Product Description
SF-40 Premium Commercial Grade Galvanized Chain Link Posts & Framework — Extra-Thick Walls for High Loads
- Premium commercial wall — Thicker than SF-20 and .065" residential for superior rigidity and durability.
- Hot-dip galvanized — Zinc coating helps protect against rust and outdoor wear on demanding sites.
- Sleeve-joined top rail — SF-40 top rail is not swedged; use galvanized sleeves for continuous runs.
- Built for heavy duty — Great for tall fences, wind-exposed areas, and projects with privacy slats/signage.
- Standard-fit hardware — Works with common chain link fabric and fittings for streamlined installs.
SF-40 is our top commercial/industrial framework for posts, top/brace rails, and welded gate frames where strength and longevity are critical. For a complete kit, pair your framework with compatible chain link fabric and galvanized rail sleeves.
Typical Sizing & Use
- Top/brace rail: often 1-5/8" OD on commercial/industrial runs.
- Line posts: commonly 2" nominal (1-7/8" actual) or 2-1/2" nominal (2-3/8" actual).
- Terminal posts (corners/ends/gates): frequently 3" nominal (2-7/8" actual) where higher loads are expected.
SF-40 Wall Thickness & Gauges (by OD)
| 1-5/8" OD (1.660") | 0.111" wall — 11 ga |
| 1-7/8" OD (1.900") | 0.120" wall — 11 ga |
| 2-3/8" OD (2.375") | 0.130" wall — 10 ga |
| 2-7/8" OD (2.875") | 0.160" wall — 8 ga |
| 3-1/2" OD (3.500") | 0.160" wall — 8 ga |
| 4" OD (4.000") | 0.160" wall — 8 ga |
Note: SF-40 uses sleeve connections for continuous top rail; swedged ends are not offered.
Specifications
| Material | Steel tube; premium commercial/industrial wall thickness |
| Finish | Hot-dip galvanized zinc coating |
| Rail Joining | Non-swedged; use galvanized sleeves for continuous runs |
| Applications | Commercial/industrial posts, top/brace rails, welded gate frames |
Installation Notes
Set terminals first, then line posts per layout. Join SF-40 top rail with galvanized sleeves to create continuous runs. Square, plumb, and brace before stretching fabric to tension bars, then secure with correctly sized bands, rail ends, and caps.
Buying Guide
- When to choose SF-40 — Tall fences, high wind exposure, frequent traffic, and added loads (slats, screens, signs).
- Pick diameters by load — Larger ODs at terminals/gates to handle stretch and hardware loads; lighter ODs can serve rails.
- Sleeves required — Plan for rail sleeves on every SF-40 top-rail joint (no swedged option).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is SF-40 the same as Schedule 40 pipe?
- No. Schedule 40 (Sch40) has a thicker wall than SF-40 at the same OD (for example, 2-3/8" Sch40 is ~0.154" wall vs. SF-40 at ~0.130"). Choose Sch40 only if your specifications require it.
- Do you offer swedged top-rail in SF-40?
- No. SF-40 top rail is not available swedged; use galvanized sleeves to join lengths.
- Can I weld SF-40 for gate frames?
- Yes. SF-40 tubing is commonly used for welded and fitted commercial gate frames. Match OD to your hinge/latch hardware.
Comparison
- .065" Residential Framework — 16-ga walls for typical home fences.
- SF-20 — Heavier commercial framework; a step up from .065" for taller runs or moderate wind/loading.
- SF-40 (this product) — Premium commercial/industrial framework with the thickest walls in our SF lineup.
