DIY Demolition: How to Remove a Chain Link Fence Like a Pro

Removing a chain link fence might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, preparation, and a bit of elbow grease, it’s a project you can definitely tackle yourself. Whether you’re replacing an old, damaged fence, clearing space for a new landscaping project, or simply relocating your existing fence, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process. We’ll cover everything from gathering your tools to safely dismantling the fence, leaving you with a clean slate for your next outdoor endeavor.

Why Remove a Chain Link Fence Yourself?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s consider why you might choose to remove a chain link fence yourself rather than hiring a professional.

* **Cost Savings:** Hiring a professional fence removal service can be expensive. Doing it yourself can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you have the time and energy.
* **Flexibility:** You can work at your own pace and schedule, allowing you to fit the project into your busy life.
* **Control:** You have complete control over the process, ensuring that the job is done to your satisfaction.
* **Satisfaction:** There’s a certain sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a DIY project, knowing you’ve saved money and learned a new skill.

However, it’s important to be realistic about your abilities and the time commitment involved. If you’re not comfortable with physical labor or don’t have the necessary tools, hiring a professional might be the better option.

Safety First: Before You Begin

Safety should always be your top priority when undertaking any DIY project, especially one involving tools and heavy materials. Before you even think about touching the fence, take these precautions:

* **Wear appropriate safety gear:** This includes:
* **Work gloves:** To protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and blisters.
* **Safety glasses:** To shield your eyes from flying debris.
* **Steel-toed boots:** To protect your feet from falling objects.
* **Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt:** To minimize skin exposure.
* **Assess the area:** Walk around the fence and identify any potential hazards, such as:
* **Underground utilities:** Call your local utility company to locate and mark any buried lines before digging.
* **Overhanging branches:** Trim any branches that might interfere with your work.
* **Uneven terrain:** Be aware of any tripping hazards.
* **Nearby structures:** Take care not to damage any buildings, fences, or landscaping.
* **Inform your neighbors:** Let your neighbors know that you’ll be removing the fence, as it might cause some noise and disruption.
* **Plan your disposal method:** Decide how you’ll dispose of the fence materials. You can either take them to a recycling center, scrap yard, or landfill. Alternatively, you can try to sell them or repurpose them for another project.
* **Check for Permits:** Depending on your local regulations, you might need a permit to remove a fence. Check with your local building department to see if any permits are required.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Having the right tools on hand will make the job much easier and safer. Here’s a list of essential tools and materials:

* **Chain link fence pliers (or fence tool):** This specialized tool is designed for loosening and tightening the wire ties that hold the chain link fabric to the fence posts. While regular pliers can be used, fence pliers will make the job significantly faster and easier.
* **Wire cutters or bolt cutters:** For cutting the chain link fabric, wire ties, and any other wires that need to be removed.
* **Wrench (adjustable or socket set):** For loosening and tightening bolts on the fence posts and hardware.
* **Post hole digger or shovel:** For digging around the fence posts to loosen them.
* **Metal pry bar or digging bar:** For prying the fence posts out of the ground.
* **Sledgehammer:** For driving the pry bar into the ground or for breaking up concrete footings.
* **Level:** To ensure that the posts are plumb during re-installation (if you are relocating the fence).
* **Gloves:** To protect your hands.
* **Safety Glasses:** To protect your eyes.
* **Work Boots:** For foot protection.
* **Measuring tape:** For measuring distances and ensuring accurate placement during re-installation.
* **Wheelbarrow or cart:** For transporting materials.
* **Reciprocating saw or angle grinder (optional):** For cutting through stubborn bolts or concrete.
* **Penetrating oil (e.g., WD-40):** For loosening rusted bolts and hardware.
* **Helper (optional but highly recommended):** Having a second person to assist with lifting and maneuvering heavy materials can make the job much easier and safer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Chain Link Fence

Now that you’ve gathered your tools and taken the necessary safety precautions, let’s get started with the removal process. Follow these steps carefully:

**Step 1: Loosen the Tension Bands**

Tension bands are the metal straps that hold the chain link fabric to the terminal posts (the posts at the corners, ends, and gates). Use a wrench to loosen the bolts on the tension bands. You don’t need to remove them completely at this stage, just loosen them enough to release the tension on the fabric.

* **Locate the Tension Bands:** Identify the terminal posts, which are usually larger and sturdier than the line posts. Look for the metal bands that wrap around the post and secure the chain link fabric.
* **Loosen the Bolts:** Use a wrench to turn the bolts counterclockwise, loosening the tension bands. Be careful not to strip the bolts.
* **Release the Tension:** As you loosen the tension bands, the chain link fabric will start to sag slightly. This will make it easier to remove the fabric in the next step.

**Step 2: Remove the Chain Link Fabric**

Using your chain link fence pliers (or regular pliers), carefully untwist the wire ties that hold the chain link fabric to the line posts and top rail. Start at one end of the fence and work your way down.

* **Identify the Wire Ties:** These are the small wires that wrap around the chain link fabric and the posts or top rail.
* **Untwist the Wire Ties:** Use your chain link fence pliers to grab the end of the wire tie and untwist it. If the wire tie is rusted or corroded, you may need to use wire cutters to cut it.
* **Remove the Fabric:** Once all the wire ties are removed, you should be able to easily lift the chain link fabric away from the posts and top rail. If the fabric is stuck, double-check that you’ve removed all the wire ties.
* **Roll Up the Fabric:** As you remove the fabric, roll it up into a manageable size for easier handling and disposal. Secure the roll with wire or rope.

**Step 3: Remove the Top Rail**

The top rail is the horizontal metal bar that runs along the top of the fence, providing support and stability. It is usually connected to the posts with rail ends or fittings.

* **Locate the Rail Ends:** These are the metal fittings that connect the top rail to the posts. They are usually held in place with bolts or screws.
* **Loosen or Remove the Bolts/Screws:** Use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen or remove the bolts or screws that secure the rail ends to the posts. Penetrating oil can be helpful if the bolts are rusted or stuck.
* **Remove the Top Rail:** Once the rail ends are disconnected, you should be able to lift the top rail out of the fittings. If the rail is stuck, try tapping it gently with a rubber mallet.
* **Handle Long Sections Carefully:** If the top rail is in long sections, be careful when removing it, as it can be heavy and unwieldy. It’s helpful to have a second person assist you.

**Step 4: Remove the Fence Posts**

Removing the fence posts is usually the most challenging part of the process, especially if they are set in concrete. There are several methods you can use, depending on the type of post and the soil conditions.

* **Option 1: Digging Around the Posts:**
* Use a post hole digger or shovel to dig around the base of the post, exposing the concrete footing (if present).
* The deeper you dig, the easier it will be to loosen the post.
* Clear away any rocks or debris that might be blocking the post.
* **Option 2: Using a Pry Bar:**
* Insert a metal pry bar or digging bar between the post and the ground (or concrete footing).
* Apply leverage to try to loosen the post. You may need to rock the post back and forth to break the bond between the post and the soil or concrete.
* If the post is set in concrete, you may need to use a sledgehammer to drive the pry bar further into the ground or to break up the concrete.
* **Option 3: Using a Post Puller (Highly Recommended for Concrete Set Posts):**
* A post puller is a specialized tool designed to extract posts from the ground, even those set in concrete. They come in various designs, but generally work by clamping onto the post and using leverage to lift it out.
* Renting a post puller is often a worthwhile investment, especially if you have many posts to remove.
* **Option 4: Cutting the Posts (If Necessary):**
* If the posts are deeply embedded in concrete and you’re unable to remove them using the above methods, you may need to cut them off at ground level using a reciprocating saw or angle grinder with a metal-cutting blade.
* Be extremely careful when using power tools, and wear appropriate safety gear.
* This method will leave the concrete footings in the ground, which you may need to remove later if desired.

**Important Considerations for Concrete Footings:**

* **Breaking up Concrete:** If the posts are set in concrete and you want to remove the footings, you’ll need to break them up using a sledgehammer or jackhammer.
* **Safety Precautions:** Wear safety glasses and gloves when breaking up concrete, as it can produce sharp fragments.
* **Disposal:** Dispose of the concrete debris properly, as it cannot be mixed with regular trash. Check with your local waste management company for disposal options.

**Step 5: Remove Hardware and Fittings**

Once all the fence posts are removed, take the time to remove any remaining hardware and fittings, such as gate hinges, latches, and post caps. This will help you clean up the area and prepare it for your next project.

* **Identify the Hardware:** Locate all the remaining hardware and fittings on the posts and gates.
* **Loosen or Remove the Bolts/Screws:** Use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen or remove the bolts or screws that hold the hardware in place.
* **Remove the Hardware:** Once the fasteners are removed, you should be able to easily detach the hardware from the posts and gates.

**Step 6: Clean Up the Area**

After removing the fence and all its components, it’s important to clean up the area thoroughly. This will make it safer and more visually appealing.

* **Remove Debris:** Pick up any remaining pieces of wire, metal, or concrete debris.
* **Fill Holes:** Fill any holes left by the fence posts with soil or gravel.
* **Level the Ground:** Level the ground to create a smooth and even surface.
* **Dispose of Materials:** Dispose of the fence materials and debris properly, according to your local regulations.

Tips for Re-installing a Chain Link Fence

If you’re planning to re-install the fence in a new location, here are some tips to help you do it properly:

* **Plan Your Layout:** Carefully plan the layout of your fence, taking into account the property lines, terrain, and any obstacles.
* **Mark the Post Locations:** Use stakes and string to mark the locations of the fence posts.
* **Dig the Post Holes:** Dig the post holes to the correct depth and diameter, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
* **Set the Posts in Concrete:** Set the fence posts in concrete to provide stability and support. Make sure the posts are plumb and aligned properly.
* **Attach the Chain Link Fabric:** Attach the chain link fabric to the posts and top rail, using the same techniques as when you removed it.
* **Tighten the Tension Bands:** Tighten the tension bands to create a taut and secure fence.

Disposal Options for Your Old Chain Link Fence

Once you’ve removed your chain link fence, you’ll need to dispose of the materials responsibly. Here are some options:

* **Recycling:** Chain link fences are made of metal, which is highly recyclable. Contact your local recycling center or scrap yard to see if they accept chain link fence materials.
* **Scrap Metal Dealers:** Scrap metal dealers will often pay you for your old fence materials, depending on the current market price of metal.
* **Landfill:** As a last resort, you can dispose of your fence materials at a landfill. However, this is not the most environmentally friendly option.
* **Repurposing:** Get creative and repurpose the fence materials for other projects, such as:
* **Garden Trellis:** Use the chain link fabric as a trellis for climbing plants.
* **Animal Enclosure:** Create a secure enclosure for pets or livestock.
* **Temporary Fencing:** Use the fence posts and fabric for temporary fencing during construction or events.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with careful planning and execution, you might encounter some problems during the fence removal process. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

* **Rusted or Stuck Bolts:** Apply penetrating oil to the bolts and let it soak for a few minutes before trying to loosen them. If the bolts are severely rusted, you may need to use a bolt extractor or cut them off with a reciprocating saw or angle grinder.
* **Difficult to Remove Posts:** Try using a pry bar or post puller to loosen the posts. You may also need to dig around the posts to expose the concrete footing.
* **Damaged Chain Link Fabric:** If the chain link fabric is damaged or torn, you can try to repair it with wire or clamps. However, if the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the fabric.
* **Underground Utilities:** If you encounter any underground utilities while digging, stop immediately and contact your local utility company. Do not attempt to dig around the utilities yourself.

Conclusion

Removing a chain link fence is a manageable DIY project that can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. By following these steps and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can safely and efficiently dismantle your fence and prepare the area for your next outdoor adventure. Remember to be patient, take your time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. With a little effort, you’ll have your old fence removed and be ready to move on to your next landscaping or fencing project.