Frequently Asked Questions - Chain Link Fences

What is Chain Link?
What kinds of Chain Link are available?
How High can Chain Link fences be?
What's the Chain Link Frame?
What Fittings go with the Chain Link Fence?
What type of Chain Link Gate should I use?
What colors are available in Chain Link?
How much do Chain Link fence systems cost?
How long is the Warranty for Chain Link Fence?

What is Chain Link?
      Chain Link fencing comes in a variety of gauges. Gauge is the diameter of the wire; the higher the gauge number the smaller the wire diameter. Standard mill diameter tolerance is + or - .005�. The fabric is formed by weaving a series of spirals together.
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What kinds of Chain Link are available?
      The Guage references the diameter of the wire used to make the mesh. Higher guage usually refers to thinner wire. The most common gauges and diameters for Chain Link are:

      The finish on the top and bottom of the fencing is called the Selvage. The selvage is usually based on an industry standards. Knuckled Ends form a loop and lock together, Barbed Ends are twisted with sharp pointed tips. They come as follows:
      There are two different kind of Zinc coatings:
      The distance between two parallel wires in the mesh is called the mesh size. The most common mesh sizes are:
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How High can Chain Link fences be?
      Chain link fabric is available in heights of 36�, 42�, 48�, 60�, 72�, 84�, 96�, 120�, and 144�.
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What is the Chain Link Frame?
      The frame is the fence skeleton that the mesh is attached to. The frame is usually made of tubular steel. The frame work consists of top rails, line posts, and terminal. The Top Rails are the cross bars and rails that run across the top. Terminal posts are set in concrete and are end, corner, and gate posts that attach to the end of the mesh. Line posts are thinner in diameter than terminal posts and are set intermediatly between the terminal posts. Line Posts are usually set in concrete too. The top rails attach to the terminal posts and provide a frame that supports the mesh.

      The frame work is also zinc coated. The frame is either "hot dip" or "in line" coated. The quality of the frame is relative to the thickness of steel, as well as the zinc coating process selected.
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What fittings go with the Chain Link Fence?
      There are several types of fittings required for your chain link frame. There are terminal post fittings, in-line fittings, and gate fittings. Terminal post fitings include post tops and clasps that secure the end of the mesh. In-line fittings include line post tops and wires to secure the mesh to the line posts. Gate fittings include latches, hinges, and mesh clamps. Barbed wire fittings can be added to commercial fences for security if desired. Residential fittings are generally made from galvanized die cast aluminum or steel. Industrial and commercial fittings are made from galvanized steel, cast iron, or malleable steel. The fittings secure the mesh, frame and gates. Since the gate is usually the only part of the fence that moves, gate fittings should be secured firmly on the post once installed. Loose fittings will cause the gate to sag.
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What type of Chain Link Gate should I use?
      There are generally two types of residential gates available:

      Single walk gates are generally used for walkways. They can be up to 12 feet wide, but are usually around 3 feet and are always the same height as the fence. They are charachterized as a single panel that hinges on one terminal post and latches to another. Double drive gates are usually used for driveways. They are charachterized as two panels that latch in the middle of the opening. All gates for residential fences are made from 1 3/8 inch tubing. Custom bent frames with rounded corners, "L" corners, and welded corners are also available. The mesh materials used for the gates should match the rest of the fence. Automatic closers are also available to latch single walk gates.

      Commercial gates include Single Walk and Double Drive gates and the following:

      Sliding and Rolling gates are used when there is not enough room to swing a panel gate open. Sliding gates, where the gate slides in a track on the ground, work best in warm climates. Rolling gates work better in areas where snow and ice are a problem. Rolling gates roll on a pipe track that is affixed to brackets on the fence frame, and a ground roller attached to the front of the gate. Sliding and Rolling gates are made from 1 5/8 inch or 1 7/8 inch tubing. Security Gates with Barbed Wire on top, are available in all styles. Cantilever gates are generally heavier and are usually installed on 4 inch posts with 2-3/8 inch top and bottom rail.

      There are a wide variety of automatic openers available as well for swinging and rolling gates. These include several types of entry access devices like key or card operated, remote control operated, and phone panel operated.
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What Colors are available in chain link?
      Factory chain link mesh is usually grey aluminum color, but several colors are available for vinyl coated chain link. These include:

      Custom colors are also sometimes available too. The frame and fittings can be painted or vinyl coated too for added corrosion protection. Vinyl coated fences add a sense of luxery to an otherwise traditional fence. They also increase the life of the fence by adding a extra protection from the elements.
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How much do chain link fence systems cost?
      Although prices may vary based on availability, they generally range as follows:

      Check for specials page too
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How long is the Warranty for Chain Link Fence?
      Galvanized and Color chain link fence systems come with a 12 year warranty. The warranty covers the protective coatings and hardware as well as the structural intergrity of the system. Soem fenec systems include a 15 year warranty. Ask for details.
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