Opening chain link fence means either separating the woven mesh at a seam, removing a full section from its posts, or cutting through the wire itself. The method you need depends on whether you want to preserve the fence fabric for reuse or simply get through it. Chain link is made of individual spiral wires woven together in a zigzag pattern, and understanding that structure makes opening it much easier.
How Chain Link Mesh Holds Together
Chain link fence fabric is not welded or soldered. Each strand is a single wire bent into a zigzag shape, and neighboring strands interlock by spiraling through each other in alternating over-and-under passes. This creates the familiar diamond pattern. The strands can be separated by reversing this weave, essentially “unscrewing” one wire out of its neighbors.
At the top and bottom edges, the wire ends are either bent into rounded loops (called knuckles) or twisted together for rigidity. Knuckle-knuckle fencing has smooth, rounded ends on both top and bottom. Twist-twist fencing has sharper, more rigid connections. Knowing which type you have tells you whether you can simply unthread a wire or need to cut it free at the edges.
Unweaving the Mesh Without Cutting
This is the cleanest way to open chain link and lets you reuse the fabric afterward. You’re essentially removing one zigzag strand to split the mesh into two pieces.
- Find a single strand. Look at the top edge of the fence and identify where one zigzag wire ends. Each strand hooks or twists around its neighbor at the top and bottom rails.
- Free the top end. If the ends are knuckled (rounded loops), you can bend the loop open with pliers. If they’re twisted, use pliers to untwist the connection. You only need to free one strand.
- Spin the strand out. Once the top is free, rotate the strand like a corkscrew, turning it in the direction that unthreads it from the neighboring strands. It will spiral out of the mesh as you work your way down. The whole strand pulls free, leaving a clean seam.
- Free the bottom end. Bend or untwist the bottom connection the same way you did the top, and the strand comes out completely.
This takes a few minutes per strand and works best when the fence isn’t under heavy tension. If the fabric is stretched tight between posts, you’ll need to release some of that tension first.
Removing a Section From the Posts
If you need to open a larger gap or take down an entire panel, you’ll work with the hardware that attaches the mesh to the posts. Chain link fabric is held to end posts and gate posts by tension bars, which are flat metal bars woven vertically through the mesh and bolted to the post with tension bands.
Start by loosening the carriage bolts that hold the tension bands to the post. A socket wrench or adjustable wrench works for this. Once the bolts are out, slide the tension bands off and then pull the tension bar straight up and out of the mesh. With the tension bar removed, the fabric hangs loose from that end.
Along the top rail and line posts, the mesh is held in place by small wire ties or aluminum ties. Use fence pliers or standard pliers to cut or untwist these ties. Work in sections so the fabric doesn’t fall in a heavy, tangled heap. As you remove ties, fold or roll the freed mesh to keep it manageable. Collect all the hardware (bolts, nuts, tension bands, wire ties) in a bucket if you plan to reinstall later.
Cutting Through Chain Link
Sometimes you just need to cut an opening. Residential chain link is typically 11 or 11.5 gauge wire (about 0.113 to 0.120 inches in diameter), while heavier commercial or security fencing uses 9 gauge wire (0.148 inches). Both are galvanized steel.
For the tools, you have a few options depending on speed and precision:
- Bolt cutters. The most common choice. Compact 8-inch bolt cutters handle standard residential fence wire without difficulty. Larger 18 to 24-inch cutters give more leverage for heavier gauge wire or if you need to cut many links quickly. As long as the wire fits in the jaws, the cutters will work.
- Wire cutters or fence pliers. Fine for cutting individual ties and lighter gauge wire, but slow going if you’re cutting through the mesh itself.
- Angle grinder or rotary saw. The fastest option for cutting large openings. Fire departments use rotary saws for rapid breaching of chain link barriers. This is overkill for most home projects but effective if you need a big opening fast.
When cutting, snip each wire strand on both sides of the opening you want to create. Cut as close to the weave intersections as possible to minimize sharp protruding ends. After cutting, bend the sharp wire ends inward or cap them with plastic fence caps to prevent snags and cuts.
Staying Safe While Working
Cut chain link wire is genuinely dangerous. The ends are sharp, and tensioned wire can spring back when cut. Heavy leather gloves are essential for any method, whether you’re unweaving, unbolting, or cutting. Safety glasses protect against wire fragments, especially when using bolt cutters or power tools.
If the fence is under tension (stretched taut between terminal posts), release that tension before cutting. A wire under tension stores energy and will snap or recoil when severed. Loosen the tension by removing the tension bar from one end first, which lets the fabric go slack. Only then should you cut.
Long sleeves help prevent scratches from the diamond-shaped edges of the mesh as you handle it. Rolled or folded chain link fabric is heavy, often 50 pounds or more for a standard residential section, so have someone help you manage larger pieces.
Choosing the Right Method
If you’re making a temporary opening and want to close it again, unweaving a strand is the best approach. The strand goes back in the same way it came out, spiraling back through the mesh, and the fence looks untouched.
If you’re removing a section for a new gate installation or a permanent modification, take down the hardware properly. Remove tension bars and ties so you can rehang the fabric or replace it cleanly. For demolition or emergency access where preserving the fence doesn’t matter, bolt cutters or a rotary saw get the job done fastest.