How do you repair a hole in a chain link fence?

What causes holes in chain link fences?

There are a few common causes of holes developing in chain link fences:

• Rust – Chain link is made of galvanized steel wire that is coated to resist rusting. Over time, this coating can wear off, allowing the steel underneath to rust. As the wire rusts, it weakens and eventually breaks, creating holes.
• Impact damage – Things bumping into or ramming the fence can bend or break the wire, leaving holes behind. This could be from kids playing, heavy winds blowing debris, car accidents, etc.
• Cutting/vandalism – People intentionally cutting wires or pulling the fence apart to create access holes. This is obviously more malicious damage.
• Poor initial installation – If the fence wasn’t installed properly, with tight, even tension on the wires, it can lead to early fatigue and breakage of the wire.

So in summary, holes usually form due to some environmental factor weakening the galvanized steel over time, or forceful impacts that stress and break the wires beyond their strength.

How to patch small holes

For small holes less than a few inches across, you can typically patch them rather easily:

1. Cut a piece of replacement chain link fencing a few inches wider than the hole. Use the same gauge and mesh size as the existing fence.
2. Bend back any broken wire ends sticking out from the hole so they are flush with the rest of the fence.
3. Place the patch over the hole and bend its edges to match the contours of the existing fence. Attach the patch with wire ties twisted tightly around the closest unbroken wires.
4. Use pliers to cut off any remaining sharp wire ends flush with the patch.

If installed properly, the patch will be held securely in place by the surrounding fence wires and will prevent the hole from growing any larger.

Patching large holes

For holes larger than a few inches, a more involved process is required:

1. Cut out all of the chain link wires around the hole, leaving at least 6 inches of unbroken wire extending past the hole edges.
2. Measure the overall size of the hole. Cut a replacement patch 6 inches wider and longer than the hole.
3. Bend back all wire ends around the hole perimeter.
4. Place the patch over the hole, matching its edges to the existing fence contour. Bend the last 6 inches of wire at the edges back over the patch to hold it in place.
5. Use wire ties to attach the patch wires to the existing fence wires every 4 to 6 inches around the full perimeter of the hole.
6. Trim any remaining sharp wire ends with pliers.

This full patch replacement provides a much stronger, long-term fix for larger holes by fully integrating the patch wires into the surrounding fence.

Reinforcing the repair

For both small and large patch repairs, you can add strength by installing fence post sleeves over any posts adjacent to the hole:

• Slide a 12 to 24 inch steel fence post sleeve over the existing post.
• Fill the gap between sleeve and post with concrete mix.
• Use self-tapping screws to fasten the sleeve to the post through the wet concrete.
• Let the concrete cure fully before stressing the fence.

The post sleeve reinforcement helps take stress off the wire patch by transferring force into the stronger fence posts.

Preventing future holes

To help prevent more holes developing in the future:

• Inspect the fence regularly and look for signs of rust, tension issues, debris buildup, etc.
• Brush debris off the fence to prevent abrasion damage.
• Lubricate the wire with spray lubricant to prevent rusting.
• Make sure the fence posts are plumb and properly anchored.
• Remove vegetation touching the fence that could abrade the wire.

With regular preventative maintenance and prompt repairs, a chain link fence can provide security for years. But holes will likely occur eventually on any installed fence. Just follow the steps above to patch holes properly as they happen.

Conclusion

Repairing holes in chain link fences is a relatively straightforward process. Small holes can be patched over with a simple wired-on fence patch. Larger holes require cutting back the wires around the hole and installing an integrated replacement patch secured with wire ties. Reinforcing nearby posts also helps strengthen the repair. With proper installation of patches and regular preventative fence maintenance, holes can be fixed and prevented from returning or spreading. A well-maintained chain link fence will provide security and privacy for many years.