Two questions about 1/2" hardware cloth

[Ridgerunner]

Will this fit in 1/2" HWC openings?

This is the type I use. I got them at Tractor Supply in the rabbit section.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...MI-YXD5eDbkQMVZ29_AB1jyQpvEAQYASABEgI0f_D_BwE

 

[Ted Brown]

@Ridgerunner Guessing these with not work with 1/2 x 1/2" HC?

"The recommended hardware cloth size for rabbit cages is 1/2 inch x 1 inch mesh with 14 to 16-gauge wire for floors, though many sources advise against using hardware cloth for flooring altogether. For cage sides, 1 inch x 2 inch with 14-gauge welded wire is the standard recommendation."

 

[Mother of Chaos]

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!

Truly, as you wrote, “The things we do for our chickens!”

 

[Ridgerunner]

@Ridgerunner Guessing these with not work with 1/2 x 1/2" HC?

"The recommended hardware cloth size for rabbit cages is 1/2 inch x 1 inch mesh with 14 to 16-gauge wire for floors, though many sources advise against using hardware cloth for flooring altogether. For cage sides, 1 inch x 2 inch with 14-gauge welded wire is the standard recommendation."

Ted, I'm not sure what you are asking. The pliers I referenced are what I used for 1/2" hardware cloth. Those others look too big to me for 1/2" hardware cloth.

 

[Ted Brown]

Ted, I'm not sure what you are asking. The pliers I referenced are what I used for 1/2" hardware cloth. Those others look too big to me for 1/2" hardware cloth.

You understood exactly, I wanted confirmation that they would work with 1/2 x 1/2 HC.

I followed your link above and saw that these are designed for rabbits. I AI'd to find standard wire recommended for rabbits and got the quote in my post so concluded the pliers might not fit, so asked you.

Thank you!

 

[RottnEggs]

I have a similar run, but it has a pitched roof instead of the arch. I ran hardware cloth horizontally so ended up with a seam partway down the roof. I put 1x2s between the hardware cloth and the frame where the 2 pieces of hardware cloth overlapped, and used steel cable ties to attach both pieces of hardware cloth to the wood. It worked to hold the hardware cloth together and also provide some support. It’s been a year and a half and the wood that’s not under a tarp has warped, so I plan to replace it with conduit in the spring. Word of warning if you use steel cable ties- the tensioning/cut off tool that others have recommended does work great, but leaves very sharp edges! I have stood up in the wrong spot a couple of times and ended up with a bleeding scalp. When I replace the supports in spring I’m going to either find a way to cover the cut ends or just not trim the cable ties and leave them long.

 

[McChooky]

How do we attach them to the existing frame?

Welding the pipe to the existing frame would be best.You could also drill holes in the pipe and attach it with bolts and nuts (wire optional)

 

[Wild Chickens]

I have used loops made from short pieces of stainless steel wire https://tinyurl.com/mtxymuev
and safety wire pliers to twist them tight
https://tinyurl.com/my6ausyk

 

[Almosta Farm]

I have a similar run, but it has a pitched roof instead of the arch. I ran hardware cloth horizontally so ended up with a seam partway down the roof. I put 1x2s between the hardware cloth and the frame where the 2 pieces of hardware cloth overlapped, and used steel cable ties to attach both pieces of hardware cloth to the wood. It worked to hold the hardware cloth together and also provide some support. It’s been a year and a half and the wood that’s not under a tarp has warped, so I plan to replace it with conduit in the spring. Word of warning if you use steel cable ties- the tensioning/cut off tool that others have recommended does work great, but leaves very sharp edges! I have stood up in the wrong spot a couple of times and ended up with a bleeding scalp. When I replace the supports in spring I’m going to either find a way to cover the cut ends or just not trim the cable ties and leave them long.

I also use the stainless steel cable ties. I use the tool to tighten but instead of cutting them, I just weave the ends back into the openings in the hardware cloth. They may cost a bit more in the beginning, but they last forever! And they are reusable. If you need to remove them, you can. Another reason I don't cut them.

 

[Saddlemaker]

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

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