How To Install A Bottom Rail On Chain Link Fence: Installation Process Of A Bottom Rail On Chain Link Fence

Installation Process Of A Bottom Rail On Chain Link Fence

To stop something from slipping under the fence, you should essentially secure the bottom of your chain link fence. This is frequently done to keep a dog or livestock within, but it can also be done on sports fields to prevent baseballs, softballs, and tennis balls from slipping under the fence and leaving the play area. It is used in high security applications to prevent access by outsiders to secured regions. Despite the fact that it is more laborious and time-consuming, installing a bottom rail is a terrific strategy to maintain your fence more sturdy and long-lasting.

Step 1: Purchase A Rail With The Same Diameter As Your Old Rail

For obvious reasons, you should replace your old rail with a rail that is the same diameter as your top rail, if one is available. From one end of the circle to the other, measure with a ruler or a tape measure. This will make it easier for you to specify to the DIY store what diameter your bottom rail should have.

Step 2: Remove The Old Bottom Rail

It's time to take out the damaged rail after you have your replacement rail in place. Use a pair of pliers to cut the wire ties keeping the rail together so you may remove them. To loosen the tie, bend the end; repeat for each additional wire tie.

Step 3: Measure The New Rail For Cutting

Detach the old rail and slide the new one to the smaller one to determine how long you will need from it. Make sure you slide the smaller end through the opposing rail. Place the two rails side by side and mark the length you will be using to determine how long. Make a mark with a pencil.

Step 4: Cut The New Rail

The reason this is the most challenging step is because you'll require safety glasses and a respirator mask. Wear safety equipment before using a reciprocating saw to cut the rail to prevent metal dust inhalation. Hold the rail in place with your non-dominant hand while using a reciprocating saw or hacksaw to begin cutting through the metal.

Step 5: Place The New Rail Into The Old One

After cutting is complete, insert the new rail into the existing rail. Slide the new rail's smaller end into the bigger end of the old rail. To make installing the fence easier, you can take out the old rail from the bolt.

Step 6: Add Wire Ties

The bottom rail is secured to the actual fence in the final phase by adding fresh wire ties. Put a wire tie a few inches from the rail's end using a pair of pliers. Wire ties should be positioned correctly by being wrapped twice around the mesh and rail. It's like pushing them together to keep them from breaking apart. Without a bottom rail, your dog can simply go between the rail and the mesh, making the bottom rail useless. When you're finished, keep putting wire ties a few inches apart from your last one.

However, if your chain-link fence isn't designed to have rails attached to it, you'll probably just need to use tent stakes. Stakes for tents can be purchased for as little as $5 for a pack. If your mesh is close to the ground, there is another situation where tent stakes might be a good choice. It makes sense to use stakes to pull the mesh lower if it is close to the ground and there is no bottom rail. Just make sure the stakes are placed evenly throughout your fence to prevent your dog from searching for additional weak points. If you have a chain-link fence that has been damaged, know that it is entirely repairable because fence damage is relatively common.