How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Chain Link Fence in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average cost to repair a chain link fence is $537, with most homeowners spending $292 to $797. Minor repairs can cost as little as $130, while larger repairs may reach up to $1,500. The total cost depends on factors like the extent of the damage, materials needed, local labor rates, and any additional work such as removing trees or landscaping barriers. While small holes can be a manageable DIY project, significant damage often requires the expertise of a professional.

Chain Link Fence Repair Cost Factors

Several important factors affect how much your chain link fence repair costs, including the complexity of the job, material expenses, and labor hours.

Labor Costs

Labor rates depend heavily on who you get to do the job, your location, and the extent of the repairs needed. Since repairing a chain link fence is a straightforward task for a skilled professional, labor costs are typically only for a few hours of work.

• Handyman: $15-$25 per hour

• Professional: $25-$50 per hour or $8-$20 per linear foot

Any trees, brush, or landscaping barriers may require removal before repairs. This can run another $75 to $650 and requires a separate tree removal pro or landscaping contractor near you.

Materials

Wire Mesh Fabric

A roll of wire mesh fabric runs anywhere from $1.50 to $7 per linear foot for most 9- or 11.5-gauge residential mesh. Depending on gauge and hole size, 50-foot long rolls of wire mesh run:

• 4'-6' tall: $70-$200

• 6'-8' tall: $75-$400

• 9'-12' tall: $84-$600

Vinyl-Coated

Repairing vinyl-coated chain-link runs $250 to $450 on average. Materials are typically twice as much, so repairing a 10-foot vinyl section might run $20 to $100 more than repairing 10 feet of galvanized or aluminized mesh.

Other Parts

Because there are many types of damage and fixes, no single chain link fence repair kit exists. If you plan to tackle the repair as a DIY project, you will need to assemble your own supplies. In addition to materials like posts, rails, mesh, and ties, you will need a few basic tools, including:

• Hack saw

• Pliers

• Bolt cutters

• Shovel

• Fence-puller to add tension

All these tools cost less than $200 combined. For avid DIY enthusiasts, this is a good investment for handling small repairs.

Scrap Removal

Chain link fence scrap removal runs $3 to $5 per linear foot. Most professionals will haul it away for you. If you intend to dispose of it yourself, check with your local scrap yard for pricing. Also note that they won’t take posts with concrete on them and some won’t take fencing at all since it clogs the shredder.

Post Repair

Expect to pay $144 to $400 to repair a chain link fence post depending on the extent of the damage, depth of the post, and if an entire section requires replacement.

Cost to Repair vs. Replace

Repairing small holes can cost as little as $75, while installing new chain-link fencing costs between $1,000 and $2,000 on average fence. If major damage affects large sections, replacement may be the more cost-effective option.

Follow these guidelines when considering replacement vs. repairing:

• Consider replacement when damage exceeds $1,500.

• If your fence is 20 years old or older, it will likely suffer further damage from age and rust.

• Get an inspection from a local fence repair professional for any hidden damage, like subsurface rust or weak spots. Paying slightly more for a new install might save you money in future repairs.

• Get a quote from multiple professionals for both replacement and repairs.

Reasons for Chain-Link Fence Repair

Common problems include damage to the posts and mesh from a variety of sources. Luckily, a professional can fix almost any problem. Damage happens for multiple reasons:

• Severe weather

• Falling trees

• Tree and brush overgrowth

• Strong winds

• Traffic collisions

• Rust and corrosion

How to Fix a Sagging Fence

Fixing a sagging fence requires a shovel, concrete, and struts. You may need to replace the post if it has suffered damage. A handyman will follow these steps:

1. Identify the damaged or sagging area.

2. Dig around the post.

3. Pour concrete into the hole.

4. Place the post into the concrete and secure it with struts.

How to Fix Severe Damage or Rust

In cases of severe damage or rust, large portions of the fence may require replacement, involving any full section between posts where damage has occurred. It is advisable to repair rails and posts first, followed by the mesh. A professional will follow this process:

1. Cut and remove the rail using a hacksaw.

2. Remove the post cap, brace bands, and tension bands.

3. Stretch the undamaged chain link over to the nearest post.

4. Connect the mesh to the posts with ties or interweave it with the existing mesh.

5. Ensure the caps and bands are in the proper position.

6. Tighten the bolts connecting the rails and mesh to the post.

7. Reconnect the tension bands and the vertical brace band to the rail.

How to Fix the Mesh

For small holes, ties can be used to sew the mesh back together. Alternatively, a new strand can be woven to mend the tear. For larger holes, fixing the mesh involves the following steps:

1. Attach a fence puller to the two nearest posts and tighten.

2. Remove the tension bar.

3. Cut out all the damaged mesh.

4. Cut a section of new mesh to fill the hole.

5. Weave the pieces together using pliers or attach it with ties.

6. The tension bar is reattached and tightened before adding wire tie supports.

DIY vs. Hiring a Fencing Repair Pro

While repairing small holes and tears can be a manageable project for an experienced DIYer, a professional can complete the job faster and more efficiently, often for only $100 to $200 more than doing it yourself. Even if you decide to handle the repairs on your own, consider having a local fence installation professional provide a thorough inspection to ensure your fence's integrity.

Chain-link fences are an excellent way to keep pets and children in the yard at a reasonable cost. They do not block views and allow the breeze to flow through your property. Vinyl-coated and wood-framed varieties have aesthetic appeal in almost any setting. For professional and efficient chain-link fence repairs, consider hiring a qualified fencing contractor.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.