Tension wire is an important part of chain link fencing

September 8, 2022

Tension wire is an important part of chain link fencing. It secures the bottom and top of your chain link fence to ensure the chain links remain tight to the posts and rails. We have created this how-to guide to teach you the properly install tension wire for fences.

Objective: By mastering this lesson, you will be able to complete chain link tension wire installation.

Equipment: 2ea. come-a-longs, pliers, bolt cutters, chop saw or hand saw, wire rake for the appropriate height wire, speed wrench with ½” socket, barb wire dog, T-bar, and hammer.

Key Question: How do I install top or bottom tension wire?

How do I install top or bottom tension wire?

chain-link-tension-wire-installation-1.gifTension wire is manufactured from spring steel which means that it has a considerable amount of resistance to bending or stretching. Thus, when you cut the banding on the spool, be sure that you have the spool firmly in your grasp. If not, the spool will quickly become unraveled and tangled to a point that you will not be able to use the materials. Also, it poses a real safety issue with the end of the spool spinning around. Be sure that you have safety glasses and gloves on.