How to Build a Chain Link Gate
Once you have constructed a chain link fence around your yard, pool or other protected area, you will need at least one gate for entry to the area. While you can purchase a pre-fabricated gate from a home improvement center or hardware store, you can also build a custom gate from parts. A custom gate may be necessary to fit a non-standard space, or the design of a pre-fab gate may simply not be to your liking. Either way, the parts for a custom chain link gate are readily accessible and simple to assemble.
Measure the width of the space the gate will cover. Cut the steel pipe into four sections, with two sections equal to the width of the space minus 6 inches to accommodate the gate corner, hinge assemblies and latch, and two sections equal to the height of the chain link fabric on the fence, minus 3 inches to accommodate the thickness of the gate corners.
Insert the pipe sections into the pipe corners to form the frame of the gate. Square the frame and tighten the three bolts on each gate corner to hold the frame together.
Place three tension bands on each side of the gate frame. Cut a section of chain link fence that fits between the two sides of the gate frame.
Insert a tension bar down into the end links of one end of the chain link fabric. Connect the tension bar to the tension bands on one side of the gate frame with nuts and bolts.
Insert another tension bar through the last links on the other side of the chain link fabric. Stretch the chain link fabric across the gate and connect the tension bar to the tension bands on that side of the gate frame. Connect the top and bottom edges of the chain link fabric to the gate frame with wire fence ties, using the pliers.
Connect the gate side of the hinges to one of the side bars on the gate frame. Connect the latch to the opposite side of the gate frame.
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In Jacksonville, Fla., Frank Whittemore is a content strategist with over a decade of experience as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy and a licensed paramedic. He has over 15 years experience writing for several Fortune 500 companies. Whittemore writes on topics in medicine, nature, science, technology, the arts, cuisine, travel and sports.
