Dealing with hardware cloth

[debid]

OK, experienced run builders... I need to construct a run for my juvie coop. I have used hardware cloth before but only in small pieces (nothing bigger than a shed window).

I'm wondering -- would it be easier to build it in modular panels so I can attach wire to a frame flat on the ground and then screw all the panels together? I'm guessing that working vertically might be harder. What useful hints can you give?

 

[fried green eggs]

I've done it both ways and think it's pretty easy either way. The trick I use is to use a Arrow stapler with 5/8" or 9/16" staples to temporarily hold it in place then, go back and staple it every 3 or 4 inches all the way around with 3/4" electrical staples. The electric staples work great and looks nice.

 

[cochickencoops]

I build coops for a living and I definitely advise building the frames on the ground or on a table. The way that I do it is roll the wire out and staple it to the frame all the way around and then cut the wire with a grinder and a metal cutting disk. A dremel tool would also work with a cutoff disc. You end up bleeding a lot less than if you use wire cutters and cut it to size before stapling Be sure to wear safety glasses because it costs about $800 to have a tiny spec of metal removed from your eyeball. ( Found out the hard way) After the wire is stapled and cut to size I cover it with a piece of 1/4 x 1 1/2 inch wood strip to protect the birds from the ends of the wire. Hope that helps.

 

[ivan3]

Just want to put in a good word for Pro-Grade model 15408 wire cutters. Quick and painless (always wear gloves, anyway) for both welded wire and hardware cloth. No comparison to the PITA `cutting' methods I subjected both the materials and myself to, initially.

 

[debid]

I have a number of cutters of assorted types. One looks like the type shown above, there is a Dremel tool, a pair of long-handled cutters I used on the chain-link, and an angle grinder. I think we have cutting covered. We have an air gun with staple option so I'm guessing that would work for the tacking? If I use strips to sandwich the edges and screw those in place, do I need to use the heavier staples too or are the tacking staples plus strips enough? And I agree -- safety glasses and leather work gloves will be used, absolutely. Metal in the eye sounds just horrible!

 

[ivan3]

debid, I expect the staple folks can help out. Have only used wood screws and washers to attach cloth to window frames/vents of coop/turkey shed, and heavy duty, UV resistant, zip ties to attach panels to sides of chain link dog pen in order to construct quick digs for a mean broody turkey hen that had appropriated a patch of day lilies.

 

[conny63malies]

I build my coop in pieces. Then i made a frame that fits right into the area where the hardware cloth. i staple the hwc onto the frame. The frame gets another frame on to of it to sandwich the hwc in between. Then i fasten the whole thing into its place with my pneumatic staple gun and/or screws.

 

[1muttsfan]

Just want to repeat the Wear Gloves part

 

[Chick Charm]

I staple to my framed sections, then install sections together. I staple every 4th square to make it straight & solid. You can visit my page to see. I use pneumatic staplers with 1/2 in staples.

 

[debid]

debid, I expect the staple folks can help out. Have only used wood screws and washers to attach cloth to window frames/vents of coop/turkey shed, and heavy duty, UV resistant, zip ties to attach panels to sides of chain link dog pen in order to construct quick digs for a mean broody turkey hen that had appropriated a patch of day lilies.

OH, I bet a broody turkey is a force to be reckoned with!

Thanks everyone!