Repairing The Most Common Issues With Broken Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fences are convenient, affordable, and durable. But that doesn't mean they don't get damaged. Whether it's because a tree fell on it or because a dog pulled it out, a chain link fence has to be repaired quickly to avoid further issues and to maintain security. Luckily, a chain link fence is usually very easy to repair.

Patching Broken Chain Link Fence

If your chain link fencing is broken -- or if it has begun to rust -- you can usually just patch it. Chain link fence is just woven together. You can unhook that particular wire of the chain link fence and then gently twist it out. Once you've done that, you can then weave the next wire in. Chain link fence wire is sold already shaped properly -- you just need a long enough wire. The only equipment that you usually need is a cutter and a pair of pliers, to twist the very end and secure it. 

Installing New Fence Posts

If your old fence post has been bent or otherwise damaged, it may be time to install a new one. Fence posts are attached to either side of the fence through a thin, flat piece of metal. That flat piece of metal is pushed through the fence wiring and then attached to the pole. With a small wrench, you can remove the thin metal from the old pole and attach it to the new one. But before that, you should empty out the hole that the old fence post was in pour concrete that will suspend the new post in using wood stakes and ties. Do not attach the wiring until the concrete has fully set.  

Replacing Bent Top Rails

If the top rail of your fence has been bent, the repair may be a little more complicated. You're going to need a hand saw and a new top rail piece that is six inches longer than the damaged area. You will then need to cut the damaged piece off and use a crimping tool -- which can be purchased at a home improvement store -- to crimp three inches at each end of the pipe. You'll then slide the new section of top rail into the remaining rail as well as the fence wire. That's all; the crimping alone should be enough to secure it. 

Fence contractors like Elrod Fence Co can often repair chain link fencing within a matter of hours, and they will already have all of the equipment, so if you don't want to fiddle with everything on your own you can simply give them a call. Most of the time, the repairs will actually be quite cheap. Some chain link fences may also come with warranties that cover some types of damage; check with the contractor you purchased it from to find out more.