How do you all stretch your hardware cloth wire and/or 1x2 wire so that's it's nice and taunt but you don't break the wire stays?
Roll it out on the ground and walk on it while bending it to get it as flat as possible. Tack the end to your fence and make SURE it's straight Clamp the other end between 2 boards, and attach a single rope to each end and use a "come along" to pull from the center Do all your fastening from one end, working towards the other
We call it "Walking the wire" Do like Bear says and have your butt facing the end you are working towards. Stand on the section your are attaching the wire to and slowly walk backwards keep the wire straight and tight as you go. Your weight will keep the wire from shifting out of position and hold the frame tight to the ground making it easier to attach the wire too. I use U nails to attach my wire.
I have used my metal rake to grip it and pull it tight (not a leaf rake - the sturdy clod breaking kind).
