While installing a chain link fence, you may be worried about how to attach it to T-posts. We can use several tools, such as T-post clips, zip ties, or pieces of metal wires, to attach chain link fences to T-posts. The main thing is to keep the fence stretched during installation. This post discusses everything about installing a chain link fence to the T-posts.
Below, we’ll discuss how to install a chain link fence with T-posts
How to attach chain link fence to T post?
- Unroll the chain link fence along the T-posts. Vertically align the fence along the posts such that it touches the ground.
- T-post clips, zip ties, or metal wire can be used to attach the chain link fence to the T-posts.
- Start at the top of the corner T-post. Keep the fence straight & tie it to the T-posts.
- Now pull the fence downward & tie it at regular intervals (1-2 feet) to the T-posts.
- Maintaining tension is the most important step when installing a wire fence. Various tools can be used to stretch the fence horizontally, such as fence stretchers and come-along tools.
- Maintain the same pattern of chain link fence boxes on each T-post to keep your fence straight. We can also install tension wires between the corner posts and tie them to the chain link fence to prevent the fence from sagging.
- As corner posts bear the most weight of the fence, it’s advisable to install wood posts at the corners as they are sturdy & bear more tension & weight of the fence.
Tip: Pass the T-posts through the upper holes(pattern) of the fence.
1: Using T-post clips
T-post clips are professionally used for attaching(tying) chain links & wire fences to T-posts. These U-shaped clips are made of sturdy metal alloys, usually galvanized steel. The U-shaped body of clips wraps around the T-posts, while the hooks/ends are twisted around the wires of the fences. A pack of 100 T-post clips costs around 15$ and .15$ per clip. How many clips per T-post? We must use 3-5 clips per T-post, depending on the height of the fence. Hook the chain link fence to T-posts at regular intervals of 1-2 feet.
Steps to install T-post clips:
- Wrap the clips around the T-post & hook the closest fence wire in the U-shaped ends of the clips.
- At last, use a clip bender or plier to bend the clip ends around the fence wire.
- A clip bender is recommended for bending clips as it leaves a smooth finish & professional look.
- You can also use a plier to twist the ends of the T-post clip around the fence wire
How to use Clip Bender? Lock the nearest fence wire in the hooks of T-post clips. Insert the end of the T-post clip inside the holes of the bender. Rotate the clip bender around the fence wire caught into the clip. This way, the hooks of the T-post clips will bend around the fence tightly, tying it to the T-posts. If you are installing the fence for a longer time period, twist the hooks(ends) of clips entirely around the fence wire. However, for a temporary fixture or keeping small animals, you can; just a single twist would be enough. Similarly, you can remove the fence clips using the clip bender or plier to use them later.
2: Zip Ties
Zip ties are also sturdy & easily last a couple of years. A pack of 100 zip ties costs around 7-10$. However, it would be best to choose black zip ties treated for UV resistance as they last longer under exposure to sunlight & warm weather. Steps to install: Wrap the zip ties around the T-post at the desired height. Position the zip ties at the T-post studs to keep them in place. Catch the nearest chain link fence wire in the zip tie & tighten it. Cut off the excess part of the zip ties to have a smooth finish & make the fence look better. Similarly, tie the chain link fence at regular intervals (1 foot) to the T-posts using zip ties. After tying the fence at one post, head toward the next.
3: Metal wire:
If you have metal wire, you can use it to tie the chain link to the T-posts. Cut 6-8 inch pieces of metal wire. However, make sure that the metal wire you are using is thick (10-15 gauge) so that the knot/joint can bear the weight of the fence.
- Wrap the metal wire around the T-post & the wire of the chain link fence.
- Use a plier or plass to twist the ends of the metal wire to each other.
- Make enough twists as much as possible.
How to stretch chain link fence?
A fence stretcher, ratchet strap, or come-along tool is commonly used to stretch the chain link fence. You can also use a screwdriver if you don’t have a fence stretcher. For a short area fence, you can stretch the chain link fence with your hands.
An easy alternative to keep the fence straight without using any specialized fence stretcher is maintaining the same pattern of boxes(holes) from top to bottom. Pass the screwdriver through the chain link fence hole & leverage it through the side of the fence post. Then, securely attach the fence to the post. Move downward, use the screwdriver to stretch the fence & tie it to the posts.
How can you keep the chain link fence from sagging?
As chain link fences are usually installed with metal posts & frames, while if you are using T-posts, there is no frame that will hold & supports the fence & keep it from sagging. From my experience, I’ll suggest installing tension wires that you can perform as a DIY enthusiast & is also followed by experts. Tension wires are tightly installed between the corner posts & then the wire fence is tied to it. As tension wires exert a lot of pressure, so it’s better to use heavy-duty metal posts at the corners.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: How far apart should chain link fence posts be?
Usually, round metal chain link fence posts are spaced 10 feet apart. However, T-posts are not as strong, so they should be spaced a maximum of 6-7 feet apart. Post spacing depends on the ground moisture, the weight of the fence & expected load. If the ground is soft & you’ve to keep medium to large-sized animals, keep the distance low between the posts. While if the ground is hard, the posts can bear more tension & weight of the fence; hence, posts can be spaced wider.
How to Keep animals from passing through the chain link fence?
If you have installed a chain link fence with a large mesh size, in order to keep small predators out, it’s a wise option to cover the bottom part(3-4 feet) with a small mesh size wire fence i.e. chicken wire. To attach the additional wire fence to the chain link, you can use zip ties, pieces of metal wire, or weave the metal wire through both fences. To keep animals from digging, attach some wire fence horizontally at the bottom of the chain link fence.
Conclusion
We can use T-post clips, zip ties, or pieces of metal wires to attach chain link fences to T-posts. Use them regularly to keep the fence tightly hooked to the posts. Ensure the tool you use to tie the chain link fence can bear its weight. However, the most important thing is to keep the fence stretched & straight. For this purpose, you can use a fence stretcher, a come-along tool, or a screwdriver. Install tension wire between the corner posts at the top & bottom of the fence. Then, tie the chain link fence to the tension wire to keep it from sagging. If you still need guidance, ask us in the comment below.
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