FINCHforum

For those of you who have used staples to attach hardware cloth/wire mesh to wood for homemade cages and flights-
What size staples do you recommend for the job?

I didn't even ask what size were used, we just used the sizes we already had.

n10 staples

I can't answer that one, but I used PVC pipes of 1 1/2 inch diameter for my posts and used plastic ties to secure the 1/4 inch black mesh around the poles. I added pvc clear sheets to two sides of the aviary using screws that are rubberized to keep out leaking. On top, I put corrugated tinted roofing to allow sun, but not let it get too hot. This summer we had 108-110 degrees for a month! They get a breeze and have a spot out of sun and wind. Here is a photo prior to full completion. I'll post better photos once the finches are adjusted.

hozzydillster wrote:n10 staples

That would be 5/8" right?
I was considering either 1/2" or 5/8" but would need to get a new staple gun, because I think mine only does 1/4", 5/16" and 3/8". Do you think 3/8" would hold? It will be indoors, so I am not worried about keeping critters out, and it will not be exposed to weather conditions like wind.

finchmix22 wrote:I can't answer that one, but I used PVC pipes of 1 1/2 inch diameter for my posts and used plastic ties to secure the 1/4 inch black mesh around the poles.

I hadn't thought of using zipties. I will definitely look into that.

Nelissa you want the staples to go in at least 1/2 to 3/4 into the wood to be secure, the folks at the hardware store can help you with the right type and size based on the the wood thickness.

I used to small and thin of a staple it came free in spots, so we used a thicked longer staple. Sinking the staple at least 1/2 way into the wood should be good.

cindy wrote:Nelissa you want the staples to go in at least 1/2 to 3/4 into the wood to be secure, the folks at the hardware store can help you with the right type and size based on the the wood thickness.

I used to small and thin of a staple it came free in spots, so we used a thicked longer staple. Sinking the staple at least 1/2 way into the wood should be good.

Thanks Cindy! I will go with the 5/8" then.

While browsing around on the internet, I came across another possible solution, that I think looks good. Instead of stapling, you use washers and screws, to attach the mesh to the wood.
There's a picture of it, third post from the top at this forum:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/v ... p?id=54531


It might end up being pricier, but maybe not, since I need to buy a staple gun anyhow. Plus I kind like the way it looks.
Any thoughts?

Nelissa, what we did and it made a clean look is staple the mesh to the wood boards and nail another on top sort of maing a sandwich of the mesh. We nailed the top slat on and sunk the nails, added a little wood putty to cover the nail and sanded, painted. It gave a finished smooth look instead or wire on the outside. Or you do the wire to edges inside and the joining ot the slats cover the edges of the wire.

I am thinking of building one soon...so I am going though past ideas and projects to get a plan.

cindy wrote:Nelissa, what we did and it made a clean look is staple the mesh to the wood boards and nail another on top sort of maing a sandwich of the mesh. We nailed the top slat on and sunk the nails, added a little wood putty to cover the nail and sanded, painted. It gave a finished smooth look instead or wire on the outside. Or you do the wire to edges inside and the joining ot the slats cover the edges of the wire.

I am thinking of building one soon...so I am going though past ideas and projects to get a plan.

The wire will be attached on the outside. Ultimately, I will be covering it, "sandwiching" it, as you suggested. But for now, it will be left uncovered. We will likely be moving (not sure how far) in a couple years, so I am trying to plan ahead for disassembly and reassembly... The fewer pieces and layers the better. For now, I am also considering using some molding - the "L" shaped stuff- just on the front corners (top to bottom), to protect our arms and legs when we are walking by, etc.

Sounds good!! Protecting arms and legs is a good thing...nothing worse than wire cuts!!!!

or you gould use u staples

Deborah,

I am using the same corrgugated roofing and I was having a hard time cutting the material. What do or did you use for cutting the roof. It doesnt help that it has curves in it making it more difficult....

My hardware cloth was put on the aviaries with screws and washers on some aviaries and strapping covering staples on others. I think for ease of moving/disassembling you should go with screws and washers.