Two questions about 1/2" hardware cloth

[Sefirothe]

I used stainless steel zip ties placed every couple inches to attach hardware cloth to that type of run over the top of the manufacturer supplied chicken wire. I wove the zip ties in and out of the wire in a few places and carefully tightened the zip tie so as to not deform the wire.

I also used the same metal zip ties to attach all wire to the frame of the run also.

If you go with metal zip ties, absolutely get the tightening/cutting tool with them.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I have used both hog rings and the wire sewing method mentioned above.

Hog rings, using the Dewalt version of the tool, fail with 1-2 years. Mostly because they are not closed tightly enough and simply fall off. There is also the problem you mention, easy to put on along two edges, impossible where one needs to insert through a 1/2' X 1/2" square.

The tool @rosemarythyme mentioned it most intriguing as it solves both problems. Unfortunately not available via shipping in Canada. One caveat is having to insert the ring one by one will be tedious, however worth it if it works as described! On my next trip to Ogdensburg TSC for Sweet PDZ (also not available in Canada) I will pre-order for pickup (the things we do for our chickens, I get strange looks from Boarder Patrol agents when I tell them the purpose of my visit).

The wire sewing method works but make sure you use galvanized or ss wire, very narrow and flexible. Also very tedious to do: by hand; through every few openings; pulling a length through every insertion point (I do 4 foot sections at a time).

Edit: I just created my shopping list for Ogdensberg because I added the pliers and listed the few other things I had in mind for months now.

How long is your drive to Ogdensburg?

I grumble mildly when driving to our TSC, which is a bit over 15 minutes away.

 

[Sefirothe]

How long is your drive to Ogdensburg?

I grumble mildly when driving to our TSC, which is a bit over 15 minutes away.

You are lucky! We have a mom and pop type feed store within 15 minutes but they have scaled back and continue to scale back offerings as the owners and workers get older. Basically I can get bog standard layer pellets/crumble or chick starter crumble. All of good quality from a local mill tho.

No all flock, meat bird or game bird offerings anymore. For that I have to go to TSC which is an hour each way. Or order online.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Can you link to those? When I did a search all I got back was zip ties.

I'm having trouble finding the extreme weather version, but these are the ones I used last. They're UV-protected and flexible. You can find even better ones with higher tensile strength, but you pay for it. I'm pretty generous with the amount of cable ties I use, so if one fails, it's not a big deal.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

If you go with metal zip ties, absolutely get the tightening/cutting tool with them.

Do you mean one of these?

 

[Ridgerunner]

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.

I typically use J-clips (do an internet search) Simple aluminum strips but you need a special tool to attach them. Since you are 4" overlapping, connect both ends of the overlap.

I've also used short pieces of wire, just twist the ends together. The downside here is that you can have sharp points sticking out to snag you or your clothing. I can usually bend the points back on themselves to remove most of the risk of the sharp points using needle nosed pliers.

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.

I assume your 6.25 feet is a horizontal measurement. Not sure how wide that run is. I think your sag worry is between the top of the vertical wall and the bar across the middle top as well as between horizontal supports. Are you concerned about the cover collecting water?

1/2" hardware cloth is reasonably stiff, I don't think you would get enough sag to cause a problem unless that is a lot wider than I suspect.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

I typically use J-clips (do an internet search) Simple aluminum strips but you need a special tool to attach them. Since you are 4" overlapping, connect both ends of the overlap.

I've also used short pieces of wire, just twist the ends together. The downside here is that you can have sharp points sticking out to snag you or your clothing. I can usually bend the points back on themselves to remove most of the risk of the sharp points using needle nosed pliers.


I assume your 6.25 feet is a horizontal measurement. Not sure how wide that run is. I think your sag worry is between the top of the vertical wall and the bar across the middle top as well as between horizontal supports. Are you concerned about the cover collecting water?

1/2" hardware cloth is reasonably stiff, I don't think you would get enough sag to cause a problem unless that is a lot wider than I suspect.

Will this fit in 1/2" HWC openings?

 

[Sefirothe]

Do you mean one of these?

Yes. And you can probably get that combo way cheaper on Amazon. This is similar to the one I got. And the shears that came with it are actually really good too.

 

[Ted Brown]

How long is your drive to Ogdensburg?

I grumble mildly when driving to our TSC, which is a bit over 15 minutes away.

The drive is over two hours but I combine it with one of many drives to Ottawa, Ontario for shopping which is an hour away. The total trip consumes a full day. Ogdensburg (thanks for the spelling correction) is literally on the US/Canada border.

I also do it about once per year; I do not grumble!! The main purpose is to replenish my stock of PDZ (cannot do without!) but also pickup meds like Permetherin both for me and other chicken keeper friends. As well, I order things online that do not ship to Canada so go to a pickup point very near the TSC outlet. Those I keep a list of through the year and order a week before I go.

I live alone, so a welcome adventure!

 

[Ted Brown]

Will this fit in 1/2" HWC openings?

I looked for measurements but could not find.

I doubt it. Remember that you are joining two pieces of HC. Those pliers look too thick to go through one layer, never mind two.