chain-link-fence Archives * flexco.com

3 Quick Ways To Remove A Link From A Chain

Removing a link from a chain can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s entirely possible. Whether you’re a seasoned jeweler or a novice DIY enthusiast, understanding the proper technique will ensure a successful outcome. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the step-by-step process of detaching a link from a chain, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips along the way.

To begin, gather your necessary equipment. You’ll need a pair of chain nose pliers, a wire cutter, and a soft-jawed pliers. The chain nose pliers are essential for gripping and bending the links, while the wire cutter will allow you to cleanly cut through the jump rings that hold the chain together. The soft-jawed pliers are optional but recommended to protect the chain from any potential scratches during the process.

Once you have your tools ready, carefully inspect the chain to identify the link you want to remove. It’s crucial to ensure that the link is not connected to any other elements of the chain, such as pendants or charms. Next, use the chain nose pliers to gently open the jump ring that connects the two ends of the link. Be cautious not to overexert force, as this could damage the ring or the chain itself. Once the jump ring is open, use the wire cutter to carefully cut through it. Hold the chain firmly with the soft-jawed pliers to prevent any movement during this step. With the jump ring removed, the link should now be free from the chain.

Identifying the Type of Chain Link

Before attempting to remove a link from a chain, it is crucial to identify the type of chain link you’re dealing with. This determines the necessary tools and techniques. Here are common types of chain links:

Open links: These links have a gap or opening that allows the removal and insertion of links. They are commonly found in jewelry chains and can be easily separated using needle-nose pliers or a jump ring opener.

Closed links: Closed links have a continuous loop with no openings. They are typically used in industrial and security chains and require specialized tools for removal and reattachment. Common types of closed links include:

Welded links: Permanently joined by welding, these links provide high strength and security. Removing them requires cutting tools such as bolt cutters or a Dremel tool.

Riveted links: Fastened by a small pin or rivet, riveted links allow for disassembly and reassembly. Removal involves driving out the rivet using a center punch or a hammer and punch.

Knotted links: Looped or twisted into a knot, these links can be difficult to remove without damaging the chain. Special tools like chain breakers or crowbars may be necessary.

Other types: Various other types of chain links exist, including spring links, split links, and master links. Each type has its own unique characteristics and requires specific methods for removal and attachment.

Chain Link Type	Removal Method
Open links	Needle-nose pliers or jump ring opener
Welded links	Bolt cutters or Dremel tool
Riveted links	Center punch or hammer and punch
Knotted links	Chain breakers or crowbars

Utilizing a Chain Breaker Tool

The most effortless and precise method is to employ a chain breaker tool. These specialized devices are specifically designed to swiftly and effectively remove or add links to a chain. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use one:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Ensure you have the following tools at hand: a chain breaker tool, a chain, and a pair of pliers.

Step 2: Position the Chain in the Tool

Open the chain breaker tool and insert the chain into the designated area. Make sure that the pin you want to remove is aligned with the tool’s pin press. Tighten the bolts or handles of the tool to secure the chain firmly.

Step 3: Drive Out the Pin

Using the chain breaker tool’s lever or screw, apply pressure to the pin. As you do this, the pin will gradually be pushed out of the chain. Continue applying pressure until the pin is completely removed.

Step 4: Remove the Unwanted Link

Once the pin is removed, you can now detach the unwanted link from the chain. Simply slide the link off the ends of the chain.

Step 5: Reassemble the Chain (Optional)

If you removed a link to shorten the chain, you can now reassemble the chain by sliding the ends back together. Insert a new pin into the link and use the chain breaker tool to press it into place securely. Repeat this process for subsequent links, if necessary.

Note: It’s important to use a properly sized chain breaker tool for the chain you’re working with. Using the wrong size tool can damage the chain or the tool itself.

CHAIN SIZE	CHAIN BREAKER SIZE
1/8 inch	1/8 inch
3/16 inch	3/16 inch
1/4 inch	1/4 inch
5/16 inch	5/16 inch

Disassembling the Chain with Non-Permanent Links

Non-permanent links, also known as quick links or master links, are designed to be easily removed and reinstalled. Here’s a step-by-step guide to disassemble the chain using non-permanent links:

Locate the Non-Permanent Link: Identify the non-permanent link on the chain. It usually has a different appearance from the other links and may have a lever or pin.
Open the Link: Open the non-permanent link by pushing the lever or pulling the pin. This will separate the two halves of the link.
Remove the Chain: Once the link is open, you can remove the chain from the link by simply pulling it apart.
Separating the Links: If you need to separate the links from each other, you can do so by twisting and pulling them apart.
Reassemble the Chain: When ready, you can reassemble the chain by pushing the two halves of the non-permanent link back together and pushing the lever or pin to secure it.

9. Advanced Techniques for Removing Tight Links

If you’re having difficulty removing a tight non-permanent link, try these advanced techniques:

Use a Chain Tool: You can rent or purchase a chain tool designed for quick links. These tools usually have a hole that fits over the link, allowing you to easily push the lever or pin.
Apply Lubricant: Spray a bit of lubricant onto the non-permanent link’s lever or pin. This will help reduce friction and make it easier to operate.
Gently Tap the Link: Use a small hammer or mallet to gently tap the non-permanent link’s lever or pin. This may help break any corrosion or debris that may be causing it to stick.

Non-Permanent Link	Permanent Link
Quick and easy to remove	Requires special tools or cutting
Can be reused multiple times	Cannot be reused once cut
Often used for temporary repairs	Used for permanent connections

Safety Precautions for Link Removal

1. Wear appropriate safety gear

Always wear gloves and safety glasses when removing links from a chain. The chain may be sharp or have burrs that could cut your skin.

2. Use the right tools

Never use a hammer or other blunt object to remove links from a chain. This could damage the chain or cause it to break.

3. Secure the chain

Before you start removing links, make sure the chain is securely clamped in a vise or held in place by another person.

4. Be careful not to cut yourself

The chain may be sharp, so be careful not to cut yourself when you are removing links.

5. Use a chain breaker

A chain breaker is the safest and easiest way to remove links from a chain. Chain breakers are available at most hardware stores.

6. Tap the pin out of the link

Once you have inserted the pin into the chain breaker, tap it out with a hammer or mallet. Do not use too much force, or you could damage the chain.

7. Remove the link

Once the pin has been tapped out, you can remove the link from the chain.

8. Inspect the link

Before you reassemble the chain, inspect the link to make sure that it is not damaged.

9. Reassemble the chain

To reassemble the chain, insert the pin into the link and tap it into place with a hammer or mallet.

10. Test the chain

Before you use the chain, test it to make sure that it is strong enough to support the weight that you will be using it for.

How To Take A Link Off A Chain

If you need to remove a link from a chain, there are a few simple steps you can follow. First, gather the tools you will need, including a pair of pliers, a hammer, and a punch. Next, find the link you want to remove and place it on the anvil. Using the pliers, bend the link open slightly. Then, use the punch and hammer to drive out the pin that holds the link together. Once the pin is removed, the link will come apart. Finally, use the pliers to bend the link closed again.

6 Steps on How to Remove a Chain Link Fence Post

Gathering Necessary Tools

The first step in removing a chain-link fence post is to gather all the necessary tools. This includes:

A shovel or post-hole digger
A pry bar or fence puller
A hammer or sledgehammer
A level
A pair of safety glasses

Tools For Digging

A shovel or post-hole digger is needed to dig around the base of the post and loosen the soil. A pry bar or fence puller is then used to pry the post out of the ground. A hammer or sledgehammer may be needed to break up the soil or to drive the pry bar into the ground.

Measuring and Safety Tools

A level is used to ensure that the new post is installed vertically. Safety glasses are worn to protect the eyes from flying debris. Gloves may also be worn to protect the hands from sharp edges.

Removing the Post from the Ground

Once the post is free from the tension of the fence, it can be removed from the ground. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of post and the soil conditions.

For wooden posts:

Use a post puller. This is a specialized tool that grips the post and pulls it out of the ground. Post pullers are available for rent at most hardware stores.
Dig around the post. Use a shovel to dig a hole around the post, exposing the base. Once the base is exposed, you can use a pry bar to pry the post out of the ground.

For metal posts:

Cut the post off at ground level. Use a reciprocating saw or a metal cutting blade on an angle grinder to cut the post off at ground level. Once the post is cut, you can use a sledgehammer to drive the remaining section of the post into the ground.
Use a post puller. Post pullers can also be used to remove metal posts. However, it is important to use a post puller that is designed for metal posts. Using a post puller that is not designed for metal posts can damage the post.

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Post puller	Quick and easy	Can be expensive to rent
Digging	Less expensive	More labor-intensive
Cutting	Can be used on metal posts	Requires special tools

Tips for Removing Posts from the Ground

If the post is rotted or damaged, it may be easier to break it off at ground level and then dig out the remaining pieces.
If the soil is hard, you may need to water the area around the post to soften the soil. This will make it easier to pull or dig the post out of the ground.
Be careful when using a post puller. Post pullers can be dangerous if they are not used properly.

Installing New Post Support

Installing a new post support involves replacing the damaged post with a new one. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

1. Excavate Around the Post:

Remove the soil around the base of the damaged post, exposing about 2 feet of its length. Use a shovel or an auger to carefully dig out the dirt.

2. Remove the Old Post:

Use a reciprocating saw or a hacksaw to cut the damaged post below ground level. Then, extract the post by pulling it out of the hole or by using a post puller. If the post is firmly embedded in concrete, you may need to break up the concrete using a sledgehammer or a rotary hammer drill.

3. Level the Hole:

Ensure the hole is level and deep enough to accommodate the new post. Tamp down the soil at the bottom of the hole to create a firm base.

4. Set the New Post:

Place the new post into the hole and align it vertically. Use a level to ensure the post is straight. Backfill the hole with concrete mix, tamping it down firmly around the post. Allow the concrete to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Attach the Fence Fabric:

Once the concrete has cured, attach the fence fabric to the new post using the appropriate method for your specific fence type. This may involve using tension bands, U-bolts, or other fasteners. Ensure the fabric is securely fastened and taut.

Chain Link Fence Post Support Option	Pros	Cons
Concrete Footing	Secure and durable	Requires excavation and concrete work
Post Sleeve	Easy to install and replace	Less stable than concrete footings
Ground Screw	Minimal excavation, no concrete	Suitable for specific soil conditions

Leveling and Plumbing the Post

Once the post is set in the concrete, it must be leveled and plumbed. This ensures that the fence will be straight and will not sag over time. The steps to level and plumb a post are below:

1. Check the Post for Level

To check the post for level, place a level on the top of the post and adjust the post until the level is centered in the bubble.

2. Check the Post for Plumb

To check the post for plumb, place a level on the side of the post and adjust the post until the level is centered in the bubble.

3. Use a Plumb Bob

A plumb bob can be used to check the post for plumb. A plumb bob is a weight suspended from a string. When the string is held taut, the weight will hang directly below the point of suspension. The post can be adjusted until the string touches the side of the post.

4. Adjust the Post

To adjust the post, use a sledgehammer or a post driver. A sledgehammer is a large hammer with a long handle. A post driver is a tool designed specifically for driving posts into the ground.

5. Fine Tune the Level and Plumb

Once the post is approximately level and plumb, fine-tune the leveling and plumbing using a level and a plumb bob.

6. Secure the Post

Once the post is level and plumb, it should be secured in place. This can be done by wedging rocks or bricks around the base of the post or by driving stakes into the ground around the post.

7. Backfill the Hole

After the post is secured, the hole should be backfilled with the excavated soil. The soil should be tamped down to compact it and prevent the post from settling. The backfill should be slightly mounded around the base of the post to provide drainage.

Tool	Description
Level	A tool used to check if a surface is level.
Plumb bob	A weight suspended from a string that is used to check if a surface is plumb.
Sledgehammer	A large hammer with a long handle.
Post driver	A tool designed specifically for driving posts into the ground.

Attaching the Chain Link to the Post

To attach the chain link to the post, you will need the following materials:

Chain link fabric
Tension bands
Hog rings
Hog ring pliers

Follow these steps to attach the chain link to the post:

Unroll the chain link fabric and cut it to the desired length.
Slide a tension band onto the bottom of the post.
Attach the chain link fabric to the tension band using hog rings.
Pull the chain link fabric taut and secure it to the post with additional hog rings.
Repeat steps 3-4 for the top of the post.
Install the remaining posts in the same manner.
Trim any excess chain link fabric.
Connect the top and bottom of the chain link fabric using hog rings.
Secure the chain link fabric to the posts at regular intervals using hog rings.
Close the gate and attach the chain link to the gate frame using the same method.

How to Remove a Chain Link Fence Post

Removing a chain link fence post can be a simple task if you have the right tools and know the proper steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Gather your tools: You’ll need a post puller, a shovel, and a pair of pliers.
Prepare the area: Clear away any debris or vegetation around the post.
Dig around the post: Use the shovel to dig a trench around the post, about 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep.
Attach the post puller: Position the post puller around the post and tighten the bolts.
Pull the post: Use the post puller to pull the post out of the ground. If the post is stuck, you can try rocking it back and forth or using a pry bar to loosen it.
Remove the concrete: If the post was set in concrete, you’ll need to remove the concrete using a jackhammer or a cold chisel.
Fill the hole: Once the post is removed, fill the hole with dirt or gravel and tamp it down to create a level surface.