Is there a way to test hardware cloth gauge? Strength?

[Tracyree]

I bought some hardware cloth off Amazon and I’m skeptical that is 19 gauge as it claims to be. It’s vinyl coated, which I’ve never used before. It feels more flexible that my non coated. I’m worried as my primary predators are raccoons and im
Using for my windows and ventilation

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Properly adhered, any hardware cloth should be able to deter raccoons. However, affixing it to the opening is critical as they can pull it away even if they can't tear it open. I've had raccoons tear the siding off of a building and chew through a wooden door.
To answer your question, you should be able to measure the gauge of the wire.
19 gauge should be 0.o41" and possibly 1/2" X 1/2" openings.

 

[Tracyree]

Properly adhered, any hardware cloth should be able to deter raccoons. However, affixing it to the opening is critical as they can pull it away even if they can't tear it open. I've had raccoons tear the siding off of a building and chew through a wooden door.
To answer your question, you should be able to measure the gauge of the wire.
19 gauge should be 0.o41" and possibly 1/2" X 1/2" openings.

Thanks!! I may have over done the attaching…

 

[AGeese]

Thanks!! I may have over done the attaching…

No you did not over do it.

 

[Tracyree]

No you did not over do it.

Should I add more?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I agree with @AGeese. There is no such thing when predator proofing.

If there is any possible access, predators will eventually find it.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I think it looks pretty solid. You don't have bears there do you?

 

[Sefirothe]

I brought my micrometer home from work to check the hardware cloth I bought. I didn't go so far as to scrape the coating off to check the bare wire tho.

 

[aart]

I didn't go so far as to scrape the coating off to check the bare wire tho.

Oh, come on!!
No scraps you could scrape to check?

I've often wondered if the gauge of vinyl coated is with the coating or just the underlying wire.

 

[McChooky]

I bought some hardware cloth off Amazon and I’m skeptical that is 19 gauge as it claims to be. It’s vinyl coated, which I’ve never used before. It feels more flexible that my non coated. I’m worried as my primary predators are raccoons and im
Using for my windows and ventilation

It should be heavier if coated with vinyl and not flimsier