Chain link fences are mainly made from galvanized steel. Welding this type of woven fence is a little complicated since it has a protective zinc coating that produces toxic fumes while welding.
Can you weld chain link fence? If you know the correct technique for welding and use all the essential tools and supplies, it will not be a problem.
Let’s learn how to weld chain link fences.
Can You Weld Chain Link Fence
You can weld chain link fence with flux core wire. But, letting out the zinc coating is crucial. Or, toxic zinc fume may cause different health issues if you breathe those fumes.
Wearing protective equipment and ensuring adequate ventilation is mandatory to weld chain link fences safely. Make sure to take enough preparation to prevent contamination of zinc.
Besides, you want to use all the important and recommended tools and supplies to make the welding project successful. Consistently maintaining the ideal temperature level is vital too.
What Type Of Welding Is Best For Chain Link Force?
Flux core wire welding is the best method for chain link force. It has increased deposition speed and is capable of producing tighter mechanical joints. You can achieve excellent penetration.
If you want to weld a bulky chain link fence, flux core wire welding is handier. It will save you significant time, reducing the overall cost.
Besides, this type of welding has an increased strength to weld the joint area appropriately. But having the efficiency of controlling the welder is the key to getting the best result.
What Items You Need for Welding Chain Link Fence
Below is the list of things you will need for welding chain link fence:
- Safety equipment
- A grinder
- A flux core welder
- A galvanizing spray
- A wire brush
- A dry cloth
How to Weld Chain Link Fence Step-by-step
Welding chain link fence is not as simple as you think. Since beginners lack techniques, they are less likely to get a fine welding result. Here are the steps to follow:
- Step: 1—Choosing the Right Location
It is best to work in an outside area for welding chain link fences. If there is a heavy wind, keep yourself in the opposite direction of the wind. Make sure to avoid zinc fumes.
If you need to work inside, arrange sufficient airflow. Keep all the windows open for unrestricted airflow. You can keep a fume extractor or several fans to blow away fumes easily.
- Step: 2—Wearing the Safety Equipment
Whether you like it or not, wearing safety equipment is mandatory. Inhaling a good amount of toxic zinc fumes can make you sick. Make sure to wear a high-quality respirator.
Avoid wearing cheap masks as they may fail to block tiny particulates from zinc fumes. Wear decent welding gloves and an apron to keep you safe from the spatter.
- Step: 3—Removing the Zinc Coating
Before welding the chain link fence, it is crucial to remove the zinc coating as much as possible. You can use a grinder to clean the base metals. It will prevent porosity and cracking issues.
Thoroughly removing the zinc coating is crucial. You may need to grind off more than the welding if the zinc’s thickness is too high.
Grab a fresh rug and wipe the surface appropriately. Removing the zinc coating in two pieces is necessary if you want to join them. Don’t forget to wear your respirator and eyewear.
- Step: 4—Welding the Chain Link Fence
Slowly pulling the arc is necessary against the welding zone. You want to take a minimal break between welding to remove the clear spatter.
This comes in handy for welding bulky chain link fences. Some expert welders recommend using anti-spatters. But it may make the project messy if you are not cautious.
Once you complete the welding task, remove all the slag using a wire brush. But your welding area may have a porosity or cracking if you fail to remove all the zinc coating.
A precise welding result on the chain link fence requires you to strip away the zinc coating entirely. Otherwise, the outcome will not satisfy you.
- Step: 5—Galvanizing the Chain Link Fence
Your chain link fence is prone to rust or corrosion due to the removal of zinc coating. After completing your welding project, you want to reapply the zinc coating.
One of the simplest ways to choose is by applying a galvanizing spray. Maintain around 16-18 inches distance from the workpiece while spraying the welded area.
Can You Solder Chain Link Fence?
You can solder chain link fences like other metals. But using Muriatic Acid is crucial to get a reliable result. This type of acid will provide mold, stains, and rust from the metal surface.
Make sure to dilute the acid with water before using it. Additionally, you want to use Super Alloy 1 to effectively bond your chain link fence. This item can create a 20,000 psi bond.
This multi-metal solder requires a lower temperature to effectively join a wide range of metals. However, the correct soldering technique is necessary to get a precise result.
Can You Weld Chain Link Fence To Iron Posts For Support?
If you are an expert and know the proper techniques, you can achieve a precise result in welding chain link fences to iron posts for support.
Galvanized chain link fences and iron posts don’t have the same level of temperature requirement. So, you need to find a suitable temperature level to prevent overheating both items.
However, it is not practically always easy. Usually, iron posts will need a higher temperature bonding with a chain link fence. But the higher temperature may cause overheating issues.
If you are not cautious, the chain link fence might be damaged. That’s why it is best to fasten to prevent unwanted issues mechanically.
Bottom Lines
Welding a chain link fence requires you to follow clear guidelines and use the necessary items to make the welding project successful. Practice is a must for welding galvanized metal correctly.
Hopefully, this post has answered the question, “Can you weld chain link fence?”
Make sure to follow our step-by-step guidelines to avoid damaging the fence.