Two questions about 1/2" hardware cloth

[EmmaDonovan]

1) What's the most secure way to attach 1/2" hardware cloth to itself, with overlapping sections of about 4"? Hog rings were my first choice but the pliers are too big to use with 1/2" hardware cloth.

2) We're using the hardware cloth to cover a run like this one. On the curved sections where it has no support under it (red circle), is it likely to sag, especially over time? Do I need to add a pipe across there to support it? Those sections are approximately 6.25 feet long.

 

[MarkRainbolt]

You can wire the hardware cloth together like you were sewing it together. You are going to add extra pipes to keep it from sagging.
Mark

 

[EmmaDonovan]

You can wire the hardware cloth together like you were sewing it together. You are going to add extra pipes to keep it from sagging.
Mark

If something happens to the wire won't the entire section unravel?

 

[EmmaDonovan]

You are going to add extra pipes to keep it from sagging.
Mark

How do we attach them to the existing frame?

 

[thecatumbrella]

I've used extreme weather cable ties to secure hardware cloth. 8-inch I believe? They're still holding up after 3 years.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Might want to try different hog ring pliers - the 1/2" HWC on my run is attached via hog rings.

As far as the parts you're worried about sagging, some upright posts under the center support should do the trick I think, and be easier to navigate around (no bumping your head into them).