Really frustrated with hardware cloth from local big box -- where to buy the good stuff?

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by OScarlet, Aug 14, 2013.

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  1. Aug 14, 2013 Post #1 of 20
    OScarlet

    OScarlet Songster

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    1) it is wonky, really off square so the lines don't line up with my coop so it looks like I put it on skew no matter what.
    2) some of the wires are bent and the zinc coating is sloppy leaving rough or blobby bits.
    3) worst of all, some of the joins are weak and break when I cut them. I can just see a raccoon quietly parting the wires like a lothario through the lace curtains and chicken mcnugget night for all. What chance does it have against all the predators we already have in our suburban garden, let alone their friends that get invited to the party.

    Wish the coop was lighter. I would have thrown it in the corner in a fit of rage by now. Can nothing go right? Can't a company just make something right for once? ARRRGGHHHHH!

    Ok vent over, who has good stuff? How long does it take? Will I explode from the frustration of all this... watch this space!
     
  2. Aug 14, 2013 Post #2 of 20
    chfite

    chfite Songster

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    I would take it back to the big box store for a refund or exchange. I bought my last roll from Ace Hardware.

    There is some real junk out there.

    Chris
     
  3. Aug 14, 2013 Post #3 of 20
    joan1708

    joan1708 Songster

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    I hate hardware cloth. I think most people find it very difficult to work with. Problem is - ya gotta have it, if you want a secure coop. So, just keep plugging at it. And I hope you find some non wonky hardware cloth!
     
  4. Aug 14, 2013 Post #4 of 20
    AvianEgo

    AvianEgo Songster

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    I'm half way through wrapping my outdoor run in chicken wire. I feel your pain. literally, my fingers hurt from stretching and pulling it tight,and i have cuts and poke holes all over.
     
  5. Aug 14, 2013 Post #5 of 20
    OScarlet

    OScarlet Songster

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    I have a trick for that. I'll message you :)

    Thanks for the non-wonky vibes. I talked to my husband. We have decided to deal with the almost free but wonky and not great hardware cloth and put the money we would save from not buying the good stuff (gold plated and diamond encrusted I'm assuming considering the costs I've found) to use to buy an solar hot wire for the coop and run instead. So unfortunately I'm back on skew street in wonky town.
     
  6. Aug 14, 2013 Post #6 of 20
    XtremeRooster

    XtremeRooster Chirping

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    Southeast Georgia Altamaha Swamp
    My Coop
    I don't know if Agri Supply is nationwide or not but I bought my 100 ft. 19 ga. rolls from them for $57 ea. It works fine for me, it is not the heaviest made. But then again I am not paying $165 plus $85 shipping for a 100 ft roll of 16 ga. either.
     
  7. Aug 14, 2013 Post #7 of 20
    OScarlet

    OScarlet Songster

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    I just checked, they only have stores in GA, VA and NC so no good for me in CA. They will ship it, but not for free I'm guessing! Thanks anyway.
     
  8. Aug 14, 2013 Post #8 of 20
    XtremeRooster

    XtremeRooster Chirping

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    Southeast Georgia Altamaha Swamp
    My Coop
    Their stores are bigger than Tractor Supply but then I did not know if they were regional or not. Heck for all I know Tractor Supply might just be regional too. I buy a lot of hardware from Northern Hydraulics but I don't know if they stock hardware cloth. When I buy from them I usually get the items shipped their closest store is 2.5 hr drive for me. I also buy from Grainger, McMaster Carr, and MSC.
     
  9. Aug 14, 2013 Post #9 of 20
    cknkids

    cknkids Chirping

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    Believe it or not, try Amazon. Last summer, we got twice as much for the same cost of the big box store near us, with free shipping. We have prime so it got here in 2 days.
    Otherwise, take a deep breath, its a chicken coop it doesn't need to be perfect. Have fun and enjoy the journey.
     
  10. Aug 15, 2013 Post #10 of 20
    aart

    aart Chicken Juggler!

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    My Coop
    19ga 1/2" 4' x 100' for $105 ordered thru my local Ace hardware.
    Nice stuff, very straight and smooth.
     
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