Do it Yourself Chain Link Fence Repair

A chain link fence is one home feature that often needs repair. Chain link fence does not necessarily break, but it does sag, droop and sway. It is not difficult to repair, but many homeowners have a lot of questions about how to fix it. The most common problem is loose connectors between two fence posts and missing wire ties around posts that hold the fence upright. Both can be repaired rather easily.

Fence Post Repairs

Fence posts are driven into the ground and usually set into a foundation of concrete. If your fence posts are tilting to one side, the entire post must be dug up and reset into the hole with a concrete foundation. The hole should be about a foot in diameter and one to two feet deep. The post should also be leveled with a carpenter's level to keep it straight. Use wire or 2-by-4 boards as braces on either side to hold the post upright if it begins to tilt one way or another while the concrete dries.

Post Connectors

The posts are also supported by each other, not just the concrete foundation in the hole. When two posts begin to sag or tilt they both should be reset in their holes, and the hardware that connects them together should be checked and reinstalled. A typical fence connector includes one brace that slides over the upright post and connects the two cross braces on either side. Just by tightening these connectors you can sometimes fix a sagging fence post. Replace them if they are missing or they have damage.

Fencing Ties

The fencing itself is a mesh of metal wire that is usually galvanized after being woven together. This fencing can often sag and sway if it is not properly secured to the fence posts and cross braces with strong metal wire called fencing wire. To fix a sagging fence, stretch the fence back up to the cross beams and apply new fencing wire. Wrap it around the top of the beam and then twist it around the fence wire so it will not slide down. Repeat this for the vertical fence posts. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to bend the wire tightly in place. Sometimes simply fixing a drooping fence can hep to straighten the fence posts, and it can prevent the posts from tilting any further.