Chain-Link Fence Selvage: Knuckled or Twisted Edge for an RFQ?

Chain-link fence selvage is the finished top or bottom edge of the woven fabric. A buyer should specify the top and bottom separately as knuckled, twisted or another drawing-controlled finish instead of sending only mesh size and roll height. The correct choice depends on the approved site, safety, security and installation requirements. QY Metal Tech can review the requested fabric, edge, roll, coating, quantity and packing scope; it should not choose or certify a project configuration from a photograph alone.

Answer summary: Put two fields in the RFQ: `top selvage` and `bottom selvage`. A knuckled edge bends adjacent wire ends back into a closed-looking loop; a twisted edge joins the ends into a projecting twist. State the required combination, fabric orientation and controlling drawing or specification. Do not assume one arrangement fits every site.

What is chain-link fence selvage?

Selvage is the edge finish created where the woven wire ends at the top and bottom of chain-link fence fabric. It is separate from mesh opening, wire diameter, coating and roll size. Two rolls can share the same mesh and wire information but still have different top and bottom edges.

The edge is easiest to control when the elevation or fabric schedule shows orientation. Mark which side is top after installation and which side is bottom. If the fabric will be reversed, cut, joined or installed on sloped ground, show how the edge instruction follows the finished layout.

Knuckled or twisted: which edge should an RFQ request?

Neither term should be selected from a generic claim. Use the configuration required by the responsible designer, owner, controlled project specification and site risk review.

Requested condition	What to write in the RFQ	What still needs approval
Both edges use a bent-back finish	Top knuckled; bottom knuckled	Site safety, security, installation and standard requirements
One edge is knuckled and the other projects as a twist	Identify the top and bottom separately	Installed orientation and the approved reason for the combination
Both edges use a twisted finish	Top twisted; bottom twisted	Exposure, handling, security and installation acceptance
The drawing uses another termination	Quote the exact drawing note and revision	Fabrication feasibility and responsible-party approval
Edge configuration is unknown	Mark it as a clarification hold	Do not let the supplier infer it from roll height or a photo

This table is an RFQ language guide, not a universal selection rule. Controlled standards may use specific combinations for defined conditions. Buyers should supply the applicable edition and project instruction instead of asking QY to reproduce or infer protected standard requirements.

Specification details to confirm

RFQ field	What the buyer should provide	Why it matters
Fabric construction	Chain-link fabric and intended installed orientation	Confirms the product and which edge becomes top or bottom
Top selvage	Knuckled, twisted or drawing-specified	Prevents the upper edge from being inferred
Bottom selvage	Knuckled, twisted or drawing-specified	Prevents the lower edge from being inferred
Mesh opening	Clear opening and unit or controlled designation	Separates opening from wire diameter
Wire	Diameter or named gauge system and controlling value	Avoids ambiguous gauge-only requests
Coating and color	Metallic or polymer coating request and color when applicable	Defines the requested product condition without promising performance
Roll height and length	Finished fabric height, roll length and unit	Controls roll schedule, orientation and quantity review
Site layout	Straight, sloped, stepped, corner, gate and terminal locations	Shows where fabric edges and joints meet the system
Framework and accessories	Posts, rails, tension wire/bar, ties, gates and other requested items	Separates fabric-only supply from a complete fence-system quotation
Packing	Roll identification, binding/protection request, bundle marks and destination	Helps preserve roll identity and edge orientation during handling
Documents	Drawing, fabric schedule, standard edition and revision	Keeps the quotation tied to the approved requirement

For roll size and wire wording, use the existing chain-link roll height and wire gauge guide. That page owns roll dimensions and gauge clarification; this page owns the narrower top-and-bottom edge decision.

Best-fit and not-fit guidance

A knuckled-edge request is appropriate when the approved project documents specifically call for wire ends bent back at that edge. A twisted-edge request is appropriate when the approved documents call for projecting twisted ends at that edge. If the project documents do not make the choice, the RFQ is not ready for final release.

Do not describe knuckled as automatically safe or twisted as automatically secure. The complete fence includes fabric, posts, rails, tension components, gates, terminals, foundations and installation conditions. Edge wording alone cannot prove safety, anti-climb performance, wind resistance or compliance.

The chain-link versus welded-mesh fence guide can help buyers confirm the broader fence construction before the edge detail is finalized.

QY evidence and claim boundary

The featured image is an approved QY chain-link fabric photograph. It shows real chain-link rolls with their woven product form and visible finished roll edges. That evidence directly supports the core buyer decision: edge condition and roll orientation are visible, separate supply details that belong in the RFQ.

The photograph does not prove the mesh size, wire diameter, coating, edge terminology for every roll, roll length, security level, tensile result, standard compliance or installed suitability. QY should confirm the quoted fabric against the buyer's controlled schedule rather than identify specifications from pixels.

Plain-language terms

• Selvage: The finished top or bottom boundary of chain-link fabric.
• Knuckled edge: Adjacent wire ends bent back toward the fabric to form a closed-looking edge.
• Twisted edge: Adjacent wire ends joined into a projecting twisted finish.
• Fabric orientation: The declared relationship between the roll as supplied and the top/bottom direction after installation.

What to prepare before sending RFQ

Send the following through QY Metal Tech's contact page:

• Chain-link fabric type, application and whether the quotation is fabric-only or a full fence supply scope.
• Top selvage and bottom selvage stated separately.
• Mesh opening, unit, wire diameter or named gauge system.
• Base wire/material wording, coating condition and color request.
• Finished roll height, roll length, number of rolls and total quantity basis.
• Straight, sloped or stepped layout and the installed fabric orientation.
• Posts, rails, tension components, ties, gates, terminals and accessories in scope.
• Drawing or fabric schedule with current revision and applicable controlled standard.
• Roll labels, bundle marks, edge protection, packing and destination.
• Inspection or approval documents the buyer requires before release.

QY can review whether the fabric description, edge combination, roll schedule and supply boundary are complete enough for quotation. Project safety, security, wind design, foundations and installation acceptance remain with the responsible parties unless supported by separate controlled evidence.

Related QY pages

• Chain-link fence for the closest QY product context.
• Chain-link roll height and wire gauge guide for roll and wire inputs.
• Chain-link versus welded-mesh fence for the broader construction choice.
• Fence gates and hardware for gate interfaces and accessory scope.
• Contact QY Metal Tech when the fabric schedule and drawings are ready.

Frequently asked questions

Is selvage the same as chain-link mesh size?

No. Mesh size describes the opening in the woven fabric. Selvage describes the finished top or bottom edge. Both fields, plus wire and coating, should be stated in the RFQ.

Can the top and bottom selvage be different?

Yes, when the approved fabric schedule or project drawing requires different edge finishes. The RFQ should identify which finish is at the top and which is at the bottom after installation.

Can QY identify the required selvage from a site photograph?

A clear photograph may show an existing edge, but it cannot establish the required replacement configuration, wire, coating, standard revision or site approval. Send the controlled specification and dimensions.

Should a chain-link fabric RFQ include posts and accessories?

Only when they are part of the requested supply scope. State whether posts, rails, tension wire or bars, ties, gates, terminals, fittings and foundations are included or handled separately.