How to Repair a Chain Link Fence

Adding a new rail section

When a tree limb falls on your property, you can bet it’s going to damage something. And if that “something” happens to be a chain link fence, you’re in luck because fixing a chain link fence is a simple DIY repair. The pros would charge about $150 plus materials for the repair shown here. But you can do it yourself for about $60, including tool rental.

We asked our friends at Premier Fence in St. Paul, Minnesota, to evaluate the damage on this fence and walk us through the repair. Here’s how to proceed.

Get a new section of top rail and some wire ties from a home center or fence supplier. The top rail should have one open end and one crimped end. Grab a hacksaw, file and pliers—and a helper.

Start by removing the wire ties that hold the fence fabric to the top rail. Rest the new rail on top of the damaged rail and have your helper hold it in place while you mark a cutting line on the old rail. Then, mark a cut on the opposite end of the new rail where it meets a joint.

Cut the damaged rail at the cutting line, slide it off the joint and toss it. Then cut the excess off the top rail to mate with the existing joint. Create some maneuvering room by unbolting the top rail from the corner post and sliding it away from the damaged area. Install the larger end of the new rail onto the crimped end of the old rail. Then make the final connection. Reconnect the rail end cap to the corner post. Find out the cost of installing a chain link fence.

Cutting guide

Start at an existing rail joint, then cut the replacement section to length.

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