Installation Instructions of Chain Link Fence Using Concrete Posts

The installation of chain link fence using concrete posts is very easy. You can refer to them and make your project more smooth and efficient.

Here is what you need to prepare:

  • Chain link fence
  • Spirit level
  • Concrete posts
  • Angle supports
  • Tensioning wire
  • Wire tensioner
  • Pliers
  • Hammer
  • Cable ties/tie wire
  • Spade
  • Cement (optional)

You can follow the steps below:

Step 1: Layout and Measurement

Measure and mark the location of your fence with spray paint or something similar. The distance between posts should be 2–2.5 m. Measure the total length at both ends so you can order the correct length of chain link fence needed.

Mark the installation positions of each post in the chain link fence

Fence Layout

Step 2: Post Holes

Use a shovel to dig a hole at each marked position. The width of the hole should be three times wider than the post, and the depth should be one-third of the post length.

Width and depth of the hole for the concrete post

Post Hole

Step 3: Secure the Post

  • Using Concrete: For best results, first lay 4 inches of gravel at the bottom of the hole and compact it, then add 6 inches of concrete. Place the post into the wet concrete and wait at least 1 day for the concrete to set. Finally, fill the rest of the hole with soil.
  • Without Using Concrete: Place the post in the center of the hole, then fill the hole with large stones to secure the post. Fill the hole with soil until tight and compact.
Secure the post with gravel, concrete, stones, and soil

Securing the post

Step 4: Check for Vertical Alignment

Use a level to ensure your posts are straight, then secure them in place. This is very important; otherwise, the fence will not be straight. Once all posts are in place, wait a few days for the concrete to dry up.

Use a level to check if the post is straight.

Level detection

Step 5: Confirm Precast Slot

The end post should have a precast slot for installing the angle support, which should face the direction of the fence.

The precast slot of the end post has an arrow indicating the installation direction.

Confirm Precast Slot

Step 6: Position Angle Support Direction

The end post has precast slots on two adjacent sides, which should be positioned towards the two fence runs that the corner is joining.

The end post has two precast slots on both sides, indicating the installation direction.

Angle Support Direction

Step 7: Secure Angle Supports

First, place an angle post into the corner post's precast slot (if there is no precast slot, the angle post should typically be secured at 2/3 of the upright's height and at a 45-degree angle). After determining the correct position, dig the hole, the remaining steps are the same as in Step 3.

Secured with stones or concrete

Securing Angle Supports

Step 8: Install Angle Supports

Repeat Step 7 to connect the other side of the end post.

Support Post with Precast Slot at Both Ends

Install Angle Supports

Step 9: Mark the Position of Tensioning Wire

The chain link fence requires multiple tensioning wires for tightening:

  • For heights below 1.2 m, use 2 tensioning wires;
  • For heights above 1.2 m, use 3 tensioning wires.

Mark the position of each tensioning wire on all posts , ensuring they are consistent so that the tensioning wires will be level with the ground.

Mark the position of the tensioning wire at the same location on each post.

Marking Tensioning Wire Position

Step 10: Install Tension Wire on the First Post

Secure the tensioning wire to the end post at the lowest marked position, and hook it to the concrete post, twist and wind it around itself 4 to 5 times to ensure it maintains tension.

Install and wind the tensioning wire on the first post

First Post Installing Tensioning Wire

Step 11: Attach the Tensioner

Use bolts and nuts to secure the tensioning wire and tensioner to the corner and end posts. (If you do not have a tensioner, please skip to Step 14)

A person using a tensioner to hook the tension wire on the end post

Attach the Tensioner

Step 12: The Tensioning Wire Passes through the Center Hole of the Tensioner

When finally cutting the tension wire, leave an extra 10 cm of length for adjustment, then pass the tension wire through the hole located at the center of the tensioner.

A person passing the tension wire through the center hole of the tensioner

The tensioning wire passes through the center hole of the tensioner

Step 13: Secure the tensioner

Use pliers to rotate the pin on the tensioner clockwise.

Use pliers to rotate the pin on the tensioner clockwise

Fixed Tensioner

Step 14: Tensioning Wire Fixed to the Post (without using a tensioner)

Without a tensioner, twist the tensioning wire around the post and wind it around itself 4–5 times as an alternative (note: Using this method will result in less tension compared to using a tension device).

Use pliers to fix the tension wire to the post and wrap it

Tension wire fixed to the post

Step 15: Fixing The Tension Wire to The Middle Post

Use wire to secure the tension wire to the middle post.

A person securing the tension wire to the middle post with wire

Fixing the tensioning wire to the middle post

Step 16: Securing the Remaining Tensioning Wire

Repeat steps 10–13 to secure the remaining tensioning wire.

A person is securing the remaining tension wire to the post

Securing the remaining tensioning wire

Step 17: Unrolling the Mesh

Roll out sufficient mesh to cover the distance between the first two posts.

Important Notes: Ensure the roll is upright or placed on a flat and even surface with the flap facing upwards to avoid snagging! Use tie wire (or cable ties) to secure the mesh to the top of the first post.

Securing the flattened chain link mesh with wire

Unrolling the Mesh

Step 18: Tensioning the Chain Link Mesh

Pull the mesh tight to stretch it at the end of the roll, and then secure it to the next post with metal wires.

A person laying out and tensioning a roll of chain link mesh

Tension Mesh

Step 19: Secure the Remaining Chain Link Mesh

Continue to secure the remaining section of the mesh roll as described in Steps 17–18.

Continue to secure the remaining section of the mesh roll.

Secure the Remaining Chain Link Mesh

Step 20: Secure Tensioning Wire at Multiple Points

Be sure to secure the tensioning wire to the fence at various points with metal wires to maintain the tension of the fence.

Fixing the tension wire at various points on the fence with wire

Fixing tension wire

Finished Chain Link Fence Using Concrete Posts

Chain link fence in the park with concrete posts

Chain link fence in park

Chain link fence in the garden with concrete posts

Chain link fence in garden