The strength of a fence is determined by its weak points, and if the bottom is unsecured, the entire fence loses integrity. Learn how to secure the bottom of a chain link fence to improve overall durability and protection.
Add Fence Stakes
The quickest way to secure a chain link fence is by driving stakes through the bottom of the mesh into the ground below. Although this method adds minimal tension—an important feature in chain link structure—inserting stakes or combs along the fence line helps prevent animals from digging below or pushing through the bottom of the fence.
Common designs for these products are hook or horseshoe-shaped stakes or rows of combs. However, tent or garden stakes can be used for the same purpose as a quick, temporary solution.
Stakes alone are not as durable as other solutions, but they provide an easy and simple method to secure the bottom of a chain link fence.
Tips for Staking a Fence
- Space stakes evely along the fence line.
- Use strong materials, ideally metal, such as galvanized steel, or heavy-duty plastic.
- Hammer stakes deep in the ground, especially if soil is soft or loose.
- Secure stakes to chain link mesh with wire ties or clamps for a strong hold.
Attach Tension Wire
Tension wire is a straight wire attached to the bottom diamonds on chain link mesh with hog rings and clamps. The wire helps maintain tension throughout the entire fabric, preventing it from bending or lifting. However, this method does not stop animals from digging below the fence, and determined intruders may still be able to push through the wire.
Many chain link fences already have tension wire installed along the bottom, but it's an optional addition. Tension wire is available in various gauges and metals, making it easy to find one to fit your strength and environmental requirements.
Tips for Attaching Tension Wire
- Secure tension wire with fence stakes for extra resistance.
- Place hog rings every 18" to 24" along tension wire.
- Ensure the tension wire is taut.
Install a Bottom Rail
For ultimate bend protection, install a pipe rail along the bottom of each fence panel. Adding a bottom rail creates a "box frame" fence, which prevents the wire mesh from being bent or lifted even by the strongest forces.
While this is the most durable approach, bottom rails are more expensive and laborious to install than tension wire or fence stakes. It provides a reliable long-term solution, but requires more time up front.
Best Methods to Secure a Fence
There are many ways to secure the bottom of a chain link fence, and the best one for you will depend on your budget, timeline, and security needs.
- For an extremely durable fence: Install a bottom rail.
- For digging prevention: Insert fence stakes.
- For an easy and reliable upgrade: Attach tension wire
Helpful Tips for Securing a Chain Link Fence
FAQ
Why is it important to secure the bottom of a fence?
Gaps at the bottom of a fence are security risks because animals or intruders can push below the mesh and break through the fence.
What is the fastest way to secure the bottom of a chain link fence?
The easiest and quickest ways to secure the bottom of a chain link fence are by attaching tension wire or inserting fence stakes along the bottom diamonds.
What tools do you need to install a chain link fence rail?
You need rail end caps, brace bands, bolts and nuts, and wire ties to install a bottom rail on a chain link fence.
How to install a tension wire on a chain link fence?
Pull the wire taut along the bottom of the fence, attach the ends of the wire to fence posts with tension bands or brace bands, and secure the wire every two feet with hog rings.
How far apart should wire ties be on a chain link fence?
Secure chain link fence mesh with wire ties every 12" on fence posts and every 18" on rails.
How to prevent animals from digging under a fence?
Insert stakes or metal combs in the ground under the fence line or lay down a barrier along the ground to prevent digging.