How To Bend Or Curve A Chain Link Fence’s Top Rail

If you're looking to change up the look of your chain link fence, one option is to bend or curve the top rail. This can add a bit of visual interest and give your fence a unique appearance. It's also a fairly easy project to do yourself. Here's how to go about it.

Bending or curving a chain link fence's top rail can be a bit of a challenging task - but it's certainly not impossible. With a little bit of patience and the following tips, you'll be able to get that top rail bent or curved in no time. See the different ways to bend it nicely:

  1. Use a pipe bender.
  2. Use a hammer.
  3. Use heat.

To learn more tips on curving the top rail of your chain link fence, see our whole post below. Other than that, check out the different benefits of deciding to bend your top rail.

Up close photo of a chain link fence, How To Bend Or Curve A Chain Link Fence's Top Rail

How Do You Bend Or Curve A Chain Link Fence's Top Rail?

If you've ever tried to bend or curve a chain link fence's top rail, you know it's not an easy task. The metal is stiff and unyielding, and the process usually requires a lot of brute force. But, there is a better way.

Green powder coated chain link fence

By using a few simple tools, you can easily bend or curve a chain link fence's top rail without damaging the metal.

Materials Needed

Bending or curving your chain link fence top rail is a simple project that can be done with a few tools and materials. All you need is a length of pipe, a heat gun, and something to bend the pipe around like a piece of wood or metal.

Methods To Bend Chain Link Fence Top Rail

Here are some ways for bending or curving the top rail of your fence:

1. Use A Pipe Bender

A red pipe bender

This is the easiest way to get a nice, clean curve. Make sure you wear gloves, though - those pipes can get pretty hot!

See pipe bender on Amazon.

2. Use A Hammer

A yellow hammer on a white background

If you don't have access to a pipe bender, you can use a hammer to manually bend the top rail. Just be careful not to dent or damage the rail.

Check hammer on Amazon.

3. Use Heat

Another option is to use heat to soften the metal and make it easier to bend. You can use a blow torch or even an innocent household hairdryer for this one - just be careful not to overdo it and melt the metal!

View heat gun on Amazon.

Get Creative! 

Here's an interesting manual method of bending chain link fence rail, used for the creation of a greenhouse! Have a look:

How To Bend Chain Link Fence With A Heat Gun

  1. First, mark the desired curve on the rail with a pencil.
  2. Then, use a heat gun to heat up the metal along the marked line.
  3. Once the metal is hot enough, use a pair of pliers to bend the rail into the desired shape.
  4. Finally, allow the rail to cool before trimming any excess metal.

With a little bit of effort, you can easily give your chain link fence a custom look.

Is It Difficult To Bend Or Curve A Chain Link Fence's Top Rail?

If you're considering adding a chain-link fence to your property, you may be wondering how difficult it is to bend or curve the top rail. The answer, of course, depends on the size and weight of the fence.

A smaller, lighter fence will be much easier to manipulate than a larger, heavier one. In general, however, it's not too difficult to bend or curve a chain link fence's top rail.

But then as long as you keep everything in place, you should be able to get the look you want. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the fence.

How Do You Install A Chain Link Fence On A Curve?

Chain link fence for a private area

There's no need to get all bent out of shape when it comes time to install a chain-link fence on a curve. In fact, it's really not that difficult - as long as you have a little bit of patience and know-how to follow instructions.

Here's a quick overview of what you'll need to do:

  1. First, mark out the area where you'll be installing the fence. This will help you determine how much fencing material you'll need.
  2. Next, use a string or garden hose to outline the curve. This will give you a template to follow when cutting the fencing material.
  3. Once you have your template, it's time to cut the fencing material to size. Be sure to allow for some extra length so that you can make any necessary adjustments.
  4. Now it's time to install the posts. Start by digging holes for the posts and setting them in place. Then, attach the sections of fencing material to the posts using wire or zip ties.
  5. Finally, tension the fence by tightening the wires or zip ties. This will help ensure that your fence stays in place and looks its best.

Installing a chain-link fence on a curve doesn't have to be difficult. Just take your time, follow the instructions, and you'll be able to get the job done in no time.

Benefits Of Bending The Top Rail Of Chain Link Fence

Metal chain link fence for city apartments

There are many benefits to bending the top rail of a chain-link fence.

  • For one, it can provide additional support for the fence, helping to keep it upright and prevent sagging.
  • Additionally, it can help to keep animals from climbing over the fence, as the bent rail will create an angled surface that is difficult to grip.
  • Finally, bending the top rail can also give the fence a more aesthetically pleasing look, as it will add some curves to the otherwise straight lines of the fence.

So if you're looking for ways to improve your fence, consider bending the top rail - it's a small change that can make a big difference.

Potential Problems With Bending Or Curving A Chain Link Fence's Top Rail

There are a few potential problems that could arise from bending or curving a chain link fence's top rail.

  1. First, the rail could become misshapen and lose its ability to effectively hold the chain link in place.
  2. Second, the curve could cause the fence to sag in the middle, creating an unsightly appearance.
  3. Finally, if the rail is not properly secured, it could come loose and pose a hazard to anyone nearby.

While these problems are certainly something to consider, they can be easily avoided with careful planning and installation. But once you have prepared them, bending or curving a chain link fence's top rail can add a unique touch to any yard.

Final Thoughts

Up close photo of a chain link fence, How To Bend Or Curve A Chain Link Fence's Top Rail

Although it may seem daunting, curving a chain link fence top rail on a curve is not as difficult as it seems. With the right tools and some careful planning, you can have your new fence up in no time. Just be sure to read and review our installation guide to get started.

To learn more ideas for installing your fence, check out our posts below:

9 Types Of Gate Hinges [Your Guide To Choosing Outdoor Hinges]

4 Types Of Chain Link Fence Fabric And Gauges

How To Stop Ivy Vines From Growing Through Fence