Choosing the Right Fastener for Chain Link Fencing
Fasteners play a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the fencing, directly impacting its ability to withstand environmental pressures, such as wind, rain, and mechanical stress. Using the wrong type of fastener can lead to many problems, from premature rusting and weakening of the fence structure to complete failures. When selecting a fastener, understand what type, material, point type, and size you need based on your application requirements.
Fastener Type
There are three primary types of fasteners you could use for chain link fencing: hog rings, C-rings, and easy twist ties/barb edges.
| Fastener Type | Hog Ring | C-Ring | Easy Twist Tie |
| Installation Ease | Requires specialty tools | Requires specialty tools | Requires no tools |
| Material Type Compatibility | Depends on point type | Better for thicker materials | Lightweight materials |
| Permanence | Permanent fastening | Permanent fastening | Temporary fastening/can be adjusted post-installation |
| Environmental Resistance | Depends on the material; stainless steel offers the most corrosion resistance | Depends on the material; stainless steel offers the most corrosion resistance | Depends on the material; stainless steel offers the most corrosion resistance |
| Cost | $$ | $$ | $ |
Hog Rings
Hog rings are particularly suited for securing fencing fabric to line wires, ensuring the mesh remains tight and evenly distributed. These fasteners are primarily U-shaped and made from heavy-duty metal, which is bent into a circular form to clasp the fencing tightly against itself or to the supporting framework.
Best Use Cases
- You need a quick and easy installation.
- You need a permanent solution (hog rings are difficult to remove or adjust after they’ve been installed).
Don’t Use When
- You need a temporary solution.
- You don’t have the right tools or aren’t willing to purchase specialty tools—if they aren’t installed correctly, the pressure exerted by the hog rings can damage the wire of the chain link.
C-Rings
While C-rings are technically a type of hog rings, they offer a design variation that is particularly beneficial for certain chain link fencing applications. Like their U-shaped counterparts, C-rings are made from strong, durable metals but are shaped more like a C, allowing for a slightly wider opening before clamping.
Best Use Cases
- You are working with thicker materials or double layers of wire.
- You need a permanent solution.
Don’t Use When
- You don’t have a C-ring gun or aren’t willing to purchase one, which increases the risk of over-closure.
- You need a temporary solution.
Easy Twist Ties/Barb Edges
Easy twist ties, also known as barb edges, typically come as pre-cut lengths of wire with sharp points or barbs at the ends that penetrate and grip the fencing material.
Best Use Cases
- You need a non-permanent solution (barb edges can be easily adjusted after installation).
- You’re looking for a more affordable option.
- You need something that doesn’t require tools.
Don’t Use When
- Your fencing is in a high-security area (easy twist ties don’t provide as much tension as hog rings or C-rings).
Materials
Material composition is another critical factor to consider as it influences the fastener’s durability, environmental suitability, and corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum are the three most popular material choices for fasteners.
| Material Type | Stainless Steel | Galvanized Steel | Aluminum |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good/Moderate | Good/Moderate |
| Temperature Resistance | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Ideal Environments | Coastal areas; regions with high humidity | Any general outdoor environment | Most outdoor environments |
| Ideal Applications | Food processing, marine, fencing in harsh environments | Construction, fencing, general outdoor applications | Temporary installations, light commercial fencing, residential fencing |
| Other Characteristics | High tensile strength, extremely durable, heavy, non-magnetic | Less durable than stainless steel, heavy, magnetic | Lightweight, easy to form and shape, non-magnetic |
| Cost | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is highly durable and strong, making it ideal for applications requiring longevity and resistance to physical stresses. It also performs well in many environments, particularly in coastal areas where salt air is prevalent or in regions with high humidity. It offers the best corrosion resistance due to its chromium content, which forms a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface.
General Tip
- Stainless steel is generally the best all-around choice for high durability and corrosion resistance, making it a safe bet for most applications.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is treated with a protective zinc coating, which improves its strength and makes it a solid choice for heavy-duty applications. This material is particularly suited for areas that do not experience extreme moisture or chemical exposure that could wear away the zinc coating. The same zinc coating acts as a barrier and sacrificial anode, which means it will corrode in place of the steel, significantly increasing the material’s lifespan against rust.
General Tip
- Galvanized steel is cost-effective and provides moderate corrosion resistance, although it shouldn’t be used in extremely wet or chemical environments, as it will wear faster.
Aluminum
While not as strong as stainless steel, aluminum is sufficiently durable for most residential and some lighter commercial fencing needs. It’s lightweight and does not rust, making it suitable for environments with significant rain or moisture. It naturally generates a protective oxide coating that shields it from further decay, though it is generally less robust than stainless steel.
General Tip
- Aluminum is suitable for less demanding or temporary installations.
Point Type
| Point Type | Blunt (Round/Flat) | Sharp (Pointed) |
| Commonly Used With | Delicate materials | Thick materials |
| Wind Resistance | Poor | Excellent |
| Permanence | Depends on fastener type | Depends on fastener type |
| Other Characteristics | Lower risk of damaging materials | Better security, faster to install |
Blunt
Blunt points have rounded or flat ends, making them less likely to pierce or tear the material they secure. They are ideal when safety is a concern, such as in public or residential areas, and are commonly used in securing privacy slats or vinyl coatings where the integrity of the material needs to be maintained.
Best Use Case
- For use with delicate materials that may tear or puncture.
Sharp
Sharp points, as the name suggests, have a pointed end that can easily pierce through materials, which makes installation quicker. Their penetrating capability is particularly useful in thick or layered materials where secure attachment is essential. This point type is often favored in more industrial or security-focused applications where the fastener needs to anchor firmly into tough materials.
Best Use Cases
- High-security areas.
- In areas where strong wind resistance is needed.
- For use with tougher, denser materials.
- Larger-scale or time-sensitive projects.
Size
Fasteners are typically available in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and one-inch sizes. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the diameter, the stronger the fastener.
When selecting size, your primary concerns should be material compatibility and load, as the entire purpose of a fence is to provide security. Thicker materials require thicker fasteners (diameter should equal 1.5 times material thickness), and applications with high load requirements generally need larger fasteners.
Get Help Selecting the Right Fastener
Buy high-quality chain link fasteners from King Steel Fasteners. We offer aluminum, stainless steel, and galvanized steel hog rings, C-rings, and easy twist ties in various sizes. Visit our website to browse our complete inventory. Please contact us today if you need help selecting the right fastener.
Disclaimer:
King Steel Fastener’s website is not yet updated with our easy twist tie options—please reach out to us today if you’re interested in purchasing easy twist ties and one of our product specialists will contact you shortly.