How to Buy/Specify A Chain Link Fence
1. The Variables (in order of importance)
- Diameter and Wall Thickness of Galvanized Pipe
- Gauge of Wire (the thicker the wire, the lower the gauge number)
- Size of Mesh (aka Diamond). The smaller the mesh, the more secure the fence is.Heights available 4’, 5’, 6’, 7’, 8’, 9’, 10’
2. Residential Specifications
Tubing: Normally .065” Wall Thickness (aka Light Gauge Tubing) Line Posts: 1 7/8” Diameter
Terminals/Gate Posts/Corner Posts: 2 3/8” Diameter
Top Rail: 1 5/8” Diameter
Chain Link Fence: Normally 11.5 to 12 Gauge Wire and 2 3/8” Diamond size
How contractors cheat specs? They use even thinner wall pipe (e.g. .047 or .055 wall thickness, that has 15-28% less steel, respectively)
3. Light Commercial Specifications
Tubing: Normally .080” to .095” (Schedule 20 Tubing/BSS) Wall Thickness Line Posts: 2 3/8” Diameter x .095” Wall Thickness
Terminals/Gate Posts/Corner Posts: 2 7/8” Diameter x .095” Wall Thickness Top Rail: 1 5/8” Diameter x .080” Wall Thickness
Chain Link Fence: Normally 11 Gauge Wire and 2” Diamond size
The most common way that this spec is altered is by substituting residential products.
4. Industrial Specifications
Tubing: Normally Schedule 40 Wall Thickness for all Framework Line Posts: 2 3/8” Diameter
Terminals/Gate Posts/Corner Posts: 2 7/8” Diameter
Top Rail: 1 5/8” Diameter
Chain Link Fence: Normally 9 Gauge Wire and 2” Diamond size
NOTE: Sometimes plans and specs will call out these different pipe diameters and weights in decimal form and or lbs./ft weight – Please note that we are here to help you interpret these specifications to ensure that the job is never short spec’d. When you think Fence…think Viking!