Install a Chain-Link Fence

To square the corners, measure three feet along one string and four feet along the adjacent string. The diagonal between should be five feet. If not, adjust the strings.

Mark the posts and spacing with stakes. Typical spacing is between 6 and 10 feet on center. Check the manufacturer’s directions for post spacing. Mark the holes about half the width of the post away from the layout lines. Then, mark your lines on the batter boards with a pencil and untie them to dig the holes.

Dig the holes to size. Holes for terminal posts (end, gate and corner posts) should typically be a little bit wider and deeper than line posts (the posts in between terminal posts).

• For holes next to the house, use a shovel, post hole digger and digging bar.
• In open areas, consider using a power auger to save time and effort. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and watch our video How to Use a Power Auger for tips.

To ensure the height of the line posts is uniform, tie a string between terminal posts at the correct height of the line posts. This technique is helpful when working on slopes.

Add concrete mix to the post holes. You can choose between regular-set and fast-set options. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing.

• If using regular-set concrete, mix it to the consistency of thick cake batter. Fill around each post. Leave the concrete a few inches below ground level. Slope it away from the post to help with water runoff.
• If using fast-set concrete, pour the dry mix around each post to a few inches below ground level and add water. Initially the water will sit on top, but eventually will work its way to the bottom. Use a stake to mix it if needed, but don't overwork it.

Use a post level to make sure each post is plumb, then hold it in place with braces.

For corner posts, add tension bands for each direction, and alternate the cups of the brace bands with one up and one down. Offsetting the cups will keep the top rails in line.

Add tension wire along the bottom about 2 inches from the ground and on the same side of the fabric.

Secure the tension bar to the terminal post with the tension bands and carriage bolts.

The fabric should extend just past your end post. To remove any excess fabric at the end, open the loops at the top and bottom of a fabric strand, then twist it out.

Attach the fabric to the end post. Insert a tension bar about 3 feet from the end of the fabric. Add a temporary tension band to the terminal pole and hook a come-along to it. Hook a stretcher bar to the tension bar, attach the come-along and tighten the fabric. The fabric is tight enough when you can squeeze the diamonds just a little bit.

Pull the rest of the fabric to the terminal post and insert a tension bar through the fabric and tension bands on the post. Tighten the bolts. Remove the come-along and temporary bar.

Attach the fabric to the posts with fence ties about every 12 inches, and along the top rail every 24 inches. Along the bottom, secure the fence to the tension wire with wire clips.

Loosely attach the frame hinges to the gate.

Use blocks on the ground to set the gate about 2 inches above ground. Adjust the frame hinges to fit on the post hinges and tighten.

Attach the latch at a comfortable height on the gate and secure with nuts and bolts.