Screw/washer alternative for hardware cloth ideas

[Ruralhideaway]

I'll be installing hardware cloth soon, quite a bit between now and spring.

For some spots I've used lathe screws with big heads but that was on smaller mesh. I truly hate how slow things go when you are threading screws through washers, wondering if anyone knows a one piece screw solution. Seems there must be something out there with heads big enough for half inch HC.

Anyone? Thanks!

 

[imnukensc]

I didn't use screws at all. I used a pneumatic (compressed air) staple gun and staples. Heckuva lot faster than screws.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

What staple size will that install? I don't have a compressor but could borrow possibly.

 

[imnukensc]

They come in many different sizes. I think mine were about 3/4 inch. They also make electric staplers.

 

[lazy gardener]

Unless they are staples that I'm not familiar with, standard staples are not sturdy enough to keep a predator from ripping the hdw cloth off. I am fond of fender washers and outdoor screws. Depending on the application, lath strips and screws, or sandwiching the hdw cloth between 2 boards that make up the trim work works well. When I did my windows, I bent the hdw cloth at 90* angle, so each edge at the bend had 1" to make the hdw cloth less floppy, then, the "flange could be screwed with lath, or fender washers from the INSIDE of the window. To my knowledge, fencing staples are the only ones that are sturdy enough to stand up to predator demolition tactics.

 

[Folly's place]

We use fencing staples, usually 3/4" long, pounded in with a hammer. Then 1"x4" boards screwed in over the top. Over the lower 4' of the run, we also added 2"x4" woven wire fencing, stapled and then under those boards that are screwed to the framing. It's sturdy, and I'll add electric if/ when the bears arrive.
Mary

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Something like this..

Diameter #8-10
Drive Phillips
Finish Black Phosphate
Head Round Washer
Head Dia. 1/2"
Length 1"
Point Type 17
System of Measurement Inch
Type Wood Screw

 

[lazy gardener]

That head would not be big enough. It might work with 1/4, but even then, I'd not trust it. There would not be enough coverage to keep the wire from bending enough to slide over the head, if a pred were determined.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I think you're right. Hoping there's something a bit bigger. I'm lazy I want to just grab screws and keep moving.

 

[lazy gardener]

I honestly don't find it difficult to jab a screw through a fender washer on it's way to the wood.