Chain Link Fence

The standard chain link fence consists of terminal posts, line posts, top rail, fabric and bottom coil wire, hog rings, ties and fittings.

The standard terminal post for most residential uses has a 2-1/2" outside diameter (OD) and a wall thickness (WT) of at least .055 (17 gauge) for galvanized and .065 (16 gauge) for vinyl coated.

Line posts for 4' and 5' high fencing should be no less than 1-5/8" OD x .055 WT for galvanized and .065 (16 gauge) for vinyl coated. For 6' high the post diameter you should increase to 2" OD (though we rarely see our competitors do so).

The top rail and gate frames should be no less than 1-3/8" OD x .055 WT (for both galvanized and vinyl systems).

The standard galvanized fabric you will find will be either a 2-3/8" or 2-1/4" diamond x 11-1/2 gauge fabric with 2-3/8" being the most common these days. Vinyl fabric is generally 2" x 9 gauge though stepping up to an 8 gauge fabric under heavy use conditions is suggested.

Fabric ties, in general and at the very least, should match the fabrics gauge size though it is more common these days to see 9 gauge aluminum ties used.
Bottom coil wire for galvanized chain link fences are generally a 12.5 gauge double twist wire (barbless barbed wire) and for vinyl, a 9 gauge single wire. This wire is helpful in stiffening the bottom of the fabric as not to allow easy exit from under the fence. The fabric is fastened to the wire with hog rings (steel or aluminum "c" clips that are squeezed around a link of fabric and the coil wire).

That pretty much wraps up your basic minimal residential specifications. There are some variances but in general, one should not specify materials any less than stated here in order to have a quality finished product. As always, the more information you have the better off you are so make sure all specifications are included on your proposals.