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).

 

[EmmaDonovan]

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

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

 

[EmmaDonovan]

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).

Can you link to the hog ring pliers you used with 1/2" HWC?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Can you link to the hog ring pliers you used with 1/2" HWC?

Hopefully this is correct, as the link could be bad because I bought them 10 years ago: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NOYRVG There are cheaper ones that are similar that should work.

 

[Ted Brown]

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.