[jackwashere]

newbie here
can't afford to pay a pro to install chain link fence so I have to DIY

The earth is uneven. Neighboring fences are uneven. How do I deal with leveling for longer stretches of fence? Do I just check every 10 feet line post to make sure it is level? What if my neighbor's fence is not level? Will that throw everything off?

 

[mako1]

There are two ways to set chain link.You can set the terminal posts first and then run a string line to level the top of the line posts.Depending on the slope of the terrain this may leave some large gaps at the bottom.I prefer for the fence to follow the slope of the ground.Especially if you want to contain pets.Set your terminal posts and then run a string line to keep the line posts in line.Mark each line post at 46" for a 48" fence and set the to the mark.You should measure the length of the span and divide by 8 to get the spacing.

 

[jackwashere]

...run a string line...

I read this advice in several places on the internet. It does not rest well with me for a simple reason: string sags. Over 180 feet, the length of my longest stretch, all bets are off.

...fence to follow the slope of the ground...

Grumble grumble. If I do that it will look as if a drunk rabbit installed my fence. My ground is wavy and varies not pancake flat.

 

[mako1]

I read this advice in several places on the internet. It does not rest well with me for a simple reason: string sags. Over 180 feet, the length of my longest stretch, all bets are off.

Grumble grumble. If I do that it will look as if a drunk rabbit installed my fence. My ground is wavy and varies not pancake flat.

These little tidbits of info would have been helpful in the op.Rent a transit or a laser level.Or put in a couple posts in the center to run the line from.Put them on the high spots and 46" above grade.




This is why I listed two options.If it is that wavy and you level the top you could end up with the fence along ways off of the ground in spots.You can't have it both ways.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

A laser level is very good, however for long distances you need a reasonably powerful laser, the type you get for $50 at the big box store (that is the type I have) just can't be seen over more than say 50 feet. The idea of renting a good one is sound.

 

[Bondo]

I read this advice in several places on the internet. It does not rest well with me for a simple reason: string sags. Over 180 feet, the length of my longest stretch, all bets are off.



Grumble grumble. If I do that it will look as if a drunk rabbit installed my fence. My ground is wavy and varies not pancake flat.

Ayuh,.... Strung 'tween 4 posts along the line, mason's spring can be pulled tight enough not to sag,...

A sight-level, or laser/ storypole can also do the job, easier, but stringlines still have their place in the operation for the visual factor,....

As for the dips, 'n rises, like mako1 says, ya can't have it both ways, ya gotta pick one,....
If ya go stringline straight on the top, ya gotta dig a trench in the high points, 'n backfill the low points,....
In order not to have gaps at the ground, you'd need to lower the fence, 'n dig deeper,...

S'pose you could set it up, 'n torch off the bottom of the fence at ground level,....