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- Assemble the Gate Frame
- Position Tension Bar
- Attach Tension Bar
- Attach Second Tension Bar
- Tie Mesh
- Hang Hinge Straps
- Hang the Hinges
- Hang the Chain-Link Gate
1
Assemble the Gate Frame
To assemble a chain-link gate, start by assembling the frame by sliding all pieces of tubing together. Attach the mesh by slipping tension bands onto the pieces of tubing or tension bands that make up the frame. Space them evenly from top to bottom. You will need at least three tension bands for each tension bar. If the gate is more than four feet high, you’ll need four or more depending on the size.
Insert a tension bar into the chain link mesh by sliding it through the end loops of the mesh. Be sure to thread the bar through the entire width of the mesh. The tension bar keeps the chain-link in place.
3
Attach Tension Bar
Attach the tension bar to the tension bands on one side rail. Then, thread a second tension bar into the chain link mesh, close enough to the other side rail so that it holds the mesh taut once it is attached to the tension bands. Unhook the strand of mesh near the outside of the second tension bar. Pull it out to remove the excess mesh. Clip the extra mesh with pliers or wire cutters.
4
Attach Second Tension Bar
Pull the mesh and the second tension bar tightly. Slip the tension bar into the tension bands. If the mesh isn’t tight enough, unhook the tension bar and slip it into the next set of loops until it’s the desired tightness. Then, unravel the excess mesh. Hook the bar back into the tension bands. If there’s excess mesh at this stage, remove it with wire cutters.
Consider asking someone to help keep the mesh tight while you apply the nuts and bolts of the hinges.
5
Tie Mesh
Next, make the top and bottom of the mesh look neat by tying it all in place. The mesh should extend about 1/2 inch to 1 inch above the top row of tubing. Cut it off with pliers at the first knuckle. Bend the sharp ends back down for a clean look. Use your pliers to tie the mesh in place with chain-link fencing ties. Use two ties per side for a 4-feet wide gate. Attach one to each cross member.
If your gate is wider than 4 feet, add an extra tie to help resist wear on the mesh.
6
Hang Hinge Straps
To prepare the gate for hanging, install the hinge straps. Notice the flat side and the curved side, and place the hinges so the flat side faces up. Space them evenly from the top and bottom, and use a wrench to secure them into place. Position the gate, and support it on wood blocks. Then, mark the gatepost to show where the hinge straps will meet it.
7
Hang the Hinges
Set the gate aside. Loosely attach the hinge halves to the posts with the pins in their approximate locations. Tighten the pins in place with the top pin pointing down and the bottom pin pointing up. Next, measure the location of the bottom hinge by placing the gate on blocks of wood, then moving the post-side of the hinge into place and tightening. Lower the gate-side hinge onto the pin. Hold the gate in place and lower the top post-side hinge until the pin is in place and holding the gate. Tighten the hinge on the post. Finally, test opening and closing the gate. If the hinges bind, make sure all four hinge pieces aligh with each other. If there is too little or too much room for the latch to operate, loosen the hinges and rotate them around the post or the gate.
8
Hang the Chain-Link Gate
Position the latch catch on the gatepost opposite the hinges and tighten it. Slide the latch pin onto the side rail of the gate, line it up with the catch and then tighten it with a socket wrench.
A chain link gate is amazingly strong. Unlike its wooden counterparts, a chain link gate isn’t likely to sag over time. Preassembled chain link gates can be great for many different applications. They provide easy entry to a sidewalk or allow equipment and tools through. Need supplies for your chain link gate project? The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.
