Two questions about 1/2" hardware cloth

[Saddlemaker]

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.

View attachment 4272289

 

[Saddlemaker]

I used metal zip ties. Get them at least 4"long

 

[Demarvell]

I've always just used wire. I use different wiring methods for different wire connections. Cheapest way.

 

[Mountain Roost]

not trim the cable ties and leave them long.

I follow this practice even with the plastic ones. Needless injury.

 

[Sydney65]

Zip ties work, until they give up the ghost. To my hubby's surprise, I found this gadget last year. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C73FTDKY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

[JuniperNW]

Will this fit in 1/2" HWC openings?

Yes it will, I have the same pliers and use them on 1/2 X 1/2 hardware cloth regularly, as I use the 1/2x1/2 for rabbit pen doors, the j-clip makes the hinge.

Applying j-clips can be a bit of a learning curve and the j-clip removal tool is a fantastic add but not essential. I like j-clips way better than hog rings for securing stuff, too. Since they’re wider they’re much more sturdy and you can use fewer - think one every 12 inches instead of 4 in that same space.

The Lixit j-clip pliers work but are fiddly, I hated them and the amount of clips I dropped or mis-applied because they weren’t sturdy enough is what prompted me to upgrade to the RabbitNipples one.

 

[JuniperNW]

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.

View attachment 4272289

If you wind up wanting to add pipe bracing, I can suggest end rail T clamps. You’ll have to buy ones sized for your pipe, but I’ve used these to add extra support beams in my old chicken run. They are great. These are the right size to hold 1 3/8” chain link top rail pipe, one at the ridge and one on the wall for each section you’re wanting to reinforce should do.

You could also use 3/16” cable looped around the wall and run up over the ridge then attached to the other wall as a support for the hardware cloth. Add a turnbuckle or two for tightening it against sags. Probably a lot less costly than the clamps and more pipe.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

If you wind up wanting to add pipe bracing, I can suggest end rail T clamps. You’ll have to buy ones sized for your pipe, but I’ve used these to add extra support beams in my old chicken run. They are great. These are the right size to hold 1 3/8” chain link top rail pipe, one at the ridge and one on the wall for each section you’re wanting to reinforce should do.

You could also use 3/16” cable looped around the wall and run up over the ridge then attached to the other wall as a support for the hardware cloth. Add a turnbuckle or two for tightening it against sags. Probably a lot less costly than the clamps and more pipe.

What if the conduit pipes are smaller than 1 3/8"? We were thinking of using 1".

 

[JuniperNW]

What if the conduit pipes are smaller than 1 3/8"? We were thinking of using 1".

That’s why I said you’ll have to find ones sized for your pipes. The ones I linked are just an example but they exist in many sizes (including reducing sizes in case the existing structural pipes are a different size than the pipes you want to use for bracing)

 

[Sydney65]

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.

Become a neighborhood member (free) ! I can't remember the frequency, I think it's quarterly that I get a free delivery from TSC. That's when I stock up on feed and PDZ. I have outdoor patio storage boxes in my shed that I put it in until I transfer to feed containers & hit up some cat owners for their kitty litter boxes that I transfer pdz into. Doesn't keep mice from getting in my shed, but they can't get in the feed, and the free delivery saves me time and wear & tear on my body.There is a TSC here in town, but they don't stock the feed I use or ever have more than 1 or 2 bags of pdz, so my delivery comes from the store 45 minutes away, where they do stock my feed.
I leave a cart out for them to unload into. Easier for them than hauling it up to the porch & easier for me to pull back to the run. I can't store 20 bags at a time, but if you can, you get a discount.
The only time I've had an issue with online delivery was last month when we had that storm system come through with snow & ice. The feed got here same day delivery, but some of the pdz bags came from other states. I think they saw more of the country than I have. Lol.