All the Chain Link Fence Parts You'll Ever Need
Installing a fencing system is a necessary addition to many properties, but the cost and complexity can feel intimidating. While chain link fencing is one of the most affordable fencing options, the average cost of materials plus professional installation can reach $3,000 or more. Keep in mind that material costs depend on the fence's size, height, and material, and professional labor will often double your total expense. At Chain Link Fittings, we are committed to providing you with all the information, materials, and chain link installation parts you need to quickly and easily install a chain link fence yourself, for a fraction of the cost.
Understanding which chain link fence parts and fittings are required and how they work together will save you time and money from day one. We stock a broad selection of components, from chain link mesh and fabric to fence hardware, accessories, and professional-grade tools! Chain Link Fittings also has what we refer to as the Resources Hub where we provide informational content about installation, various chain link fence parts, how the material is made, how to use specific tools, industry terms, and much more.
Let's Learn The Essentials
There are roughly 16 essential chain-link fence and gate components. Of course, you can add more components if you wish to enhance or modify the functionality of your fencing system, but let's cover the basics. This diagram outlines the 15 essential fence components, with the 16th being the chain link mesh or fabric itself.
- Terminal Post Cap: Terminal post caps (often simply called a post cap) top off your terminating posts. These are typically dome or acorn-shaped and provide both a finished look and protection from water intrusion. They install on gate posts, corner posts, and end posts.
Shop Now - Rail End: Rail ends are the connecting cups that receive the top rail. They fasten to the brace band or rail end band, allowing the top rail to slide securely into place during installation.
Shop Now - Rail End Band: Commonly called brace bands, these critical fence fittings attach to the rail end cup on the top and the tension wire on the bottom of the post, meaning two are typically required per terminal post. They anchor the rail end and tension wire to the post framework.
Shop Now - Tension Band: Tension bands are the backbone of a taut fence line. They hold the tension bar in place against the terminal post, keeping the fence fabric stretched tight and secure. Tension bands fit in between the brace bands on the post.
Shop Now - Line Post Top: The line post top is installed on line posts and features a loop or eyelet at the top. The top rail (or a top tension wire) passes through this loop, guiding the fence line between terminal posts.
- Fence Tie: Fence ties fasten the fence mesh (also called fabric) to the posts, top rail, and tension wire. We recommend using specialized tools to bend these ties quickly and with less hand fatigue.
Shop Now - Gate Frame Hinge: The gate frame hinge (or female gate hinge) attaches directly to the gate frame. It pairs with the gate post hinge to create a functional swinging gate assembly.
Shop Now - Gate Post Hinge: The male gate post hinge attaches to the gate post and inserts into the female gate frame hinge. Together, these fence hardware pieces allow the gate to open and close smoothly.
Shop Now - Gate Fork Latch: Gate fork latches, used with gate fork collars, keep your gate securely closed. These chain-link fence fittings come in various configurations and styles to match both the function and the aesthetic of your fence.
Shop Now - Terminal Post: Terminal posts mark where a section of chain link fence stops or turns. They are typically wider in diameter than line posts and set deeper into the ground since they bear most of the fence tension. These include gate posts, corner posts, and end posts.
Shop Now - Tension Bar: The tension bar is woven vertically in and out of the diamond-patterned mesh and then bolted to the tension bands at the terminal posts. This bar grips the fabric and transfers tension across the fence line.
Shop Now - Top Rail: The top rail runs along the top of the fence, sliding into the rail ends and passing through the line post tops. Sections can be connected using sleeves. When combined with fence ties, the top rail supports the chain-link mesh. They can be connected using sleeves and hold up the chain link mesh with help from fence ties.
Shop Now - Line Post: Line posts are installed between terminal posts at measured intervals. They hold the chain-link mesh with fence ties and help maintain the fence's vertical alignment. A spacing chart for line posts can be found here.
Shop Now - Bottom Tension Wire: Tension wire is set along the bottom (and optionally the top) of the fence to stabilize the fabric and prevent sagging. It spans the full length of the section and attaches to the brace band. Fence ties or hog rings attach the fabric to the tension wire.
Shop Now - Tension Wire Clip: Also known as hog rings or hog ties, tension wire clips secure the tension wire to the fence mesh. Like fence ties, we offer tools to make installing these clips faster and easier.
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Many of our chain link fence parts or fittings are offered in the standard galvanized steel silver color. However, we also carry a line of black powder-coated chain link fittings, which, while providing an aesthetically black color, will provide an additional layer of weather and corrosion-resistant protection.
Chain Link Fencing Tools
Post Pounders
Post Pounders make post installation quick and easy. Fence posts, weather terminal, or line posts are the framework of your chain link fencing system. Of course, you want the framework, the foundation, of your chain link fence to be straight, stable, and strong. Post pounders, or post drivers, are designed to drive posts into the ground efficiently. This "tool" is configurable, meaning it has many parts that can be switched out to adapt to your needs. Replacement sleeves and collars, extension kits, and other parts can be found here.
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Other Tools
Chain Link Fittings has a collection of other tools to make DIY installation and repair much easier. Chain Link Fittings has everything from barbed wire carrying tools to fabric hangers, fence fabric stretchers, clipping tools, pliers, tie wire twisters, wire grippers, and more. There's no need to wrestle with your chain link fence. No need to get cut up or get blisters.
Chain Link Fittings wants to provide you with the materials you need to install a chain link fencing system and an education on the components and tools that will make installing a chain link a less expensive DIY project.
If you have any further questions, please visit our Resources Hub or contact a member of our friendly sales representatives. They are happy to help in any way they can!
