If you’re involved in the fencing industry, you might already know most of these terms. However, if you’re new to the business or interested in a do-it-yourself fence project, you might need an introduction. Below is a list of terms which will be helpful, especially since chain link fences have a few extra pieces compared to ornamental aluminum fencing or wood fence panels.
Chain Link Fabric: This is the wire mesh used to create the panels on your fence. When installing chain link fences, the panels are almost never pre-assembled and the fence mesh must be stretched across the length of the fence.
Corner Posts: A corner post is positioned anywhere the fence turns, generally at a 90 degree angle.
End Posts: An end post is the terminal post for a fence. Most fences only have two end posts at the very beginning and very end.
Gate Posts: A gate post is generally manufactured from sturdier material than line, end, and corner posts to handle the extra weight of a gate. Unlike other fencing materials, most chain link fences use galvanized metal posts.
Line Posts: A line post is positioned in any section of the fence which does not turn or require extra load-bearing capacity.
Line Post Top: Chain link fences are a bit different than other fencing. Most fences have post caps on all fence posts. Instead, chain link uses line post tops which the top rail threads through and the fabric is tied to.
Top Rail: The fence rail which runs along the top section of the fence. With chain link fences, the top rail must be secured to the mesh fabric.
Rail Caps: A rail cap is just a metal terminal post cap designed for the end of a section of chain link fence.
Tension Band: Tension bands are special fixtures attached to fence posts which clamp and hold chain link fabric.
Tension Wire: Unlike most fencing materials, chain link generally does not have a bottom rail. Instead, a tension wire is stretched at the bottom of the fence to give the fence its shape, flexibility, and strength. Tension wires also help keep animals and people from burrowing underneath the fence.
Tie Wire: These ties are specialized tools used to attach mesh fabric to the fence posts and rails.
Wood, vinyl, and aluminum are more versatile options for fencing, but chain link fences are much cheaper. The cost of a chain link fence is generally lower than any other material. Some chain link fabric is also powder coated and comes in colors like black and green. Privacy slats can be added in different colors and styles to create a nicer aesthetic and add privacy. Chain link fittings and fabrics are manufactured by companies like Master Halco and MerchantsMetals.
Master Halco
Master Halco does it all. Their catalog includes vinyl, wood, ornamental, chain link, and specialty fencing materials and accessories. Master Halco fences are perfect for residential and commercial applications, but can be used for tennis courts, cantilever gate systems, and temporary fence panels, as well. These fencing supplies may be galvanized and color coated, and are an economical solution for both homeowners and businesses.
MerchantsMetals
Since the 1940s, MerchantsMetals has been manufacturing fencing materials. Merchants Metals offers chain link fabric in GAW, or galvanized after weave, color coated, aluminumized, and mini mesh. The company also sells decorative and practical fence posts, slats, barbed tape, and full systems, including kennels and more natural applications.
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