What is the role of end posts versus line posts in chain-link fencing?

• A. End posts bear tension from the fabric and anchor the fence; line posts support the fabric along the run
• B. Line posts bear tension from the fabric and anchor the fence
• C. End posts support the fabric; line posts bear the anchors
• D. End posts are decorative; line posts are functional

Answer: (A)

End posts are the terminal anchors that take the horizontal pull of the stretched chain-link fabric and anchor the fence. Line posts sit along the run to support the fabric between ends, keeping it straight and at the correct height, but they do not carry the main tensile load. In other words, the tension from the fabric is largely borne by the end posts, while line posts provide mid-run support to prevent sag and maintain alignment.