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Fence Hardware Buying Guide

Jimmy Graham

By Jimmy Graham
Updated August 22, 2022

Keeping your fence in good shape is important not only for the appearance but also to keep it in working order. Learn about the different parts of fence and gate hardware that’ll help you maintain your fence.

A white vinyl picket fence on the lawn of a gray house.

Chain Link Fencing

A section of black chain link fence in a yard.

Chain link fencing is an inexpensive and durable option for securing your property. Here are some of the chain link fence parts you can replace to keep your fence in good shape.

Tip

To learn more about chain link fencing, see our video on How to Install a Chain Link Fence.

Hinges

A chain link fence hinge.

Hinges allow gates to swing open and shut smoothly. They’re easy to replace if they become worn.

Latches

A chain link fence latch.

Latches keep gates closed by attaching to a fence post.

Post Caps

A round chain link fence post cap.

There are two types of post caps for chain link fences: round post caps for corner and end posts and loop-top post caps for in-line posts. Loop-top post caps allow the fence rails to pass through from post to post.

Tension Bands

A person installing a tension band on a chain link fence.

Tension bands are used to attach the chain link fence fabric to gate posts, corner posts and end posts.

Tension Bars

A chain link fence tension bar.

Tension bars are used vertically to secure chain link fabric ends to posts and gate uprights. Tension bars are inserted vertically into the opening, where the chain link wire is woven.

Wood Fencing and Gates

A wooden picket fence with an open gate in a yard.

Wood fences and gates are a naturally beautiful way to add privacy and security to your property. Although durable, you’ll need to upkeep them to maintain their appearance and keep them in good working condition.

Cane Bolts

Dual black cane bolts on natural wood gates.

A cane bolt, also called a drop rod, is a metal rod with a curved handle that fits into a hole in the ground, locking a sliding or swinging gate into position.

Gate Hardware Kits

A black gate hardware kit on a wooden gate.

Over time, wood gates of any size can begin to sag or warp out of shape. You can use a gate hardware kit to reframe the gate and restore it to its proper form so it’s easy to open and close.

Handles and Pulls

A black metal handle on a cedar fence gate.

Handles and pulls help you open your fence gate. The main difference in the two is that handles are more decorative, while pulls are mostly designed for utility. Both are available in many different styles and finishes.

Hinges

A black tee hinge on a wooden gate.

There are many options when it comes to gate hinges. From decorative strap and tee hinges to self-closing models, you can find a set of hinges that’ll work best for your fence and gate.

Tip

When choosing a set of hinges for your gate, think about the height of the gate. Gates up to 36 inches high can have two hinges, while gates up to 60 inches high should have three hinges.

Latches

A black metal gate latch on a cedar fence gate.

Latches help ensure that your gate stays closed. There are four main types of gate latches:

  • Thumb latches are usually part of a gate handle. You operate these by pushing the lever with your thumb.
  • Bolt latches have a straight-arm bolt that fits into a catch.
  • Manual sliding-bolt latches can be secured with a padlock.
  • Ring latches have a ring that raises and twists, lifting a lever to clear the catch that holds the latch in place.

Vinyl Fencing

A white vinyl fence and gate with black hardware.

Vinyl fencing can share much of the same hardware as wooden fencing, including latches and hinges. However, vinyl fencing requires several specific parts for proper installation and upkeep.

Vinyl Fence Posts

A section of white vinyl fence with post and post cap.

Vinyl fence posts are used in two ways. One way is to use a vinyl fence post to cover a wooden fence post on a privacy fence with in-ground installation. The other way is to use it as a structural post, which doesn’t need the inner wood post and is commonly used for rail fences and deck fence panels.

Vinyl Fence Brackets

A section of white vinyl fence with vinyl fence brackets holding the railing.

Vinyl fence brackets are used to hold, support and attach fence panels and rails to posts. They can be exposed or used with a decorative cover.

Finishes

A wooden door with wrought iron hardware and accents.

Fence and gate hardware is available in many different finishes. There are weather-resistant choices, like stainless steel and galvanized zinc, for hinges and pulls. For a more decorative look, choose from black, wrought iron, copper, brass, distressed black iron or pewter.

Miscellaneous Fence Hardware and Tools

A barbed-wire fence in a field made with green t-posts.

Fencing isn’t just limited to chain link, wood and vinyl. You can construct a garden fence with t-posts and mesh wire fabric to keep animals, such as rabbits and deer, from eating your crops. We also carry a wide selection of fence tools that are specially designed for fence parts and maintenance.