Hardware cloth strong enough? and other ?s

[birdy_num_nums]

My experience with hardware cloth was that it was flimsy. As in coming apart at the 'joints' where the wires crossed. Brand new stuff from a home depot. Are there other 'brands' out there that could withstand more than the pressure from a hand being pressed against it?

Is hardware cloth predator-proof? Even if it was stronger than what I experienced, how does one go about attaching it to other parts of the coop (wood)? Staples?

What are some other alternatives to hardware cloth? How come I see it being used over chicken wire/poultry netting?

Thanks!

 

[Chick_a_dee]

You can get REAL hardware cloth from the TSC, or co-op... hardware cloth, as far as I KNOW is actually a welded mesh...

 

[Chickaroo!]

I know exactly what your saying birdy. Our dog pen is made of hardware cloth. Our jack russell jumps alot on it and it too came apart where the wires corss. I'm interested to see what TSC has.

 

[Chick_a_dee]

Chickaroo! :

I know exactly what your saying birdy. Our dog pen is made of hardware cloth. Our jack russell jumps alot on it and it too came apart where the wires corss. I'm interested to see what TSC has.

Make sure you get, "Hardware Mesh," not the plastic, or the thin wire. I'll take a photo of mine later, and the packaging

 

[MissPrissy]

The hardware cloth I buy is a welded mesh. There is no way this stuff comes apart at the joints. Too bad you can't take it back to Home Depot and get your money back. I don't buy flimsy wire. When I get it home and it is not what it is supposed to be - right back it goes.

 

[Chickaroo!]

Chick_a_dee: That'd be great. I'd love to see pics

Thank You!

 

[CarlaRiggs]

Any wire is flimsy, no matter the construction, if the gauge is too high. Purchase an 18 gauge 1" chicken wire (also known as stucco wire) and it's not going to fall apart.
Hardware cloth can be flimsy, if it isn't a strong enough gauge. Look for an 18 or 19 gauge welded roll.

Do I sound like I'm repeating myself here???

 

[Guitartists]

Would a 18 gauge chicken wire be sufficient enough to keep raccoons from ripping it apart??? Where do you get that gauge wire?

FABULOUS quilts by the way!!!!

 

[LynneP]

Our 1/2" can be seen in the links below that go to my home page. I'm counting on this stuff. You need to buy small 'poultry staples' which look like tuny fence staples and you'll want to batten the seams with boards/screws. Also, save the wire used to bind the roll, it's good for repairs and to 'marry' seams.

 

[CarlaRiggs]

Thank you, Guitarist.

I appreciate the compliment...

I purchased my wire at Orchard Hardware Supply. I had a 15% discount off one item and bought a large roll of 60" by 100'. Most of the wire labeled 'chicken wire' is a lighter gauge, some as lightweight as 22. If you ask for Stucco Wire, you may find it. Mine is 1" hexagon and 18 gauge. And no, a raccoon is not simply going to rip it apart.

I've heard of welded wire coming apart after repeatedly being banged upon by predators. It's just an ongoing chore to check out the wire, openings, etc. that you've built, and reinforce if necessary.

Dang predators!

Carla