So you’ve got that old rusted chain link fence in your backyard that’s seen better days. Maybe it’s falling apart, full of holes, not giving you any privacy, or just plain ugly to look at. You’ve decided it’s time to get rid of it and move on to bigger and better things. I feel you! Taking down a chain link fence seems like a big job, but with the right tools, materials, and game plan, you can totally handle this DIY project yourself.
In this handy guide, I’ll walk you through the full step-by-step process to remove your chain link fencing, from start to finish. We’re talking prepping your workspace, taking apart the fence fabric one section at a time, removing those stubborn fence posts cemented into the ground, and cleaning up the leftover concrete mess. I’ve taken down my fair share of chain link fences, so I’ll be sharing plenty of tips and tricks along the way to make the job go faster and smoother. Let’s get to it!
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before we dig into the fence removal process, let’s talk about the essential supplies you’ll need to get this job done. Having the right protective gear and tools on hand will make tackling this project much more efficient and painless (not literally…hopefully!).
- Safety first! Be sure to wear thick work gloves, protective eye wear, long sleeves and pants in case any sharp edges go flying.
- You’ll need standard tools like pliers, a wrench, a shovel, and a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to cut through the tough metal parts.
- If you’re planning to dispose of the fence yourself, have some heavy rope, wire, or cable ties on hand to secure the rolled up chain link fabric for transport.
- A farm jack, pole puller, sledgehammer or pry bar can make uprooting those posts much easier. See if you can borrow or rent any of these handy tools.
- If you end up with leftover concrete to bust up, consider renting a demolishing jackhammer to break it apart. Just be safe with that powerful equipment if you go that route!
Alright, with the right gear and a debris dumpster on standby, you’re ready to start dismantling this fence!
Clear the Area Around the Fence
Before you start ripping out fence parts every which way, take some time to carefully prep the area around the perimeter.
- Trim back surrounding bushes, trees or vines that have grown into or around the fence.
- Temporarily tie back plant branches you don’t want damaged or cut any vines growing through the chain link.
- Use an inverted bucket or box to cover any garden plants or landscaping near the fence you want to protect.
- Clear some open ground on one side of the fence where you can lay full sections flat for removal.
- Make sure you’ve got a clear path for safely transporting rolled up chain link sections.
It’s not the most glamorous setup work, but having an orderly workspace will really speed things up and prevent damaging precious greenery!
Grab a Pal to Lend a Hand
Removing a chain link fence solo is totally doable, but having an extra set of hands makes a tiring job much more manageable.
See if you can bribe a family member, roommate or helpful neighbor to tag team this project with you. Promise them pizza and beer afterwards! Having someone available to help roll and carry the fence sections (which are deceivingly HEAVY) and hold tools/materials will shave hours off this project.
If you’re stuck going the lone wolf route, at least take stretch breaks between wrestling with fence parts. Trust me, your back will thank you!
Start Chopping Up the Fence
Okay, the work zone is prepped and you’ve got your DIY sidekick on standby. Now comes the fun part…dismantling time!
When taking apart a chain link fence, I like to use the “outside-in” method. That means starting with the outer perimeter and working toward the middle in sections until you reach the very last post standing. Less chaos that way!
Here’s the step-by-step process for systematically deconstructing your fence:
Step 1: Loosen the Corner/End Post
Chain link fences are held in place by the main corner, gate and end posts sunk into the ground around the perimeter. Start by removing the tension bands and metal clamps connecting the fence fabric to one of these posts.
Use a wrench to loosen the nuts and bolts holding the clamps in place. Carefully remove the horizontal tension bands woven vertically through the fence. Pry off the metal clamps and set aside all hardware you remove for safekeeping!
Once detached, you’ll see the chain link go slack but it will still be standing. Now comes the satisfying part…
Step 2: Mark Your Cut Lines
Measure out a section of fence about 20 feet long (or 50 feet if you have an extra set of hands). Use brightly colored tape to mark your cutting lines.
You’ll be working in marked off sections, removing one chunk at a time until the entire fence perimeter is wiped out.
Step 3: Snip Those Fence Ties
Using sturdy wire cutters or diagonal pliers, snip the metal “fence ties” that attach the chain link fabric to the top rail and vertical posts in your marked off section.
If any trees or landscaping you want to save are growing through the fence, simply cut and remove the chain link around the obstacles.
Step 4: Cut Vertically to Separate Sections
Do you remember that iconic scene from Titanic with Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet at the front of the doomed steam liner? Time to reenact it with fence posts instead of people!
Use your hands or pliers to detach one vertical line of chain link wiring from top to bottom. Firmly grip the now separated “spine” of one section then twist it away from the other side, unweaving it upward.
Sometimes wearing special chain link fence pliers on both hands helps grip and twist the wire easier. However you manage it, keep spiraling until the two fence sections are completely separated.
Step 5: Roll It Up and Move It Out
With your section now free, carefully lay it flat on the ground inside your cleanup zone. Start rolling it up tightly, then secure the bundle with sturdy rope or cable ties so it doesn’t spring open.
Recruit your helper to assist dragging the heavy chain link roll safely out of your way before moving onto the next marked section.
Repeat this entire process—marking sections, cutting ties, vertically separating then rolling up chain link—until you’ve dismantled the entire fence perimeter. Nice work! You just removed the easy part…
Take Down That Top Rail
Your fence fabric may be totally MIA now but the structural skeleton remains, anchored in by sturdy top rails and metal posts. Time for the real muscle work to commence!
Removing fence rails involves dislodging the horizontal bars traversing the top of the posts around your yard. There are a couple handy ways to detach and take down rails:
- For corner/end posts with rail caps, simply unscrew the nuts and bolts fastening it. Give the cap a few good yanks or smacks with a hammer until it releases.
- Rails are often segmented, overlapping in ~10 foot sections. Twist and slide these pieces apart from each other.
- If you come across a stubborn, cemented or welded rail that won’t separate, use a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to cut through and remove it in chunks.
Pile up the disassembled rails to haul away later. Now for the real beast…
Rip Those Anchored Fence Posts From the Ground
This is typically the most laborious (and satisfying!) stage of removing a chain link fence.
The vertical metal posts supporting your fence line are almost always cemented deep down into the earth. There’s a few ways to muscle out these stubborn in-ground anchors:
Attempt to Lift Out Intact
If you’re lucky, someone took a shortcut installing your fence and only used minimal concrete at the base of each post.
See if the entire concrete sleeve will budge by aggressively rocking the posts back and forth. Keep wiggling until you can wrestle the whole unit free.
This tends to work well for thinner middle post segments versus heavy corner/end pieces. But it’s worth trying to start!
Bring Out the Heavy Machinery
For truly cemented posts, break out the big tools to apply ample force and leverage:
- Use a farm jack wrapped around the base to steadily jackhammer posts upward.
- Attach a pole puller claw to the concrete collar at the bottom then yank up.
- For end posts, use a truck or tractor to rip them directly vertical instead of sideways.
These motorized gadgets take patience but efficiently rip out the toughest posts out by the roots!
Dig Around the Base
When machinery isn’t an option, rely on good old fashioned manual labor. Use a shovel, pick ax or pry bar to steadily dig and chip away at dirt surrounding the post until you hit solid concrete.
Exposing the full foundation makes it easier to shimmy the post loose. Keep digging deeper on one side while aggressively rocking the pole back and forth to freedom!
Cut It Down
The last resort when a post absolutely refuses to come out intact? Slice right through that sucker!
- Use a reciprocating saw or angle grinder to cut the post as low below ground level as possible.
- File down any new sharp metal edges so no one gets injured.
- Cover the post stump with potted plants or landscape rocks.
Not ideal but it gets the job done if all else fails!
Now comes the finishing touches…kicking back with an icy cold beverage to celebrate a job well done!
What Tools and Equipment Do I Need for Removing a Chain Link Fence?
When considering how to remove fence post, it’s important to have the right tools and equipment. You will need a sturdy pair of work gloves, a shovel or post hole digger, a pry bar, a hammer, a reciprocating saw, and safety goggles. These tools will make the fence removal process much easier.
Clean Up the Leftovers
You’ve officially removed that ugly old chain link beast from the premises—give yourself a pat on the back! But don’t put away your tools just yet…there’s still some final cleanup.
Use a mini jackhammer, sledgehammer or simple shovel to break apart and dispose of any leftover fence post concrete bases buried under the dirt. Knock away at the edges methodically until you can chisel the center mass surrounding where the post was anchored.
Backfill any holes or gaps the excavated poles leave behind with fresh patching soil and level the area. Scatter some grass seeds or lay sod if needed so it blends back into your yard seamlessly.
Load up all the disassembled chain link fencing, posts and hardware to haul to the local dump or metal recycling center. Or offer it up for free on Craigslist or Nextdoor if someone wants to reuse parts for their own DIY project!
Helpful Tips to Remove Chain Link Fencing More Easily
Throughout this complete guide to removing chain link fencing, I sprinkled lots of handy advice. But here’s a quick cheat sheet of extra fence removal tips I’ve gathered over the years:
- Start bargaining with neighbors early—homebrewed beer trades surprisingly well in exchange for manual labor!
- Set aside the full day (or even multiple days) for this big project, taking breaks often.
- Lubricating penetrating oil helps separate stuck metal and concrete parts overnight before prying with force the next day.
- Lay plywood or cardboard under the rolled fence to easily drag bundles around by the rope without damaging lawn.
- If you plan to salvage posts, scrape off excess concrete with chisel before pulling rather than cutting metal.
- Cover all nearby plants you aren’t removing with buckets to prevent damage from falling fence parts and tools.
- Wear knee pads, work gloves and safety goggles at all times when dismantling fence components.
- Rent or borrow vehicles and equipment whenever possible to make removing posts exponentially easier.
And with that, you are fully prepped to take out that outdated chain link fence cluttering up your yard! Just follow this removal guide step-by-step. Before you know it, you’ll have beautiful open space ready for lawn games, gardening or relaxation in the sunshine.
Go grab your sledgehammer and wire cutters, crank up your favorite tunes, and let the deconstruction begin! Believe me, witnessing that hideous fence come down section by section is crazy satisfying.