The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: arobwk on February 11, 2017, 04:48:27 pm

Title: Joining rolls of hex' wire mesh - best way?
Post by: arobwk on February 11, 2017, 04:48:27 pm

The internet/web is truly a wonderful thing, but NOT when it comes to the quickest/most effective way of joining two rolls of galvanized hexagonal mesh (rabbit/chicken mesh etc)!  OK the Forestry Commission has suggested 300mm overlap with clipped rings or wire twists at 100mm spacings, but that's all I can find. 
Not convinced by use of clipped rings, so bought some 1.2mm galv' wire today to try out the "wire twists", but
there must be something better/tidier/more effective!?

What do you do?  (Thanks.)

Title: Re: Joining rolls of hex' wire mesh - best way?
Post by: chrismahon on February 12, 2017, 07:05:26 am

We take two lengths of 3mm wire and tread it through vertically either side of a 1 metre overlap, picking through both rolls. Bend the top 50mm double and it stays in place. Works a treat and is very fast to do and undo if necessary. Our joints have been in place 4 years in very strong winds here and remain sound.

Title: Re: Joining rolls of hex' wire mesh - best way?
Post by: stufe35 on February 12, 2017, 09:42:39 am

No great suggestions.  Seen it joined with small pieces of twisted wire as mentioned, or by nailing together at a post.

Title: Re: Joining rolls of hex' wire mesh - best way?
Post by: arobwk on February 12, 2017, 10:15:19 am

I'm liking sound of the 2 threaded wires - much obliged chrismahon.
Unfortunately stufe35, metal posts!  Will be battening-up at gate posts though.

I came across small-bore alloy fishing-line crimps last night (much like a Hayes line-wire crimp).  'Tis a thought, but I won't be putting it to the test after all. Again, thanks.   

Title: Re: Joining rolls of hex' wire mesh - best way?
Post by: arobwk on February 19, 2017, 08:54:42 pm

Have now tried the 2 threaded wire method -  works well and is indeed easily done, especially with pliers to help push/pull end of the wire back and forth while feeding through. Excellent!]

Title: Re: Joining rolls of hex' wire mesh - best way?
Post by: cloddopper on March 17, 2017, 07:36:52 pm

Small Pig rings & pig ring pliers  to secure a folded over lap is one way .
 if the hexagons are big enough use a steel nail to bend /wrap one wall side's wire  round another on the other piece every five or six inches . 
You'll only need three or four wrap overs to make it very strong  .
 You can also use the same method to use two widths to make a higher fence  .

   Black UV resistant electricians cable ties can work out good as well if you buy them in bulk off E bay

Title: Re: Joining rolls of hex' wire mesh - best way?
Post by: Alex_ on March 20, 2017, 12:29:02 pm

I used twisted wire to do mine and it works well and isn't overly untidy if you can bed the twisted bit flat.

I also used staples to attach it to wood in places and it does look better. I got a cheap staple gun from Aldi a couple of years ago

Title: Re: Joining rolls of hex' wire mesh - best way?
Post by: arobwk on March 28, 2017, 12:22:02 am

Thanks much for the further thoughts cloddopper & Alex_. 
Have used the threaded-wire method so far, but (with other tasks mounting up) I have made a few "temporary" simple hog-ringed overlaps.  Overall, my Field-1 fence is rabbit/deer proof (touch wood), but the slightly loose hog-ringed laps are not to my liking despite it being a very quick method. 
Fencing of Field-2 beckons and the experiments continue!  I might give twisted wire a go after-all (thanks Alex_), but I'm not sure, cloddopper, I fully grasp your method - could you run that past me again please?

Title: Re: Joining rolls of hex' wire mesh - best way?
Post by: macgro7 on April 16, 2017, 08:13:41 pm

Cable ties! They are the best for everything!