Best/Strongest Way to attach hardware mesh

[GeoKan]

Quote:
X2

This is exactly how I do it as well. I use 1x2s to cover the edges of my hardwire clothe after stapling it in place with 9/16-inch staples. I then use screws about 6 to 8 inches apart. The wood acts like a clamp to hold the hardwire clothe in place. Very strong.

 

[florida lee]

I have installed hardware cloth both ways, with screw/washer and with 1x2's screwed in every 6". the latter system seems to hold better, holds the cloth much more tightly.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
I screwed/stapled my HW cloth "screens" on the inside. I did trim the outside of my windows (just for looks) but left the inside 'raw'. I figure the chickens don't care if things look just a little rough on the inside, while I DO care how it looks from the outside...lol.

Either way would work though - but I add lexan "window glass" to the outside of my windows come winter time, and it's easier for me this way.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
X2

This is exactly how I do it as well. I use 1x2s to cover the edges of my hardwire clothe after stapling it in place with 9/16-inch staples. I then use screws about 6 to 8 inches apart. The wood acts like a clamp to hold the hardwire clothe in place. Very strong.

I do something similar. I use 3/8" to 1/2" thick wood maybe 2 to 3 inches wide and put that over the end of the wire. I drill pilot holes so the wood doesn't split, plus it makes it a lot easier to start the screws. I put the screws so they not only clamp the hardware cloth down, they go through a hole in the hardwire cloth. I find this is not only real strong, the sharp ends of the wire are covered up. I don't snag my skin or clothing on the sharp ends.

 

[mandelyn]

We framed the windows twice, and one piece got the hardware cloth. The two frames got bolts sent through it and the hardware cloth. It's.. secure. Overkill really. But it's pretty inside and out! And there's no way a coon will be able to pull it up enough to get inside.

I used a claw hammer periodically to test strength. Staples out of a staple gun don't cut it, they pop right out. You need a giant staple and a pneumatic gun. The U nails work well too, they're shaped like a u and have a nail tip on each side. Screws and washers are good too. We used that to sure a tarp to the top of the chicken run to see if we needed the expense of a proper roof, and the tarp has held on so well (for being a cheap $12 tarp) that I think we have until the fall before we need to change roofing styles to keep the sand in the run dry.

 

[VelvettFog]

Here is how I make windows.

First, I rip a 2x4 in half to give me something close to a 1 3/4 x 1 3/4.

Then I miter the corners to 45 deg.

Clamp the window frame together.

Rip the 'window' in half.

Apply the screen and clamp & glue the window, door in this case, back together. I often shoot a few brads into the corners for added strength.

 

[lroth217]

K-9mom THANK YOU so much for your questions!!! I have had these questions in mind but we are not there quite yet with our construction. BUT NOW I have info, thanks again to you, on how to do it when it's time!!!

 

[hmab]

For the run I used t posts with the clamps that fit around the t posts to hold the hardware cloth. Works great and fits tight.

hello Patricia, do you have pictures of your run? I’m thinking of building the same. How did you make sure your corners were strong? Also can you share which clamps you used for the 1/2” hardware cloth?

 

[aart]

Also can you share which clamps you used for the 1/2” hardware cloth?

I'd like to know too @hmab !
But I don't think @Patricia Jane has been around since 2016.

 

[hmab]

I'd like to know too @hmab !

@aart I don’t think the regular t-post clips would work with hardware cloth since there isn’t much room or strength in the cloth to twist the clips around. I was thinking of using 17-Gauge Galvanized Steel Wire.