old part of the rail, slide them over the new section of material and secure them as required on the fence posts.
Can you re-use wire ties?
If you didn’t damage the existing wire ties when unhooking the fence fabric from the old top rail, you can re-use them for this step. Otherwise, use the ties you purchased to secure the fence fabric to the new top rail. If you don’t remember how the old ties were spaced, you should be fine attaching the replacements at two-foot intervals.
