If you’ve got an existing chain link fence that is loose or curling up at the bottom, chances are, your tension wire is loose or damaged. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to install tension wire on an existing chain link fence. Here’s how you can make this simple fix and help extend the lifespan of your fence by keeping it neat and secure.
Gather Your Supplies
The first thing you need to do when installing tension wire on an existing chain link fence is to gather all the tools, supplies, and equipment you’ll need. This is a relatively straightforward project.
- First, get yourself a good pair of fence pliers. These make it much simpler to cut, twist, and pull fence wire.
- Buy some galvanized or PVC-coated tension wire for your fence. For most residential chain link fences, 9-gauge wire is a common choice for strength and durability.
- Make sure you also have hog rings and hog ring pliers so you can attach your chain link mesh to the new tension wire.
- Safety gear (gloves and safety glasses) is always recommended for handling wire. Even minor scrapes and cuts can be serious, and eye protection is important when clipping or tensioning wire.
If you’re in the Phoenix area, you can also consult local hardware store staff for region-specific advice, like dealing with monsoon winds or high-heat conditions that can affect the soil around your fence line.
Remove Your Old Tension Wire
If you’re wondering how to install tension wire on an existing chain link fence, you might already have a wire that has failed. Sometimes it’s rusted, snapped, or simply lost tension over time. Trim back any damaged or overgrown vegetation that might be obscuring the wire so you can see clearly.
Most chain link fences without bottom rails have a bottom wire to attach mesh to. If that wire is no longer effective, you’ll want to remove it before installing your new one. Go to the end (terminal) or corner (tension) posts on your fence, which is where your tension wire is normally attached. Use your fence pliers to cut the old wire. Then untwist or remove any hog rings or wire ties along the fence mesh until the old wire is free.
If the old wire broke but is still usable, you could save the unbroken portion for smaller future repairs. If it’s rusted or severely damaged, it’s best to take it to a metal recycler or your local dump (if they accept metal).
Install Your New Chain Link Fence Tension Wire
Once your old fence wire is removed, the next step is installing the new wire. The process isn’t complicated but taking it slowly can help maintain even tension and avoid rework.
- Tie your new fence wire to the tension post at the start of the fence line.
- Position the tension wire about 2 inches above the ground—this is usually standard for bottom wire clearance.
- Roll out the wire along the fence line, keeping it as tight as possible while you go.
- When you reach the other end, pull the wire tight around the tension post. On longer fence lines, you might need a fence stretcher or puller to maintain proper tension.
- Cut the wire so you can twist and fasten it securely around the tension post, then trim off any excess.
- Use hog rings and matching pliers to attach the chain link fabric to the new wire at intervals of about 12 to 18 inches.
Repeat this process on each fence section that requires bottom tension wire replacement. Typically, chain link fences have tension posts installed every couple hundred feet, so you can tackle each section independently without wrestling with an extremely long wire.
If you’re looking to simplify wire maintenance in the future, consider installing an in-line tensioner. These devices have a ratchet mechanism, which lets you turn the ratchet if the wire begins to sag, instead of having to remove and replace wire again.
Why Do Chain Link Fence Tension Wires Wear Out?
You may wonder why a fence that’s designed to last many years might need tension wire replacement. In Phoenix and other parts of Arizona, environmental conditions such as hot temperatures and sudden monsoon storms can put extra stress on the bottom wire.
- Corrosion: Even galvanized steel can corrode over time, especially near the ground where constant moisture or standing water can occur. Heavy rainfall, irrigation systems, and water runoff during storms can accelerate rust.
- Stretching: Debris, soil buildup, or even dust can accumulate along the bottom of your fence. Over time, this can pull your chain link mesh downward. While the mesh’s weave can flex a bit, the tension wire isn’t designed to stretch significantly, so it may eventually break.
- Mechanical Damage: Animals trying to dig under the fence, or people attempting to pull up the bottom of the fence, can place extra strain on the tension wire. This can stretch or snap the wire over time.
How Often Should You Repair Tension Wire on a Chain Link Fence?
Once you know how to replace the bottom wire, you might wonder how often it needs to be done. The simplest answer is, only when you see a problem.
Doing a quick walkaround of your fence several times a year is a good habit. Look for damage to wire, loose ties, bent posts, or rust spots. If you notice issues with the bottom wire—like sagging, rust, or breakage—it’s time to fix or replace it. Otherwise, if the tension wire is holding the mesh securely, no additional work is necessary.
Western Fence is a local fence contractor serving the Phoenix Metro area, specializing in chain link fence repairs, installations, and upgrades. If you’re looking for reliable chain link solutions, explore our Phoenix chain link fence services to find out how we can help keep your fence secure and in great shape.