Introduction
Hardware cloth is a mesh of metal wire that can be used in place of chicken wire to make fences more sturdy and difficult for animals to get through. It’s also helpful in containing pets or other small animals like rabbits.
This article will show you how to attach hardware cloth to fence posts. The installation process should take about two hours per 100 feet of the fence post, along with an additional hour if you’re adding the mesh material over the top of your existing fencing. Let’s get started!
A Detailed Stepwsie Guide on How to Attach Hardware Cloth to Fence
Step 1:
Measure the length of the fence to which you will attach the hardware cloth and add a few inches to each side for overlap. Cut the hardware cloth to this size.
Step 2:
If your hardware cloth has metal staples attached, remove them with a pair of pliers before continuing.
Step 3:
Apply a coat of metal primer to the top edge of the fence. This will help the hardware cloth adhere to the wall better.
Step 4:
Center the hardware cloth on top of the fence, ensuring that there is an equal amount of overhang on both sides. Use clothespins or clips to hold it in place while stapling it to the wall.
Step 5:
Staple the top edge of the hardware cloth to the fence to attach the wallpaper. Use as many staples as necessary for a secure fit. Wrap the ends of the hardware cloth around the sides of the fence. The ends should overlap about 2 inches.
Overlap them a little bit more for added security. Staple the ends of the hardware cloth to the fence. Use as many staples as necessary for a secure fit.
Step 6:
Repeat the same steps for the bottom edge of the hardware cloth, making sure it fits snugly against the first piece you attached.
Step 7:
Trim off any leftover pieces at the end and staple them down on both sides of the fence with equal overhang. To make the door, lay out your pickets horizontally across the fence at an equal distance apart. It’s best to staple these on from the back side of the fence (so the staples aren’t seen) with a good amount of space left above and below the doorway. You can use a crosscut saw or jigsaw for this.
After your pickets are cut, sand any rough edges and stain/seal them if you choose. Then, measure and cut a piece of 1″ x 6″ to span the opening and screw it into place.
Step 8:
In order to make your fence stronger, you should staple a piece of hardware cloth to the back of it. Make sure that the hardware cloth is slightly larger than the fence, so that there is an overhang on each side. You may need to put a bead of wood glue along the top of the wall before setting the hardware cloth in place, in order to help it adhere better and reduce sagging or curling at your corners. Finally, nail the hardware cloth in place on the back of the fence.
Step 9:
Cover the staples on the front of your hardware cloth with some decorative trim or a piece of wood. This will give your fencing a more polished look.
You can check it to Build a Pipe Fence Cattle .
Precautions While Attaching Hardware Cloth to Fence
Hardware cloth, also known as wire mesh, can be used to create a fence that will keep your pets and small children safe while keeping larger animals out. However, some pets may get their head caught in the grid pattern if they try to squeeze through it or between the wires making themselves stuck.
Make sure you buy hardware cloth with openings no larger than 1/2 inch square, so this does not happen. When attaching hardware cloth to your fence, take precautions when handling chemicals by wearing gloves and long sleeves while working with them around the wire screen strips. If you are cutting into existing wood panels on a wooden picket fence, use caution because nails may be present in the old discussions.
What is Hardware Cloth?
Hardware cloth, also known as chicken wire or insect mesh, is a type of fencing made from galvanized steel mesh. It resembles a heavy-duty window screen and is used to keep out unwanted critters and crawling pests like bunnies and gophers.
The mesh comes in rolls of varying lengths and widths; ½ inch is standard, but you can find it in larger sizes if needed. Hardware cloth has many other uses — you can make plant trellises with it or use it as a weed barrier under mulch. Often sold by the linear foot at home improvement stores, hardware cloth costs about $1-$2 per foot. You’ll need two pieces of 1/2″ x 1′ x 10′ hardware cloth for this project.
How to Repair Damaged Fence Posts?
1 .Inspect the Damage :
first, take a close look at the fence post to see if it is still in good condition and only requires a repair of the hardware cloth covering, or if the post itself is damaged and needs to be replaced. If the position is rotted or otherwise damaged, you will need to replace it.
2. Remove the Old Hardware Cloth :
use wire cutters or scissors to cut away the old hardware cloth from the fence post. Be very careful not to damage the position itself in the process.
3. Clean and Prepare the Surface :
once the old hardware cloth is removed, clean any dirt or debris from the surface of the fence post with a brush or damp rag. Allow the pot to dry completely before continuing.
4. Apply the New Hardware Cloth :
cut a piece of hardware cloth that is slightly larger than the area you are repairing. Apply a layer of adhesive to the surface of the fence post, then press the hardware cloth firmly into place. Use wire cutters or scissors to trim away any excess material. Allow the adhesive to dry completely before continuing.
5. Apply the New Hardware Cloth :
if there are any tears or holes in the hardware cloth, use wire mesh patching tape to repair them. First, cut a piece of mesh slightly larger than the damaged area, then apply a layer of adhesive to both surfaces. Press the mesh firmly into place and allow it to dry completely before continuing.
6. Secure the Mesh :
if you are repairing a chain-link fence, you can secure the mesh to the bottom of each diamond using ties made from galvanized wire. If you are repairing another type of fence, use caulk or fabric adhesive to securely attach the hardware cloth to the post.
7. Add Additional Support :
if your fence is particularly large or likely to be exposed to high winds and other types of weather, it may help to add different supports along its length for extra reinforcement and stability. Another option is to install wood stakes every few feet along the sides of the fence; drive them into the ground at an angle so they will not pull out easily under stress.
8. Repair Any Tears in Fencing :
make any necessary repairs to the fencing itself using wire mesh patching tape or galvanized staples. Be sure to use a heavy-duty staple gun for this job, as regular pins will not be strong enough to hold the mesh in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Foxes Get Through Hardware Cloth?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Foxes are natural scavengers and will try to get through any security measures that you have in place. This could include breaking into the enclosure or even getting inside of the hardware itself. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your hardware cloth is properly secured so that foxes don’t gain access. You can also install a motion sensor if you feel like this would be a more effective deterrent against them.
Can You Staple Hardware Cloth?
The answer will depend on a variety of factors – including the fabric, staple length, and stapler type you’re using. That said, in general, staples will usually stay in place better if you pre-tape the fabric before sticking the staples in.
Is Hardware Cloth a Predator Proof?
Hardware cloth is not a predator-proof net, and, therefore should not be used to protect plants or other animals from predators. Hardware cloth is made of metal wires that are tightly woven together to create a strong mesh. The problem with this type of netting is that it can easily ensnare and trap wildlife such as birds, bats, bears, raccoons, squirrels etc. This can result in death due to strangulation or cuts sustained while trying to escape the wire enclosure.
What Are Fence Staples?
Fence staples are pieces of metal or plastic that are used to secure a fence in place. They come in different sizes and shapes, and they can be attached permanently or temporarily. There are a variety of reasons why you might need to use fence staples, including preventing gates from swinging open, repelling animals (such as dogs), or keeping vegetation under control.
Fence Staples come in various materials such as wood screws, stainless steel screws, nails for 2x4s and 3x3s boards, hinged fasteners for picket fences with battery backup (for temporary fixes only!), spikes for bamboo culms/fences/perimeter boardings, etc.
Conclusion
I hope this article has been beneficial for learning how to attach hardware cloth to fence. Ensure proper precautions while performing the process. Thank you and have a nice day!
Check it out also – How to Fill Gaps Between Fence Boards.
