Residential Grade Galvanized Chain Link Posts & Framework, .065 Wall Round Tubing - Choose Your Post Diameter & Length

Product Description

Residential Galvanized Chain Link Posts & Framework — .065" Wall Round Tubing (16 Gauge)

• .065" wall, 16 ga steel — The classic residential framework spec for posts, top rail, and gate frames.
• Hot-dip galvanized — Zinc coating helps protect against rust and outdoor wear.
• Swedged top-rail option — Swedged ends let one length fit neatly into the next for continuous top rail (no sleeve needed).
• Right sizes for home fences — Offered in the common ODs used for line posts, terminals, and top rails.
• Lightweight, strong, economical — Easy to handle while delivering dependable rigidity.

.065" wall thickness tubing for chain link posts, top rail, gate frames, & other uses. This pipe is most often used in residential chain link fencing and it features high strength and durability given its light weight and relatively low cost. .065 tubing is made from 16 gauge steel that has been hot-dip galvanized with a zinc coating that protects against rust & corrosion for many years.

Our .065" wall tubing has numerous other uses in addition to chain link fence posts and framework:

• Kennel Panel Frames
• Temporary Fence Panel Frames
• Construction Fencing
• Greenhouse Skeletons
• Deer Fencing
• Carports
• Party Tents

Typical Sizing & Use

• Top/brace rail: often 1-3/8" OD on most residential runs.
• Line posts: commonly 1-5/8" or 2" nominal (1-7/8" actual OD).
• Terminal posts (corners/ends/gates): commonly 2-1/2" nominal (2-3/8" actual OD).

Specifications

Generally, the thicker the pipe, the heavier the zinc coating will be, which means a longer life of the steel without rust. So, .065 wall thickness posts will typically last longer than .035" or .055" wall thickness post due to a heavier zinc coating, which is why we don't recommend going any lighter than .065" for your chain link fence; the lighter posts will get the job done and look ok for a couple of years, but they will eventually start to sag and corrode, turning your long term investment into a money sink that needs frequent repair or replacement.

Installation Notes

Lay out post centers, set terminals first, then line posts. Cut and fit top/brace rails, using swedged joints for continuous top rail or sleeves on non-swedged. Square and plumb the framework, then stretch fabric to tension bars and secure with bands. Re-check post plumb and rail alignment before tying off.

Buying Guide

• Match the height & load — .065" suits most residential fences; step up to heavier grades if adding privacy slats or facing higher wind loads.
• Choose correct diameters — Use lighter ODs for top rail, larger ODs for terminals to handle gate and stretch loads.
• Swedged vs. non-swedged — Select swedged top rail when you want sleeve-free, continuous runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .065" the same as 16 gauge?

Yes—.065" wall corresponds to 16 ga steel, the common residential framework thickness.

Do you carry swedged top rail?

Yes—choose “Swedged: Yes” to get lengths with tapered ends for continuous rail connections.

What sizes should I pick for a 4'–6' residential fence?

Many installs use 1-3/8" OD top rail, 1-5/8" or 2" nominal (1-7/8" actual) line posts, and 2-1/2" nominal (2-3/8" actual) terminal posts.

Comparison

• SF20 — Heavier-walled, higher-strength framework for heavy residential/light commercial; a step up from .065" when using heavier fabric or adding wind-loading accessories. Shop SF20
• SF40 — Premium commercial-grade framework with thicker walls; ideal for high-traffic or industrial applications. (Note: SF40 top rail is not swedged—use sleeves for continuous runs.) Shop SF40