Chain Link Top Rail Sleeve Expansion Spring, Galvanized

Product Description

Chain Link Top Rail Sleeve Expansion Spring — Galvanized, Fits 1-3/8″ & 1-5/8″ Sleeves (Professional Grade)

• Prevents Bowing & Separation — Spring sits inside a top rail sleeve so rails can expand/contract with temperature without buckling or pulling apart
• Chosen by Professionals — Simple, contractor-grade solution for long, sun-exposed runs and projects with windscreens
• Drop-In Design — Slides into the same-size sleeve; compresses as rails push in for a clean, low-profile splice
• Galvanized Steel — Corrosion-resistant finish for outdoor service
• Works with Silver or Color Systems — Use inside galvanized pressed-steel sleeves or color-coated sleeves of matching size

This galvanized expansion spring installs inside a standard top rail sleeve to absorb thermal movement in chain link rails. In hot weather, rails lengthen and can bow; in cold, they shrink and may pull out of short sleeves. Adding a spring at the splice maintains a tidy joint and helps keep the rail aligned season after season. For pass-throughs at line posts, use a line rail (boulevard) clamp instead of a sleeve.

Why Choose This

• Professional finish — Keeps straight runs looking clean by mitigating heat-bow and cold-gap issues
• Field-friendly — No special tools; drops into the sleeve and works automatically
• Versatile — Ideal for long exposures, south-facing rails, tarps/windscreens, and wide temperature swings
• Durable — Galvanized steel spring for reliable outdoor performance

Specifications

Installation

Slide the spring fully into a matching-size sleeve (e.g., 1-3/8″ spring with a 1-3/8″ sleeve). Insert one rail end into the sleeve, then compress the spring slightly as you push in the opposing rail. Center the sleeve over the joint. Where windscreens/tarps are installed or sites are very windy, you may add two 1/4″ self-tapping screws through the sleeve (one per side) to keep the joint locked. For lines that pass through a post, use line rail clamps instead of a sleeve.

Buying Guide

• Choose by rail/sleeve size: Order the spring size that matches your sleeve O.D. — 1-3/8″ or 1-5/8″.
• When to use: Long, sun-exposed runs; areas with large temperature swings; fences with windscreens or tarps that increase wind loading.
• Related parts: Pair with galvanized sleeves or color sleeves; terminate rails at posts with rail end caps (or color equivalents).
• Swedged rails note: Springs are used with sleeved splices. Swedged (tapered) rails join without a sleeve and typically don’t use springs at the joint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the spring go?

Inside the top rail sleeve, centered over the splice. It compresses as the rails move with temperature.

Will this stop my rail from bowing in summer?

It helps absorb expansion to reduce bowing and helps maintain engagement in winter when rails contract.

Can I use it with color-coated systems?

Yes—use the spring inside a color-coated sleeve that matches your rail size.

Do I still need screws in the sleeve?

Not always. For windy sites or when using windscreens, two self-tappers through the sleeve can help keep the joint locked.

Is this for line-post pass-throughs?

No. For rails passing through line posts, use a line rail (boulevard) clamp.

Comparison

Not sure if your project needs expansion springs or standard sleeves? Contact us and we’ll help you plan a professional-grade solution that stays straight and secure year-round.