Despite its simple appearance—what appears to be a thin, elongated sheet of metal—a tension bar is one of the most essential components in building chain link fences. For it is from this modest-looking fitting that chain link fabric derives the tension needed to make it rigid, stable, and thus protective. Without these bars, your fence fabric will be loose, allowing animals and people to easily crawl underneath.

Once you've installed your fence's terminal posts (and fitted them with tension bands), line posts, and top rails, attach the chain link fabric. To do so, unroll the fabric and stand up on end of it so that it rests parallel against one of the terminal posts. Hold the fabric in place and carefully slide the tension bar vertically through both the tension bands as well as the "knuckles" in the fabric. Install a second tension bar on the opposite end of the fabric using the same method. Successful installation of both tension bars will provide the tension needed to stretch the fabric.

Two tension bars are needed for each stretch of chain link fabric. A bar must be installed at every corner, end, and gate post. This particular 84" Tension Bar is made for 7' chain link fences. It is made of galvanized metal, which means it is long lasting and rust resistant. In short: these tension bars also contribute to the longevity of your fence.

• Galvanized
• Steel construction
• Made for a 7' tall fence
• Corrosion resistant