Attaching hardware cloth to Chain link panels

[ND Sue]

It seems I need help with every little thing I do when it comes to this chicken coop!

Now I am working on attaching the hardware cloth to the chain link panels I am using for a run. I have to wait until next spring to put up a permanent run, so for now, a chain link kennel is all I have.

I'd like it to be safer, so I got some 1/2 inch hardware cloth. I read up and did many searches and I really don't find step by step instructions... but from what I did read, I got the J clips and the little tool to squeeze them on. I can attach the hardware cloth by it's top strand of wire, but I can't get the clips in around the cloth wire and kennel wire anywhere in the middle. It just doesn't fit though as easily as I'd hoped because of the chain link angles of the links do not line up nicely with the H cloth.

So before I waste any more J clips, I thought I'd better ask!

Is there a trick to this? Do I need wider openings in my hardware cloth? Help!

edited to fix my title typo!

 

[patandchickens]

Zip ties (cable ties) would be the easiest and fastest thing. And, much as I am not a fan of using them for your "structural" run fence, I think it is totally harmless to use them for attaching extra smaller-mesh stuff TO that structural fence, because all the small mesh stuff is meant to do is prevent reach-through. If a raccoon manages to bite a cable tie through, or break uv-deteriorated ones, it is still not getting *into* your run, and you will see the damage the next day and fix it.

If you want something less, uh, plastic, you can 'sew' the hardwarecloth on with bits of galvanized wire, which is what I have mostly done. I am not terribly thorough or systematic about it, since, again, all you're trying to keep out is raccoon *hands*, not the whole raccoon

Hog rings, which are sort of a larger circular version of j-clips and require their own pliers, would be another option but IMO kind of overkill for this purpose.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[sillybirds]

I used hog rings for my run, which has both 2 X 4 inch horse fencing and 1/2 X 1 inch hardware. They seemed to work well. (I suppose I should add the caveat that I haven't had a lot of experience with fencing, so YMMV

)

 

[Hamptons06]

I am doing the same thing only using a gold panel dog run and what I used (thanks to the genius at Lowe's) is wiring and strung it in and out along the edging through the hardware cloth onto the edging of the run panels. It's VERY tight and is NOT coming off. I LOVE it. I can take pics tomorrow of it if you want me to.

 

[upthecreek]

Yes i woul;d like to your pics !! Thanks , Shannon


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[killer_diller_chick]

I did a 50 x 75 ft section of our back yard. We used metal wire that was meant for electric fencing. It comes on a roll. I would cut half a dozen pieces 6 or so inches long. Then sit myself down and make a long hook in the wire, push it through the hardware holes around a link in the fencing and back through the hardware. It seamed to work best only going around one wire in the hardwire. Now you cross the two ends of wire and take your pliers and twist to make it taught. Then snip off extra ends with wire cutters and bend ends down.
I think it worked great and once you get the hang it goes quick. Much quicker than the trench my DB dug to burry wire. Hugs and kisses honey.

 

[upthecreek]

But the wire down in the trench a couple of feet is a life saver /when the varmint starts to dig !!!(which they will do) i repeat "it's a LIFE SAVER" !!!!
I don't think you could "thank" him enough for doing that . Wish all mine had it .
Shannon


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[Hamptons06]

Here are some pics!!

 

[woodenart]

I'm assuming you haven't got access to trade tools, so in that case I'd also advise you use nylon ties. The biggest advantage for you is that you'll be able to get the mesh nice and tight if you choose to locate the tie through a mesh hole a little further away ang give it a good pull up.

Mark

 

[upthecreek]

Very nice pens ,
Shannon


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