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Chain-link fence, also known as barbed wire, is a type of fence made of metal bars that are linked together to form a mesh. The mesh is tight enough so that it discourages animals or people from climbing or crossing the fence, but it is also flexible enough so that the fence can be tightened or expanded as needed.
If you want to protect your property with a chain-link fence, then it is important to stretch it at some point. The process of stretching a fence is not a simple one, but it is important to be careful while doing so.
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Do You Need to Stretch Chain-link Fence?
There are many reasons why you might need to stretch a chain-link fence. Perhaps the fence is twisted or bent, or there’s a hole in it. Maybe you just want to make sure that the fence is long enough so that it will cover all of your property.
Some people believe that stretching the chain-link fence makes it stronger. The reasoning behind this claim is based on the fact that when the chain-link fence is stretched, the links in the fence become more flexible. This means that the fence is more able to resist damage from physical forces, such as a person trying to climb over it or an animal trying to break through it.
Also, you might need to stretch the chain-link fence if you want to increase the fence’s overall height or width. Or if you want to make the fence more resistant to penetration by sharp objects, such as knives or nails.
How do You Stretch a Chain Link Fence By Hand?
You will need the following items in order to stretch a chain link fence by hand:
- A pair of gloves
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A wire cutter
- A chain-link fence
Before beginning, make sure that you have the following items ready:
- A pair of nails
- A wire edge saw
- A hammer
- An adjustable wrench
To stretch a chain link fence by hand, first, identify the points at which the fence needs to be stretched. Use the screwdriver to remove the staples that secure the wire fabric to the posts. Make sure to remove the entire staple strip, not just the head.
Once the staples are removed, use the adjustable wrench to tighten the fabric against the posts. Hammer the fabric against the posts until it’s properly stretched. Make sure to hold onto the fence while doing this, as it may collapse under pressure. Once the fence is in the desired condition, use the nails to secure it in place.
After stretching a chain link fence by hand, it is important to make sure that the fence is secure. It is best to use screws or bolts to attach the fence to the ground. Again, it is important to make sure that the fence is secure so that it does not fall down.
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How to Use a Chain-link Fence Stretcher?
The two main advantages of using a chain-link fence stretcher are the easiness of the job and the minimum of effort. With a chain-link fence stretcher, one needs to slide the stretcher along the fence as the stretcher is attached to the chain-link fence using an attaching hinge on the stretcher.
With this device, a person can easily make long stretches of the fence with the ease of a few simple steps.
A chain-link fence stretcher is a tool made of a heavy-duty metal frame with two thick metal pins that fit through holes at the bottom of the chain-link fence. The upper part of the chain-link fence stretcher has a large hook, which fits over the fence.
To use the stretcher, first find the fence that you want to stretch. Make a sketch of the fence boundaries so that you know where all of the anchor points are. Next, mark the locations of the anchor points on the stretcher itself.
The anchor points should be located roughly 1 foot (30 cm) apart, and they should be painted or marked with a visible marker.
Next, connect the stretcher to the anchor points with chains. The chains should be long enough so that they can stretch the fence to its full length.
The stretcher should now be ready to use. To stretch the fence, start by applying pressure to one end of the chain link.
The stretcher will then stretch the fence between the anchor points. Keep applying pressure as the chain-link fence stretches, until the fence is fully stretched.
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Plum Hitting Chain Link Stretch Bar
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Premium 36″ Chain Link Fabric Stretcher Bar – 3 Hook
Sometimes, you just can’t use an electric fence stretcher or you need to quickly re-stretch your fence. That’s where this handy, affordable fence stretcher bar comes in.
This professional-grade, high-quality, and durable metal stretcher bar is ideal for those who need to stretch chain link fabric and another wire fencing. It’s easy to use and simply requires the chain link fabric or wire fencing to be looped over the top and bottom of the bar.
You’ll be able to quickly and easily stretch your wire or chain link fence back to its original size. This stretcher bar won’t damage the fence fabric and is ideal for those who want an easy way to quickly extend their fences using minimal effort.
Made of heavy-duty steel metal with a galvanized coating, the Plum hitting stretch bar is a safe and effective way to extend chain links. With a 3 hook design and ample space to maneuver; this bar can easily fit around your chain link without any hassle.
How to Stretch Chain Link Fence Without a Stretcher?
Chain link fences are often used to keep people out of certain areas. They are also a popular option for dog runs, as they allow your pet to run and play without getting out. But what happens if you need to make the fence taller? If you don’t have a stretcher, you can use these tips to stretch the fence without one.
1. Use a Ladder
Ladders can be used in many ways around the house, and they are perfect for stretching chain link fences. Simply place the ladder against the fence and climb up it until you reach the desired height.
Then use your weight to pull down on one side of the fence while pushing up on the other side. This will cause the fence to stretch as you pull it.
2. Use a Long Stick
If you don’t happen to have a ladder, you can use another long stick. Simply place the stick against the fence and pull down on one side while pushing up on the other. This will put pressure on the fence and cause it to stretch over time.
3. Attach a Belt to Your Waist
Belts are great for stretching chain link fences because they can be tightened or loosened depending on how much you need the fence to stretch. Drape the belt around your waist and pull down on one side of the fence while pushing up on the other.
4. The frame Method
If you have a large area that needs to be enclosed by a sturdy chain link fence, you’ll need to stretch the fence without the use of a stretcher. There are a few ways to do this, but the most common method is to use a frame.
The frame is constructed from two pieces of tall fence posts that are connected at the top. The posts are then fastened to a sturdy base using iron or wooden stakes. The frame is then moved around the area to be enclosed, being sure to adjust the stakes as needed.
5. With Two Long Bars
Another method is to fasten two long floating bars to the top of two posts. These bars can then be stretched across the area to be enclosed. Like the frame method, the bars must be adjusted as needed.
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Conclusion
Finally, you can stretch a chain link fence with or without a chain-link stretcher. Stretching a chain-link fence without a stretcher is a simple but time-consuming task that can be done by anyone with the right tools and instructions.
It is important to keep in mind that not all chains have equal strength; those intended for exterior use will usually be stronger than those used for interior applications.
Chain link fences are commonly stretched along their lengthwise edges because this method provides the least amount of stress on both sides of the fence.
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