Best/Strongest Way to attach hardware mesh

[K-9mom]

Ok, I have read so many people saying Coons can rip off fencing, etc and since I am going to be making an attached pen from wood/hardware mesh, I figured I would see how others are attaching (staples, screws w/washers, etc) their wire. I know we have wildlife out back where the chickens are going to be so I need it strong.

 

[fleabag3]

i am anxous to hear the suggestions. i will be working on my coop this weekend....

 

[Wimberleytexaschick]

I use screws with washers and staples in between- pneumatic staple gun makes it SO much easier. Once you get going you will figure out the spacing needed. Staples alone are usually not enough, adding a screw/washer every 6-12" and on all corners has worked for us. Have fun building!

 

[Chicken.Lytle]

I use screws and plumber's hanger tape.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

"Poultry staples" are far cheaper then screws, and will hold just as well.

No "staple" put in with a staple gun will be as strong

 

[fireguy56]

Hi, Get ya some washer headed screws. They are a screw with an oversized head that looks like a washer made onto the edge. They come in various lengths fore wood or metal. The ones for metal are self tapping with a tip that looks like a small drill bit. Install in the corner of a square where you can catch more of the wire. Easier if ya staple wire where ya want it just to hold in place and then come back with screws. They sell them at Lowes and Home Depot in boxes of 100 for about $4-$7 depending on the length. They work great. Hope this helps.
Erik

 

[MakNugget]

I use screws and 1/4" fender washers. Perfect size for screws, and as the screw tightens, it distributes the pressure across a wide surface, holding down more wire.

I believe this is the one I get from HD, at 100 per box. Also sold in eaches. Plan accordingly because 100 goes by fast.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

For me it means less chance I'll have a sore thumb at the end of the day.

 

[K-9mom]

Thank you for all your reply's. My next question is going to be the wire for the windows. Do you put it on the outside and put the trim over it or do you just staple/screw it to the inside of the window and leave it "raw"?

 

[ErinG]

We attached our hardware cloth with a staple gun, then put trim over all of the edges. For our window we put the hardware cloth on the inside then finished it off with scrapped quarter round molding.

 

[Patricia Jane]

On the coop for windows and ventilation I used 1/4 x 2in wood molding with screws and washers. For the run I used t posts with the clamps that fit around the t posts to hold the hardware cloth. Works great and fits tight.