Tell Me All Your Hardware Cloth Secrets

[Ext 918]

I did the same as Omelette-in-progress, but I didn't use regular plastic zips, instead I used stainless-steel ones. I can at least be sure that the UV won't affect them. I did purchase an applicator tool (like this,) to tighten and clip the ends off, but it can be done with just pliers and a pair of snips of some sort. The tool was just faster and more convenient.

I purchased the metal ties and tool. I hated it, as they didn't want to tighten as much as I wanted. Perhaps I'll try a different brand.

 

[RoseHawke]

I purchased the metal ties and tool. I hated it, as they didn't want to tighten as much as I wanted. Perhaps I'll try a different brand.

There's a bit of a trick to it, although I can't really explain the technique beyond the tool needs to be positioned a certain way, and my ties are tight. I'd like to put a few more on, if I remember I'll make a video.

 

[Anon112]

I had an idea for how to mount some hardware cloth on my new chicken run extension. I was going to attach a section to a board, then attach the board to the wall. I could visualize it. I felt like a genius.

The hardware cloth had different ideas. I am not a genius. I got too depressed and had to walk away.

I think I am going to have to cut out smaller sections, because being up on a ladder, the weight of the roll was too much for me, and if I didn't hold it perfectly level, the inside rolls would slide out and it felt dangerous because then I was up high trying to manage a weight that kept shifting. And the handful of times I was able to hold with one hand and staple with the other, I wasn't holding it level enough.

Second attempt will be tomorrow afternoon! I'm going to install more ceiling boards, because then there will be something narrow enough for the roll to sit on easily.

 

[BackyardinWales]

When I make my next run to the hardware store for more hardware cloth I'll grab some washers and give this a try!



This was my initial plan: staple in place, then attach boards over any seams/staple lines.


Thank you all for the advice! I am doing this big run extension on my own. I'll be honest and say that it's hard for me to be patient sometimes, like when I'm holding up a big roll of hardware cloth and trying to get it to line up neatly, but the roll keeps pulling the whole thing sideways, then holding the roll with one hand while I staple with another all while up on a ladder. I just get really frustrated sometimes, which leads to not moving carefully, which leads to shredded arms and fingers when that roll jumps back at you. (I sort of know the "unroll along the ground" trick, but that's another place where I get impatient and do things the dangerous/stabby way).

I'll definitely try the washer tip and see how it goes!

Question about connecting two sections of hardware cloth (when the edges don't meet at a board): in another thread someone mentioned using hog clips. I'd been weaving wire, like "sewing" the two pieces together. For those who use clips: how far apart do you space the clips?

I did A LOT of wire wrapping with mine. Only worried about rats here so made everything REALLY TIGHT. The rats never made i5 into the boys run, but they regularly play in the girls one, and nobody cares ... except me lol.

Hardware cloth ... I hate it! BUT it does a good job. Wish I remembered to use gloves though lol.

 

[Anon112]

The tip about screws and fender washers is a game changer! Feels much more secure than staples.

Also, when I discovered a warp in the cloth (due to my framing not being square), I was able to easily create a "dart" in the cloth to correct the alignment, something a staple could never have done.