Product Description
Color Chain Link Pressed-Steel Top Rail Sleeves — 1-3/8″ & 1-5/8″ (Professional Grade)
- Splice Unswedged Rails Fast — Slides over two rail ends to create a strong, in-line connection
- Fence-Contractor Grade — Pressed steel sleeves, color-coated to blend with black, brown, and green systems
- Low-Profile Joint — Smooth sleeve transition helps minimize snags on windscreens, slats, and tarps
- Versatile — Use on top rail runs, mid-rail repairs, and color-coated panel builds
- Securement Options — Friction-fit; add two self-tapping screws per sleeve for extra hold (sold separately)
Finish color-coated chain link runs cleanly with pressed-steel top rail sleeves that are designed to blend with common black, brown, and green frameworks. Join two unswedged rails in seconds, or repair a damaged section without replacing full lengths. For post terminations, pair sleeves with color rail end caps. If your rail must pass through a line post, use a color line rail (boulevard) clamp instead of a sleeve. Need silver systems? See our galvanized pressed-steel sleeves.
Why Choose This
- Professional fit & finish — Consistent sizing for straight, rattle-free splices
- Durable coating — Color finish intended to blend with common fabric, framework, and fitting colors (exact matches not guaranteed)
- Field-friendly — No special tools; optional self-tappers lock joints for windscreen installs
- Repair saver — Sleeve only the joint you need to fix and keep the project moving
Specifications
| Sleeve Size (Rail O.D.) | 1-3/8″ | 1-5/8″ |
| Fits Rail | 1-3/8″ round top/mid rail | 1-5/8″ round top/mid rail |
| Overall Length | ~6″ | ~6″ |
| Material | Pressed steel | |
| Finish Colors | Black, Brown, Green — formulated to blend with most color-coated chain link systems; exact color matches are not guaranteed | |
| Fastening | Friction-fit; optional (2) 1/4″ self-tapping screws per sleeve (not included) | |
| Approx. Weight (each) | 0.45 lb | 0.55 lb |
| Typical Usage | Splicing straight runs of color-coated top rail; repairing cut/damaged sections; inline connections on color panel frames | |
Installation
Cut rails square and deburr. Slide the sleeve halfway onto one rail, align the second rail, then center the sleeve over the joint. For high-wind sites or when using windscreens, pre-drill and drive two 1/4″ self-tapping screws (one each side of the seam). Keep the seam facing up on top rails for a clean look. For pass-throughs at line posts, use color line rail clamps instead of a sleeve.
Buying Guide
- Match your rail O.D.: Choose 1-3/8″ or 1-5/8″ to fit your top/mid rails.
- Swedged vs. sleeves: If your rails are swedged (tapered), they join without a sleeve. Use sleeves for unswedged rails or repairs.
- Color expectations: Coatings are intended to blend with typical Black/Brown/Green systems across fabric, framework, and fittings; exact matches vary by brand and age.
- Terminations & bracing: Finish posts with color rail end caps. For truss systems, use galvanized combo ends (color combo ends are uncommon) behind the rail run.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will these perfectly match my framework color?
- They’re formulated to blend with common Black, Brown, and Green systems, but exact matches aren’t guaranteed.
- Do I need screws, or is friction-fit enough?
- Friction-fit works on many straight runs. We recommend two self-tappers per sleeve when using windscreens/tarps or in windy locations.
- Can I use these on mid/bottom rails?
- Yes—for inline splices. If a rail must pass through a line post, use a line rail (boulevard) clamp instead of a sleeve.
- Are these for swedged rails?
- No. Sleeves are for unswedged rails or repairs. Swedged rails slip together without a sleeve.
- What length are the sleeves?
- Approximately 6″ overall, sized for a stable, low-profile splice.
Comparison
| Option | Strengths | Considerations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Pressed-Steel Sleeve (this item) | Blends with color systems; contractor-grade steel | Exact color match not guaranteed | Color-coated top/mid rail splices & repairs |
| Galvanized Pressed-Steel Sleeve | Economical; silver galvanized | Not color-coated | Standard galvanized systems |
| Swedged Top Rail | No separate coupler; very clean joint | Requires swedged stock; less flexible for repairs | New construction with swedged rails |
| Color Line Rail (Boulevard) Clamp | Lets rails pass through line posts | Not a splice coupler | Mid/bottom rails continuing past posts |
Not sure which size or splice method fits your layout? Contact us and we’ll help you plan a professional-grade solution that blends cleanly and holds up on site.
