How To Remove Chain Link Fence

How To Remove Chain Link Fence
  • Author: Amanda Arnold
  • Posted On: October 29, 2021
  • Updated On: August 21, 2023

A chain-link fence provides protection and demarcates property lines, but it does not provide privacy or visual beauty to a garden or yard. Before erecting a privacy hedge or wood slat fence, remove the existing fence, posts, and chain-link gate. The following instructions will show you how to remove a chain-link fence safely and effectively.

Whether replacing an old fence or upgrading to a new one, dismantling a chain link fence is reasonably straightforward if you follow the appropriate steps. However, the task can be time-consuming, so get some assistance with the removal to make the job go more smoothly.

So that old chain link fence may finally go the way of the dodo. The easy part is removing the chain link itself. Fence post removal necessitates extra effort and a truck or specialized equipment. If your fence is still in good shape, you may offer free fencing material to anyone willing to take it down.

Things To Consider Before Removing Chain Link Fence

 Removing Chain Link Fence.

Even though dismantling a chain link fence is not very challenging, it does require some work and effort. The task will go more quickly and easily with assistance. You can state that your fence is free to anyone who will remove it if you offer it free on a neighborhood social media group.

You might be shocked at how simple it is to locate someone to complete your task. You might be offered a payment from a recycling or salvage business for scrap metal. Ask around to see whether your fencing material can be profitable.

Why Do You Need To Remove Chain Link Fence?

Here are a few reasons why you should remove chain link fences even though they are an inexpensive solution to your issues: They might rust, reducing your house’s curb attractiveness. It doesn’t offer much seclusion unless you cover a chain link fence.

They may lower the value of your house when you sell it. They don’t give you much room to be creative or unique. They cannot tolerate significant damage, particularly in places subject to strong winds and storms. Of all fence types, they last the least time.

Steps To Remove Chain Link Fence

Collect Needed Tools And Supplies

  • Pliers
  • Fence wrenches
  • Wire cutter
  • A spade shovel
  • A cord
  • Safety gears
  • Safety gloves

Determine The Condition Of the Fence

 Determine The Condition Of the Fence

Examine the whole length of the fence, including the chain link fence posts, gate, rails, tension bars, and braces. Advertise it if the fence is in good condition. In your ad, specify the length and height. Prepare to demolish the fence if it is in such bad shape that it cannot be reused.

Before we get started on the removal process, it’s worth noting that you might be able to find someone to do it for free! Granted, your fence must be in good working order, but it is unquestionably a more convenient method of fence removal!

Cut Weeds And Vines From Around The Fence

Cut Weeds And Vines From Around The Fence

First, spray poison ivy on the ivy and creeping vines a few weeks beforehand. This product works well when used, therefore, buy the concentrated form and make your mixture rather than purchasing a new spray bottle.

Cut The Wire Loops

The chain link should be secured to the top of the fence rail with several small wire loops known as fence ties. Remove the clips that hold the chain link fence to the vertical posts along the length of the fence, and then start removing the clips that attach the chain link fence to the vertical posts.

 Cut The Wire Loops

Detach each of the links from the post as you work your way along the fence’s length. Let the chain link fall to the ground.

This step will almost certainly necessitate using a bolt cutter with a sharp blade. Allow the chain-link grid to fall to the ground, then remove the chain-link fence gate from the grid separately. For now, keep the fence gate in your yard.

Roll Up The Link Grids

Roll Up The Link Grids

Roll the chain-link grid into a neat cylinder starting at the last fence post and walking back to the first fence post. If the fence is longer than usual, use wire cutters to cut the chain link grid into an average fifty-foot bundle for more accessible transport.

After removing the chain link from the fence, it’s just a matter of rolling it up. It’ll be easier to roll it up if you lay it out flat in the yard. Also, if the chain-link grid is long, it’s best to split it into smaller portions and roll each separately. Starting at one end, roll the link grid into a tight cylinder, fastening it together with a wire or rope.

Remove The Fence Post From the Holes

 Remove The Fence Post From the Holes

The most challenging aspect of a chain-link fence to dismantle is the posts, especially if they are concrete-anchored. To make digging easier, wet the ground with water and dig around the posts to see if any concrete is embedding the post into the ground.

Because most fences are built on a concrete foundation, you’ll need to dig around it to loosen the post and make it easier to remove. After digging up around the concrete base, pushing and tugging the post typically works. Soak the dirt surrounding each fence post hole with water to loosen the concrete bases. Loosen only a couple of at a time.

Use A Truck For Tugging Out The Chain Link Fence Posts

 Use A Truck For Tugging Out The Chain Link Fence Posts.

If the posts are short and slender, dig into the earth with a pointed spade to remove the concrete base, then lift the posts out with your shovelhead supported against the hole wall. Get a friend with a vehicle to assist you in linking chains to the fence posts and pull them from the soggy ground if the posts are thick and over four feet tall. Renting a post-puller from a heavy equipment supplier is another option.

These sturdy metal pivot and pull devices make it simple to remove posts without risking damage. Attach the chain pull accessory to the post, connect the chain to the post puller, and firmly press down on the straight-angled lever. The post will emerge from the ground in a straight line.

Get Rid Of Concrete Base

Get Rid Of Concrete Base

After removing the fence post, dispose of the concrete before discarding the metal. Break up the outer edge of the concrete base with a tiny electric jackhammer rented from an equipment rental business. Once the fractures have reached the fence post base, remove the concrete directly surrounding the fence post using a hammer and chisel.

A giant sledgehammer can also be used to break up concrete. It is suggested that you wear a complete protection kit and steel-toed boots before disposing of the concrete.

Conclusion

Most homeowners can remove a chain link fence if they have the time and knowledge. But if you don’t know how to use certain tools or your fence is in a peculiar scenario that you’re unsure how to fix, call a professional. Your expert is skilled in using the tools required to take down your fence and the fastest way to take down your fence posts.

If the idea of letting the experts handle this task while you unwind appeals to you, get in touch with a fencing contractor in your area for more information.

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Author: Amanda Arnold

Amanda has been working with ConstructionHow since 2021. Her experience spans over 5 years in the creative niche such as home decor and trends, landscaping, renovations, and custom architectural values. As a home designer expert, she has a keen eye for the latest home improvement trends with accurate facts that readers find impossible to ignore. Being invested in home-building trends is how she has gained her lucrative expertise exploring more to bring a positive ambiance for all homeowners (and even tenants!). Currently, she lives in a beautiful beach home, a source of fascination for her.

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